The landscape of holiday food promotions in the United States offers a variety of discounts and complimentary meals for consumers, particularly during major observances such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Based on current projections and historical patterns, numerous national restaurant chains are preparing to offer specific deals for the upcoming 2025 holiday season. These promotions range from percentage discounts on orders to free meals for military personnel, veterans, and general customers. Understanding the eligibility requirements, redemption methods, and timing of these offers is essential for consumers looking to maximize value during these holidays.
Many of the anticipated deals for Memorial Day 2025 and Veterans Day 2025 rely on digital engagement. A significant number of brands require customers to utilize their mobile applications or online ordering platforms to access specific discounts. Additionally, military verification plays a central role in Veterans Day promotions, with distinct requirements for proof of service varying by establishment. While Memorial Day deals are generally open to the public, often requiring a minimum purchase or the use of a promo code, Veterans Day offers are exclusively reserved for active-duty military members, veterans, and in some cases, their families.
Memorial Day 2025 Projections and Digital Requirements
Memorial Day promotions for 2025 are largely projected based on previous years' activities, with an emphasis on app-based ordering and group meal deals. Brands are increasingly incentivizing the use of their proprietary digital platforms to process orders, often attaching exclusive discounts to these channels.
Digital Ordering and Promo Codes
A recurring requirement across several projected Memorial Day deals is the necessity of placing orders through a brand's mobile app or website. For example, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is expected to offer a discount on Group Packs for the Memorial Day weekend of 2025. To redeem this offer, customers will likely need to apply a specific promo code at the checkout stage of their online or in-app order. Similarly, Fazoli's is anticipated to provide a discount during the same period, contingent upon the use of a promo code during online or in-app checkout.
This digital-first approach extends to other categories as well. Peet’s Coffee is projected to offer a sitewide discount when a promo code is used at checkout. Olive Garden is anticipated to offer a free delivery deal during the Memorial Day weekend of 2025, a promotion that would inherently require online ordering. Gopuff, a quick-commerce service, is expected to provide discounts on Memorial Day essentials—such as ice cream sandwiches and hydration drinks—to its FAM members.
Minimum Purchase Thresholds
Several projected deals include a minimum spending requirement to trigger the discount. Denny’s, for instance, is offering $10 off orders of $30 or more between May 23 and May 25, 2025. This type of threshold is common in holiday promotions to ensure a baseline transaction value. Additionally, Source [1] notes that "Each freebie will likely require an online or in-app purchase of $1 or more," suggesting that even low-cost free items may require a nominal transaction to be redeemed.
Group and Family Meal Deals
Memorial Day is traditionally a time for gatherings, and restaurant promotions reflect this by focusing on group packs and family meals. Logan's Roadhouse is projected to offer rewards members a discount on Party Packs. Long John Silver's is expected to provide Seacret Society members with a discount on Family Meals. Marco's Pizza is anticipated to feature a Crowd Pleaser Bundle deal for the 2026 Memorial Day, though similar bundles are often available for the preceding year as well. Raising Cane's is projecting a promotion for new Caniac Club members who download the app, offering a free Box Combo.
Veterans Day 2025: Free Meals for Service Members
Veterans Day 2025 will see a wide array of restaurants offering free meals or significant discounts to active-duty military personnel and veterans. These offers typically require proof of service and are valid only on November 11, 2025.
Verification and Eligibility Requirements
The redemption process for Veterans Day freebies involves strict verification protocols. Most participating brands require diners to present valid military identification or other proof of service. For example, Texas Roadhouse, Olive Garden, Logan’s Roadhouse, and IHOP all explicitly require proof of military service. Some brands, such as TCBY and Menchie's, require a valid military ID for their free frozen yogurt offers.
