Veterans Day provides an annual opportunity for military service members and veterans to access complimentary meals and retail discounts at participating locations. The available source data focuses on various national and regional restaurant chains and retail stores that offer Veterans Day promotions. While specific details for Coon Rapids, Minnesota, are limited, the information highlights participating brands and the general verification requirements typically associated with these offers. Consumers seeking these deals should be prepared to present valid proof of service and verify participation at individual locations.
Restaurant Meal Offers
Many national restaurant chains offer free meals or specific menu items to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. These offers often require in-store redemption and proof of service.
National Chain Offers
Several large restaurant chains are highlighted in the source data as offering Veterans Day freebies. While the data does not explicitly list the Coon Rapids location as participating, these brands typically have nationwide participation.
- Applebee’s: Veterans and active-duty military personnel can enjoy a free meal from a select menu. A valid military ID or proof of service is required for redemption.
- Arby’s: Active-duty military and veterans are eligible for a free Classic Roast Beef Sandwich. This offer is valid in-store only, with a limit of one sandwich per veteran. A valid military ID or proof of service is required.
- Buca di Beppo: Through November 11, veterans and active-duty military can receive a free individual pasta. Options include Spaghetti Marinara, Fettuccine Alfredo, or Baked Ziti. A coupon is required for this offer, which was distributed to Buca eClub members.
- Famous Dave’s: On Veterans Day, military personnel and veterans can receive a free Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich Lunch with a choice of side. The offer requires using the code VETERAN25 at checkout.
- Golden Corral: Veterans are eligible for a free "thank you" meal during military appreciation night, scheduled for November 11 from 4:00 p.m. until close. The offer is valid for dine-in only and does not extend to spouses, family members, or friends.
- Hooters: Veterans can choose from a free menu item on November 11, including 10 Original Wings, a Cheeseburger, a Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, or a Chicken Caesar Salad. The item is free with a drink purchase.
- IHOP: Veterans and active-duty military personnel can receive a free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo when dining in. Proof of military service is required.
- Little Caesar’s: From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on November 11, veterans and active military can enjoy a complimentary Lunch Combo, which includes four slices of Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage.
- Red Robin: Veterans can receive a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries on November 11.
- TGI Fridays: Free lunch from a special menu is available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at various locations.
- Texas Roadhouse: A free lunch is offered on Veterans Day from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Veterans can choose from 10 entrees.
Regional and Specific Location Offers
Some offers are specific to certain regions or locations, such as those in Minnesota.
- 5-8 Club: This Minnesota-based chain offers a free burger or standard juicy lucy basket all day at its four Twin Cities locations. A military ID is required.
- Beef O’Brady’s: The Monticello location offers a free burger and fries to veterans and active-duty military. Tax, tip, and alcohol are not included.
- Hell’s Kitchen: Located in Minneapolis, this restaurant offers a free entree all day. Reservations are available.
- Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop: Located in Stillwater, Leo’s offers a free meal to veterans and active military personnel. Notably, no proof of service is necessary, and veterans may choose from the entire menu.
- Sammy’s Pizza & Restaurant: Offers a free lunch buffet for veterans and active-duty service members on November 11 at the Elk River and Coon Rapids locations.
- Wayback Burgers: Offers a free cheeseburger with the purchase of any side and drink all day. The data lists a Woodbury location.
Food and Beverage Chains
Additional food service providers offering Veterans Day deals include:
- Casey’s General Store: Veterans and active-duty military members in uniform can get a free cup of coffee or fountain drink. Free car washes are also offered where applicable. Proof of service is required.
- Chipotle: Veterans and active-duty military can get a buy-one-get-one-free entrée from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Valid military ID required.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: All veterans and active-duty service members get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) on Veterans Day. The offer is valid in stores, on the mobile app, or online using code FREECOFFEE. No purchase is required.
- Starbucks: On November 11, veterans, service members, and military spouses get a free tall (12 fl oz) brewed coffee (hot or iced).
- Taco John’s: A free small beef Crispy or Softshell Taco Combo is available on November 11 by presenting a military ID or proof of service. This is available in-store or at the drive-thru.
- TCBY: Veterans and active military receive their first 6 oz free on November 11th with proof of service.
Brewery and Taproom Offers
- Crooked Pint: Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free meal on November 11. They can choose from a Classic Lucy, Cluckin’ Good Platter, Crispy Chicken Salad, or Apple Pecan Chicken Salad. Proof of military ID is required, and the offer is dine-in only.
- Trove Brewing: Located in Burnsville, this brewery offers a free pint for veterans.
Retail and Service Discounts
In addition to food offers, various retail and service providers offer discounts to military members on Veterans Day.
- Great Clips: On November 11, veterans and active service members can get a free haircut or a free haircut card for a future visit at any U.S. Great Clips salon.
- Kohl’s: Active military, veterans, retirees, and their immediate family members receive 15% off qualifying purchases on Mondays, in-store only.
- Nick and Drew’s Discount Foods: With three Minnesota locations, this store offers veterans a 25% discount off purchases on Veterans Day.
- Office Depot & Office Max: Veterans and military receive 20% off.
- Sport Clips: Participating stores offer free haircuts for veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day.
- Target: Target offers a 10% military discount to all U.S. active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. The discount can be used on two separate transactions, in-store or online.
- Walgreens: From November 8 through 11, veterans, military, and their families receive 20% off eligible regular price items in Walgreens stores.
Eligibility and Verification
Accessing Veterans Day freebies generally requires proof of military service. The specific requirements can vary by establishment.
- Proof of Service: Most restaurants require a valid military ID, such as a Uniformed Services ID Card, Retired ID, or a current Leave and Earnings Statement. Some locations may accept other forms of proof, such as a veteran organization membership card or a photograph in uniform, although it is best to bring a government-issued ID.
- Participation: The source data emphasizes that offers are valid at participating locations only. Consumers are advised to call their local restaurant or store to confirm participation before visiting.
- Terms and Conditions: Many offers are restricted to dine-in only and may not be valid with other coupons or promotions. Some offers, such as those at Golden Corral, are restricted to veterans only and do not extend to family members.
Conclusion
Veterans Day offers a wide array of free meals and discounts for military service members and veterans. The available source data identifies numerous participating national and regional chains, including Applebee’s, Arby’s, Buca di Beppo, Famous Dave’s, Golden Corral, Hooters, IHOP, Little Caesar’s, Red Robin, TGI Fridays, and Texas Roadhouse. Specific regional offers include the 5-8 Club in Minnesota and Sammy’s Pizza in Coon Rapids. To redeem these offers, veterans should prepare to present valid proof of military service and verify participation with their local establishment.