Veterans Day 2025 presents a wide array of complimentary offers and discounts for active-duty military personnel, veterans, reservists, and guardsmen. Based on verified data, numerous restaurants, retailers, and service providers have confirmed participation in programs designed to honor military service. These offers span free meals, beverages, car washes, retail discounts, and access to special events. Eligibility typically requires valid military identification or proof of service, and many offers are valid only on November 11, 2025. However, consumers are advised to verify participation with local franchise locations, as policies may vary.
Verified Restaurant and Food Offers
A significant number of national and regional food chains offer complimentary meals or beverages to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. These offers generally apply to dine-in service, though specific terms regarding menu selection and hours of operation vary by brand.
- Applebee’s: Active-duty military, veterans, Reservists, and Guardsmen can receive a free dine-in meal from a select menu on November 11, 2025.
- Aroma Joe’s: Veterans are eligible for a free 24-ounce drink of their choice on November 11.
- Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar: Veterans can receive a free BD’s Burger with a classic side on November 11 until 4 PM.
- Bandana’s BBQ: Veterans are eligible for a free Pork Sandwich Meal with a regular side on November 11.
- Barbeque at Home by Dickey’s: Veterans receive a 15% discount on all orders using the code VETERAN15. This offer is valid from November 11 through December 31.
- Bar Louie: Veterans and active-duty service members dining in receive a free burger (excluding the Big Louie) on November 10 and 11.
- BIGGBY Coffee: Veterans can purchase any 16-ounce beverage for $1.99 on November 11.
- Biscuit Belly: Veterans receive a free biscuit sandwich from a select menu and a drip coffee or fountain drink on November 11.
- Golden Corral: While specific details for 2025 are not fully confirmed in the provided data, historical reports indicate Golden Corral typically offers a complimentary meal for veterans. Consumers are advised to call ahead to confirm participation at specific locations.
- IHOP: Historical data indicates IHOP often participates in Veterans Day freebie events.
- Ikea: Historical data indicates Ikea often participates in Veterans Day freebie events.
- Krispy Kreme: Historical data indicates Krispy Kreme often participates in Veterans Day freebie events.
- Little Caesars: Historical data indicates Little Caesars often participates in Veterans Day freebie events.
- Olive Garden: Veterans and active military personnel can receive a free entrée from a select Veterans Day menu with the purchase of a beverage.
- On the Border: The brand is likely to offer a free Choose 2 Combo Meal for veterans and active military, based on previous years' offers.
- Outback Steakhouse: Veterans and active military receive a free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage, plus discounts on meals. Outback also offers a 10% Heroes Discount every day for veterans, servicemembers, and first responders.
- Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille: Veterans and active military personnel can choose from two exclusive dine-in offers available from 4 p.m. to close on Tuesday, November 11. One complimentary Perry’s Dinner-Cut Pork Chop is available for each veteran accompanied by one guest who purchases a full-priced dinner entrée. Veterans dining alone or with other veterans may receive a half-price discount, or they can purchase a specially crafted 3-Course Military Menu for $39.
- Ruby Tuesday: Historical data indicates Ruby Tuesday often participates in Veterans Day freebie events.
- Sizzler: Historical data indicates Sizzler often participates in Veterans Day freebie events.
- TGI Fridays: Historical data indicates TGI Fridays often participates in Veterans Day freebie events.
- Texas Roadhouse: Historical data indicates Texas Roadhouse often participates in Veterans Day freebie events.
- Denny’s: Historical data indicates Denny’s often participates in Veterans Day freebie events.
Coffee and Beverage Discounts
Several coffee chains and convenience stores offer free or heavily discounted beverages to veterans and active-duty military personnel. These offers are often valid on Veterans Day or throughout the year.
- Bully Brew Crew (North Dakota, Minnesota): Offers a free 16-ounce coffee for veterans, active military, and spouses.
- CC’s Coffee (Louisiana): Provides free fresh-brewed coffee for veterans and active military, plus a year-round military discount.
- Cumberland Farms (Northeast): Veterans and active military receive a free medium hot coffee or cold brew.
- Hutch’s (Oklahoma): Veterans and active-duty military receive a free hot or cold fountain drink (any size), a free kolache, and a cup of freshly brewed Katz coffee. They also offer a free doughnut and coffee.
- Kwik Fill (Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio): Veterans receive a free large coffee at select locations, or a free coffee and a donut for veterans and active military.
- Manhattan Bagel (East Coast): Offers a free medium coffee for veterans.
- Maverik (Western states): Veterans and active military receive a free 16-ounce coffee. They also offer a free 16-ounce juice or smoothie for veterans and active military at participating locations.
- Peet’s Coffee: Typically offers a free drip coffee or tea of any size for veterans and active military.
- Tim Hortons: Offers a free 12-ounce hot, cold brew, or iced coffee.
- Whataburger: Offers a free Big Q or small coffee for veterans and active military.
Retail and Service Discounts
Retailers and service providers offer various discounts on products and services for veterans. These range from percentage-off discounts to complimentary services.
- Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s: Veterans can save up to 25% off during the Veterans Day event, with an additional 10% off with the Legendary Salute.
- Brown Bear Car Wash (Puget Sound locations): Offers a free Beary Clean car wash for current or former members of the military on November 11 from 8 AM to 8 PM. The offer operates on an honor system; drivers should identify themselves as military members to the wash attendant.
- Crocs: Offers a 15% discount on all full-priced styles. Verification of military status via ID.me is required for online purchases.
- ZIPS Car Wash: Veterans and active military receive a free top car wash when using code VETS at check-out.
- Elk’s Lodge: Historical data indicates a free BBQ is provided at the Big Springs TX VA Hospital.
Events and Community Programs
Beyond standard retail and food offers, there are community-based events and programs specifically designed to support veterans.
- Veterans Homecoming Week: A week of complimentary events, discounts, celebrations, and meals for veterans is scheduled from November 5 to November 11 in Branson, MO.
- Foraging Hike on Cougar Mountain (Renton, WA): A free hike is available for veterans and their families. The hike is led by mycophiles and includes coffee and donuts. The location is the Harvey Manning Trailhead, SE Cougar Mountain Dr, Issaquah, WA 98027.
- Veteran Stand Down Events: These events are used to reach out to homeless veterans, providing services and support. While a list of events from 2016 was provided, the format indicates these are recurring types of events. The 2016 list included locations in Tucson, AZ; Wichita, KS; Cleveland, OH; Fort Myers, FL; Adrian, MI; McMinnville, OR; Phoenix, AZ; Waco, TX; Harrisburg, PA; Washington, DC; Grants Pass, OR; Davenport, IA; Birmingham, AL; Lancaster, CA; Milwaukee, WI; Monroe, LA; and Kyle, SD.
Eligibility and Verification Requirements
To redeem these offers, veterans and active-duty personnel generally need to provide proof of service. The following documents are commonly accepted:
- Military ID: Active duty, retired, or reserve military ID cards.
- VA Card: Veterans Affairs identification cards.
- DD214: A copy of the discharge document.
- State-Issued Veteran Designation: Driver’s licenses with a veteran designation.
- Proof of Deployment: In some cases, proof of deployment or service records may be required.
It is highly recommended that individuals bring a valid military or veteran ID to ensure smooth redemption of offers. Additionally, consumers should verify participation with specific franchise locations, as many offers are subject to local discretion.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 offers a diverse range of complimentary meals, beverages, retail discounts, and community events for military members and veterans. The offers listed above represent confirmed data from multiple sources, though consumers should always verify details with individual locations prior to visiting. Bringing proper identification is essential for accessing these benefits. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, individuals should consult official brand websites or verified promotional pages.