Certain brands have implemented pre-verification steps. Sonny’s BBQ requires customers to verify their status on their website and sign up for rewards by November 9, 2025, to be eligible for a free Pork Big Deal on November 11. This staggered verification process ensures that eligibility is confirmed prior to the dining date. Conversely, Krispy Kreme has stated that no military ID proof or purchase is necessary for their offer of a free small coffee and doughnut, relying instead on the honor system at participating locations.
Specific Restaurant Offers for Veterans Day
The scope of free meals on Veterans Day 2025 covers a diverse range of cuisines and dining experiences:
Sit-Down Restaurants:
- Texas Roadhouse: Will offer free meals to veterans and active military members.
- Olive Garden: Will provide a free entrée from a special menu for veterans and active military dining on November 11.
- O’Charley’s: Is offering a free entrée (such as Salisbury steak or shrimp scampi) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both November 10 and 11. Additionally, eligible diners will receive a $5 reward card for a future visit.
- Logan’s Roadhouse: Will provide a free meal from a special menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 11.
- Shoney’s: Offers free access to the breakfast fresh food bar for veterans and active military from open until 11 a.m.
- IHOP: Is offering a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo for dine-in only from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Quick Service and Casual Dining:
- Little Caesars: Will provide a free HOT-N-READY® Lunch Combo (four slices of Detroit-style pizza and a Pepsi) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Starbucks: Will offer a free tall (12 fl. oz) brewed coffee (hot or iced) at participating U.S. stores.
- Mission BBQ: Will provide a free sandwich to veterans.
- Viva Chicken: Offers service to veterans and active-duty military every day, with specific Veterans Day details likely available on-site.
Dessert and Snacks:
- Krispy Kreme: Free small coffee and a doughnut of choice.
- TCBY: Free first 6 oz. of froyo.
- Menchie’s: Free first 6 oz. of frozen yogurt.
Exclusions and Limitations
Consumers should be aware of specific exclusions and limitations associated with these offers. For RA Sushi, the anticipated Memorial Day discount for military members excludes drinks. For Veterans Day, O’Charley’s specifies that the free entrée is selected from a specific menu (Salisbury steak, shrimp scampi, etc.). Hooters specifies that veterans eat free from a "select menu." Additionally, mobile ordering is restricted for certain promotions; Shoney’s notes that "Mobile order ahead is not available for this promotion," and Starbucks specifies that the offer is valid for café and drive-thru orders only.
Additional Holiday Promotions and Loyalty Programs
Beyond the major holidays, several brands offer ongoing incentives through loyalty programs that can be utilized during promotional periods.
Shipping and Delivery Incentives
During Memorial Day weekend, brands often incentivize bulk purchases with shipping perks. Source [1] indicates that "you can expect a free shipping offer as well during Memorial Day weekend in 2026," a benefit that typically applies to online orders of food or meal kits.
Loyalty Program Exclusives
Many of the projected deals for Memorial Day are tied to specific loyalty programs. For instance, Gopuff FAM members receive discounts on essentials. Seacret Society members at Long John Silver's look forward to Family Meal discounts. New Caniac Club members at Raising Cane's are eligible for free combos. This trend suggests that signing up for brand loyalty programs well in advance of holidays is a strategic method for accessing exclusive pricing.
Military and First Responder Extensions
Some brands extend their appreciation beyond Veterans Day. RA Sushi, for example, is projected to offer a discount not only to military members but also to Gold Star Families and first responders during Memorial Day weekend. Ojos Locos Sports Cantina is offering 20% off all food items for veterans and active-duty military.
Conclusion
The promotional landscape for Memorial Day and Veterans Day 2025 is defined by a mix of digital engagement requirements and traditional in-person verification. For the general public, Memorial Day offers will likely center on app-based promo codes, minimum purchase thresholds, and group meal deals. For veterans and active military personnel, Veterans Day 2025 provides extensive opportunities for free dining, though these require specific proof of service and strict adherence to timing and location limitations. Consumers are advised to verify offer details directly with participating brands, as specific terms, such as "valid for dine-in only" or "mobile order not available," significantly impact the redemption process.