Veterans and active-duty military personnel in Michigan can access complimentary meals at numerous restaurant chains on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025. These offers generally require valid military identification or proof of service, such as a military ID, VA card, or in some cases, a state-issued ID with veteran designation. While many national chains participate, specific availability may vary by location, and it is recommended that patrons verify participation with their local restaurant prior to visiting. The following is a comprehensive overview of free meal and discount opportunities available in Michigan based on current promotional data.
National and Regional Chain Offers
Several major restaurant chains offer free meals to veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day. Applebee’s provides a free meal from a select menu for veterans and active-duty military personnel. This offer is available at participating locations, and proof of service is required. Bob Evans offers a free meal from a special menu for veterans. Chili’s also extends a free meal to veterans and active-duty military members. Chipotle offers a free entree with purchase between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on November 11. Cracker Barrel serves free Sunrise Pancake Specials to veterans and active-duty service members. Wendy's offers free breakfast all day on November 11 for military personnel.
Other national chains participating in Veterans Day promotions include Hooters, where active and retired military can choose one free meal from a special menu. Little Caesars offers a free Hot-n-Ready Lunch Combo. Mission BBQ provides a free sandwich on Veterans Day. Olive Garden offers a free entree from their special menu. Texas Roadhouse offers free meals nationwide, typically from a select menu available during specified hours, often 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Uno’s Pizzeria & Grill offers a free entrée for veterans and active-duty military, dine-in only. Golden Corral hosts a Military Appreciation Night from 4 p.m. to closing, where veterans eat for free.
Breakfast and Morning Meal Options
Breakfast is a popular category for Veterans Day freebies. Denny’s offers veterans a free Original Grand Slam breakfast. Dunkin’ Donuts offers veterans a free donut. IHOP offers veterans and active-duty military a free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo. McDonald’s offers veterans and active-duty military a free breakfast meal with a choice of either an Egg McMuffin or Bacon Egg and Cheese Biscuit with a hash brown and any size fountain drink or coffee. This offer is confirmed for McDonald's in the Saginaw area. In southwest Michigan, McDonald’s offers free breakfast meals to veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11, specifically a free Egg McMuffin meal, which includes a hash brown and any size soft drink, tea, or coffee. The offer is available for dine-in and drive-thru only and is not valid through the McDonald’s app.
Another Broken Egg Cafe offers complimentary Patriot French Toast topped with strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream as well as a Barista House Blend Coffee for dine-in guests only. Brugger’s Bagels offers a free medium fresh-brewed coffee (hot or iced) when veterans buy a breakfast. Village Inn offers a free 2-2-2 Breakfast (2 eggs, 2 bacon strips or sausage links, 2 pancakes), all day, for veterans and all military personnel. Friendly’s offers free breakfast, lunch, or dinner for veterans and active-duty military. Bob Evans offers a free breakfast item from a special menu. Cracker Barrel offers a complimentary Surprise Pancake Special.
Fast Food and Quick Service Restaurants
Several fast-food and quick-service restaurants participate in Veterans Day promotions. 7-Eleven offers free coffee or Big Gulp, requiring sign-in or registration with 7Rewards, for veterans and active-duty military members. Aroma Joe’s Coffee offers free coffee, up to 24 ounces, for veterans and active-duty military. BIGGBY offers any 16-ounce beverage of choice for $1.99 for veterans and all military personnel. Starbucks offers a free 12-ounce (tall) hot or iced coffee for veterans, active-duty military, reservists, military spouses. Taco John’s offers a Veterans Day special using a promo code on the Taco John’s app for veterans, active-duty military, and reservists in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. TCBY offers the first 6 ounces of froyo free for veterans and active-duty military.
Pilot / Flying J offers a free breakfast sandwich and coffee or lunch item and fountain drink for veterans, military personnel, and their families on Nov. 11. Identification must be verified with ID.me in the Pilot app to be eligible. Little Caesars offers a free Hot-n-Ready Lunch Combo. Wendy’s offers free breakfast all day. Chipotle offers a free entree with purchase (4 p.m. to 8 p.m.).
Casual Dining and Sit-Down Restaurants
Beyond the major chains listed above, numerous casual dining establishments offer free meals. Beef ‘O’ Brady’s offers a free burger and fries all day for veterans and active military at participating locations, with no proof of service required (tax, alcohol, and gratuity not included). The Brass Tap offers a free burger and fries all day for veterans and active military, with no proof of service required. Duffy’s Sports Grill (Florida) offers a veterans free dine-in meal (price limit), with active-duty service members receiving 40% off from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. El Chico Café offers veterans and active-duty military eat for free (price limit). El Fenix Mexican Restaurant (Texas) offers free dinner for veterans from a choice of entrees. Famous Dave’s offers a free Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich Lunch, with a choice of side, for veterans and active-duty military. If ordering online, use code VETERAN25 at checkout. Firehouse Subs offers a free medium sub, chips or a cookie, and a drink for veterans and active military. Food City (Virginia, Kentucky) offers veterans and active military a free meal from the deli hot bar (price limit). Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers offers veterans a card on Nov. 11, valid through Dec. 31, for a free Freddy’s Original Double combo meal (no purchase necessary). Granite City offers a free entrée from a special menu for veterans, a choice of non-alcoholic beverage, and active-duty military, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., available for dine-in, to-go, and online ordering (not valid for delivery). Shoney’s offers a free All-American Burger or breakfast bar, dine-in only, for veterans and active-duty military. Silver Fox Steakhouse (Texas) offers a discount for veterans and active-duty military. Smoothie King offers a free 20-ounce red, white, or blue smoothie for veterans and active-duty military from 12–3 p.m., in-store only. Sonny’s BBQ (Southeast) offers a free pork big deal (sandwich, side, drink) for veterans and active-duty military. Thirsty Lion (Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Texas) offers veterans and active-duty military eat for free. Tuscan Brands restaurants offer veterans eat free from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Regional and State-Specific Offers
While many offers are national, some are specific to Michigan or the Midwest. McDonald’s in the Saginaw area offers a free breakfast meal. McDonald’s in southwest Michigan offers a free Egg McMuffin meal. Qdoba offers a free chips and dip on Nov. 11 for veterans and active military, valid military ID required, dine-in only, no purchase necessary.
Identification and Verification Requirements
Most offers require proof of service. Acceptable forms of identification generally include a military ID, VA card, state-issued ID with veteran designation, or in some cases, a DD214. Some promotions require verification through specific apps, such as the Pilot app using ID.me. A few chains, such as Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and The Brass Tap, state that no proof of service is required. It is advisable for veterans to carry valid identification to ensure eligibility.
Terms and Conditions
Offers are typically valid only on November 11, unless otherwise noted. Most are dine-in only, though some, such as McDonald’s, allow drive-thru. Exclusions often apply to alcohol, tax, and gratuity. Some offers are limited to specific menu items or price limits. Online ordering may be available for some chains, while others exclude delivery services. Veterans should check with individual locations for specific terms.
Conclusion
Veterans and active-duty military personnel in Michigan have access to a wide variety of free meal options on Veterans Day, ranging from breakfast items to full entrees at casual dining restaurants. Participation is widespread among national and regional chains, though specific terms, hours, and identification requirements vary. It is recommended that veterans verify participation with their local restaurant and bring valid proof of service to take advantage of these offers.