2017 Veterans Day Restaurant Freebies and Deals: A Comprehensive Guide to Free Meals for Service Members

As Veterans Day approaches, numerous businesses across the nation prepare to honor military personnel through complimentary meals and discounts. These offers are typically extended to active duty military members, veterans, and retirees, often requiring proof of service such as a military ID, VA card, or discharge papers. While Veterans Day officially falls on November 11, many restaurants extend their promotions to surrounding days, particularly Friday, November 10, and Saturday, November 11, 2017. The following guide details verified freebies and deals available to service members during this period, based on information from multiple news sources and restaurant announcements.

Eligibility and Proof of Service

To access Veterans Day freebies, individuals generally need to present valid identification proving their military status. Acceptable forms of proof typically include a military ID, VA ID card, uniform, or discharge papers such as a DD-214. Some offers may also extend to Gold Star families or dependents, though specific requirements vary by location and establishment. It is advisable to call ahead to confirm participation at local branches, as not all franchises may honor national promotions. Additionally, many deals are restricted to dine-in service and may exclude online, mobile, or catering orders.

Veterans Day Free Meals: Friday, November 10, 2017

Several restaurants offered free meals on Friday, November 10, 2017, to accommodate the federal holiday observance. These promotions often targeted active duty personnel, retirees, and veterans with valid identification.

BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse: Provided a free entrée under $12.95 for veterans and active military members. Guests aged 21 and older could also receive an alcoholic beverage for $6, donated by a community member. This offer was valid on both Friday and Saturday at participating locations.
Denny's: Available from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, November 10, Denny's offered a free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast to all active, inactive, and retired military personnel at participating locations nationwide.
Chicken Salad Chick: On Friday, November 10, veterans presenting proof of service received a free Chick Meal and drink, including one scoop or sandwich, plus one scoop, side, or cup of soup.
Aspen Creek Grill: Provided a free lunch from a special menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, November 10, for active duty military and veterans.
Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse: Veterans and active-duty military ate lunch for free on Friday, November 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Farmer Boys: Offered a free Big Cheese cheeseburger to veterans and active duty military with valid proof of service on Friday, November 10.
Hoss’s Family Steak & Sea House: On Friday, November 10, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., veterans and active duty military could choose between four meals after showing proof of military status.
Chipotle: On Tuesday, November 7, 2017, from 5 p.m. to close, Chipotle offered a buy-one/get-one free burrito, bowl, salad, or order of tacos for in-restaurant orders only. This promotion was not valid for online, mobile, fax, or catering orders.
Bar Louie: Provided a free flatbread or burger for veterans and active military on Veterans Day weekend.
IHOP: Offered a free stack of Red, White and Blue pancakes or a patriotic pancake combo from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, November 10, at participating locations. Deal specifics varied by location.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: On Friday, November 10, if dining with a veteran or active duty service member, their lunch or dinner was free (free entrée equal to or less than the purchaser's order).

Veterans Day Free Meals: Saturday, November 11, 2017

On the official Veterans Day, numerous chains provided complimentary meals from special menus or standard offerings.

Applebee's Neighborhood Grill: Offered a free meal from a special menu for veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day. Proof of service was required.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Provided a free small order of traditional or boneless wings with a side of fries for veterans and active duty military who dined in on Veterans Day.
Chili's: Gave a free meal from a special menu to veterans and active duty military on Veterans Day.
Cracker Barrel: Offered a free slice of double chocolate fudge Coca-Cola cake.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Provided a free sandwich, savory side, and a big yellow cup.
Bruegger’s Bagels: Offered a free small drip coffee to U.S. Military Veterans and active military members who showed ID and proof of service. No purchase was necessary.
Chuck E. Cheese: Offered one free personal pizza to all active and retired military members at participating stores nationwide on Veterans Day.
Bonefish Grill: Provided a free Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Offered a free appetizer.
Bubba's 33: Provided a free lunch from a special menu from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for active duty military and veterans.
Arni's: Offered a free entrée up to $10 for active duty military and veterans with proof of service. Dine-in only.
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant: Offered complimentary entrées to all veterans and active members of the military, as well as their significant others.
Max & Erma’s: Provided a free cheeseburger combo meal with dessert, including endless fries and a fountain drink, at participating locations.
Menchie’s: Offered a free six-ounce frozen yogurt to all veterans and military personnel with a military ID or dressed in uniform.
Mimi’s Cafe: U.S. Veterans or active duty military personnel could select food items from a special menu for free. A drink purchase was required.

Other Veterans Day Offers and Discounts

Beyond restaurant meals, other businesses provided services and discounts to honor veterans.

CC's Coffee House: Offered a free tall brewed coffee.
Eat'nPark: Provided a special 10% discount for the entire month of November to all active and former United States military personnel.
McCormick and Schmick's: Offered a free entrée to veterans and Gold Star families on Sunday, November 5, 2017.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Waived all day use fees at more than 2,800 recreation areas nationwide on November 11. This waiver was available to all veterans, active and reserve component service members, and their families.
GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico: Offered $5 admission for all active duty service members, veterans, and dependents on November 10 and 11.
Home Depot: Partnered with TouchNote to provide thousands of free postcards. Users could download the TouchNote app and enter the promo code CHOOSETOSERVE to send one free postcard to a veteran anywhere in the world.
Veteran Haircuts: Veterans and active duty personnel could get a free haircut on Veterans Day or pick up a free haircut card to use through December 31. Non-veterans getting a haircut on Saturday could also receive a free haircut card to give to a veteran.

Important Considerations for Participants

While the listed offers were widely reported for Veterans Day 2017, participation may vary by location. It is crucial for individuals to verify with their local establishments before visiting. Most promotions require in-person dining, and exclusions may apply to certain menu items or premium add-ons. The sources emphasize that proof of service is a standard requirement across all offers. Additionally, some deals were available on days adjacent to Veterans Day, such as Friday, November 10, which was designated as a federal holiday observance.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2017 presented a variety of opportunities for military personnel to receive free meals and discounts from restaurants and businesses nationwide. From full entrées to appetizers, coffee, and desserts, the promotions aimed to thank service members for their contributions. By preparing appropriate identification and confirming local participation, veterans and active duty members could take full advantage of these gestures of appreciation.