Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, honors military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. In recognition of this federal holiday, many businesses across the United States offer complimentary meals, discounts, and special promotions to active-duty military personnel, veterans, reservists, and guardsmen. The provided source data details specific offers for Veterans Day 2025, focusing primarily on the restaurant and retail sectors. These promotions typically require proof of service, such as a military ID, and are valid on November 11, 2025, unless otherwise specified.
Restaurant and Dining Offers
The majority of the available data pertains to dining establishments offering free meals or discounted items. These offers generally apply to dine-in service and require valid military identification.
National Chain Restaurants
Several nationwide chains are participating in Veterans Day promotions:
- Applebee’s: Active-duty military, veterans, Reservists, and Guardsmen can receive a free dine-in meal from a select menu on November 11, 2025. The select menu includes items such as a classic bacon cheeseburger, 6-ounce top sirloin, chicken tenders platter, double crunch shrimp, lime chicken, Oriental chicken salad, and three-cheese chicken penne. Additionally, veterans receive a $5 card to redeem for a future meal within three weeks. Applebee’s reports having served over 12 million free meals to service members and veterans during the 18 years of this promotion.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active-duty military receive six free boneless wings and fries with a valid ID at participating locations.
- Chili’s: A free meal is available at participating restaurants.
- Chipotle: Veterans receive a buy-one, get-one-free offer on entrees from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Cracker Barrel: Veterans receive a free Sunrise Pancake Breakfast.
- Denny's: Veterans receive a free Original Grand Slam from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Golden Corral: This chain is offering a free dinner buffet and beverage from 4:00 p.m. to close. This marks the 25th year of Golden Corral’s Veterans Day tradition, having served more than 6.6 million meals.
- IHOP: Veterans receive a free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo as part of the "Heroes Eat Free" event.
- Little Caesars: Complimentary lunch combo, including four slices of signature Detroit-style deep-dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage, is available from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Logan's Roadhouse: Veterans receive a free meal from a select menu starting at 11:00 a.m.
- Texas Roadhouse: The restaurant continues its tradition of offering free meals to veterans and active service members.
- Bob Evans: Locations provide a free meal from a special menu to veterans and active-duty members.
Coffee and Quick Service
- Aroma Joe’s: Veterans receive a free 24-ounce drink of their choice on November 11.
- BIGGBY Coffee: Veterans can purchase any 16-ounce beverage for $1.99 on November 11.
- Circle K: Offers a free hot or iced medium coffee.
- Dunkin' Donuts: Veterans receive a free donut while supplies last, in-store only.
- McDonald’s: Free breakfast meals are offered on Veterans Day.
- Pilot: Veterans, military members, and family members receive a 10% discount on food and drinks when redeeming the promotion in the Pilot app.
Casual Dining and Specialty Restaurants
- Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar: Veterans receive a free BD’s Burger with a classic side on November 11 until 4:00 p.m.
- Bandana’s BBQ: Veterans receive a free Pork Sandwich Meal with a regular side on November 11.
- Bar Louie: Veterans and active-duty service members dining in receive a free burger (excluding the Big Louie) on November 10 and 11.
- Biscuit Belly: Veterans receive a free biscuit sandwich from a select menu and a drip coffee or fountain drink on November 11.
- Pluckers Wing Bar: Veterans and active-duty service members dining in receive an entrée, side, and non-alcoholic beverage (up to $16 value) on November 11.
- Red Lobster: Veterans and active-duty service members receive a free Shrimp & Chips entrée when dining in on November 11.
- Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty military get a free dine-in Red’s Big Tavern Burger with a side of Bottomless Fries at participating locations.
- Rocks & Brews: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free Pulled Pork Sandwich or Strawberry Fields Salad on November 11 (dine-in only).
- Ruby Tuesday: Veterans, retirees, and active-duty service members receive a free Endless Garden Bar or Add-on Garden Bar on November 11 (dine-in only; code: VETERANS25).
- Wings Etc. Grill & Pub: Offers a free entrée at participating locations on Veterans Day.
- City BBQ: Offers a complimentary meal to all veterans and active service members with a valid ID.
Pizza
- Buddy's Pizzeria: Veterans and active military receive 15% off their bill when dining in at full-service locations.
- Insomnia Cookies: Veterans receive a free deluxe cookie with a $5 purchase from November 8 through November 11, with a valid military ID (in-store only).
Retail and Service Offers
Beyond dining, the source data highlights discounts in automotive, grocery, and personal care sectors.
Automotive
- ZIPS Car Wash: Veterans and active military receive a free top car wash using code VETS at checkout.
- Great Clips: Offers free haircuts to veterans and active military members. Non-military customers can purchase a haircut and receive a free haircut card to give to a veteran.
Grocery and Household
- Barbeque at Home by Dickey’s: Veterans receive a 15% discount on all orders using code VETERAN15, valid November 11 through December 31.
- Kroger: Offers a 10% discount to active-duty and veteran military service members for in-store and pick-up shopping.
- Price Chopper: Offers an 11% discount for veterans and active-duty military on November 11.
- Publix: Veterans and active service members save 10% on groceries on November 11.
Entertainment
- Emagine Theatre: Veterans and active military and a guest can watch free movies on Tuesday (Veterans Day) at all Emagine Theatre locations in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Tickets must be purchased at the theater's box office.
General Eligibility and Requirements
Most offers require proof of military service. Acceptable forms of identification generally include a valid military ID, but specific requirements may vary by location. The source data notes that most deals do not include tax and gratuity, and some specials are offered only during specific time windows on November 11. Veterans are advised to check with local participating locations for hours of availability and specific terms.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 offers a wide array of complimentary meals and discounts for military veterans and active-duty personnel. The promotions span national restaurant chains, quick-service eateries, grocery stores, and service providers. While the specific offers listed are valid on November 11, 2025, consumers should verify participation and required identification at their local establishments.