Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, represents a significant opportunity for U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members to access a variety of complimentary offers and discounts. Numerous businesses across the nation participate in this tradition, offering free meals, services, and products as a gesture of gratitude for their service. The 2025 Veterans Day landscape includes a wide range of participating brands, spanning the food and beverage sector, personal care services, and retail. These offers generally require proof of service, such as a military ID, and are often valid for dine-in or in-person redemption only. While the majority of deals are concentrated on November 11, some extend throughout the month or require redemption via specific codes.
The following guide details the verified freebies and discounts available to veterans and active military personnel for Veterans Day 2025, based on information from official announcements and trusted promotional sources.
Food and Beverage Freebies
The food and beverage industry consistently offers the most extensive list of Veterans Day promotions. For 2025, participating brands range from national chains to regional favorites, providing complimentary breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
National and Regional Restaurant Chains
Many well-known restaurant chains have confirmed free meal offers for veterans and active-duty military personnel on November 11, 2025. Most of these offers are valid for dine-in service only and require valid identification.
- Applebee’s: Active-duty military, veterans, Reservists, and Guardsmen can receive a free dine-in meal from a select menu on November 11, 2025.
- Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar: Veterans are eligible for a free BD’s Burger with a classic side on November 11 until 4 PM.
- Bar Louie: Veterans and active-duty service members dining in will receive a free burger, excluding the Big Louie. This offer is valid on November 10 and 11.
- Bass Pro Shops: While primarily a retailer, Bass Pro Shops is offering a free breakfast and coffee at 9 a.m. for veterans. Attendees will receive a special Bass Pro Shops Challenge Coin while supplies last. This event is scheduled for 8181 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord, NC, with potential confirmation for the Fort Mill location.
- Biscuit Belly: Veterans can eat free at Biscuit Belly on November 11, 2025. The offer includes a choice of Bacon Egg & Cheese, Sausage Egg & Cheese, or Chicken Biscuit Sandwich, accompanied by a hot drip coffee or fountain drink. This is a dine-in-only offer at all participating locations.
- Bob Evans: Veterans and active-duty military members may receive a free, farm-fresh meal at Bob Evans on November 11, 2025, for dine-in only. The Veterans Day menu features 10 hearty favorites.
- Carolina Ale House: Locations in North Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee are offering veterans a free half-rack rib platter on November 11, 2025, for dine-in only.
- Chicken Salad Chick: All locations are offering a free meal, including a side and fountain drink, to veterans and active-duty military on November 11, 2025. The meal consists of one scoop or sandwich, a side, and a fountain drink, valid for in-restaurant dining only. Signature Sandwiches and 3-item meals are excluded.
- Cotton Patch Cafe: Located in Texas, this cafe offers free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken to veterans and active military personnel.
- D’Angelo’s Sandwiches: Located in the Northeast, this chain offers 50% off orders for veterans and active duty, valid for dine-in or carry-out. The discount does not apply to lobster or gift cards.
- Dairi-O: Located in North Carolina, veterans and active duty receive a free combo meal.
- Davanni’s Pizza and Hot Hoagies: Located in Minnesota, veterans and active military receive a free solo 1-item pizza and soda for dine-in or takeout.
- Denny’s: Veterans can enjoy a free "Build Your Own Grand Slam" breakfast on Veterans Day, valid for dine-in only.
- Duffy’s Sports Grill: Located in Florida, this establishment usually offers a free meal (up to $15) or 40% off for veterans and active military, depending on location, for dine-in only.
- Eat’n’Park: Located in Ohio and Pennsylvania, veterans receive a free smiley face cookie on Veterans Day and 10% off for the month of November.
- Egg Harbor Cafe: Located in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Georgia, this cafe offers a free dine-in meal for all veterans.
- El Fenix: Located in Texas, veterans receive a free taco or enchilada plate.
- El Torito: Located in California, veterans and active military receive a free dine-in meal.
- Emmet’s Social Table: Located in North Carolina, veterans and military receive a free dine-in meal.
- Farmer Boys: Located in the Southwest, veterans and active military receive a free Big Cheese sandwich for dine-in only.
- Great Clips: As part of its annual Thank a Veteran event, Great Clips offers free haircuts to veterans and active military service members. Veterans can visit any Great Clips salon in the United States to receive a free haircut or a card for a free haircut that can be redeemed during a future visit.
- McDonald’s: Offering a free breakfast combo with a hash brown and a choice of any size soft drink, coffee, or tea for all active and retired military personnel and military families. This requires being in uniform or presenting a military ID during breakfast hours on Veterans Day.
- Roy Rogers: Located on the East Coast, veterans get a free Uncle Ralph’s brownie with any purchase on Veterans Day.
- Ruby Tuesday: Veterans and active military usually receive a free meal from a special Ruby Tuesday Veterans Day menu.
- Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria: Located in New York, veterans and active military receive a free 12-inch ThinThin pizza (cheese and one topping) for pick-up or dine-in.
- Seven Doors Kitchen & Cocktails: Located in The Colony, Texas, this establishment generally offers a free meal for veterans and active-duty military.
- Shane’s Rib Shack: Located in the Southeast, New York, and Arizona, this chain expects to offer a free BBQ Pork or Chopped BBQ Chicken Plate (half-pound meat and two sides) for all active, inactive, and retired military personnel. The offer is in-store only and may vary by location.
- Sheetz: Located in the Eastern U.S., Sheetz provides all veterans and active-duty military personnel with a free half turkey sub and a regular-size fountain drink at any of its 800+ store locations. The offer includes extras and add-ons to the sub.
Quick Service and Coffee Chains
Coffee shops and quick-service restaurants also participate significantly, often providing free drinks or breakfast items.
- Aroma Joe’s: Veterans receive a free 24-ounce drink of their choice on November 11.
- BIGGBY Coffee: Veterans can get any 16-ounce beverage for $1.99 on November 11.
- Scooter’s Coffee: Veterans and active-duty military members can stop by any of the 825+ locations nationwide to receive a free medium drink on November 11 with a valid Military ID.
Specific Regional and Local Offers
Several establishments offer highly specific deals, often tied to local geography or unique menu items.
- DeFelice Bros: Located in Ohio, this establishment offers a free pasta dinner for service members and veterans.
- Delia’s: Located in Texas, veterans receive a free dozen tamales and a drink or coffee from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 11, for dine-in only.
- El Fenix: (Reiterated for regional context) Located in Texas, offering a free taco or enchilada plate.
- Farmer Boys: (Reiterated for regional context) Located in the Southwest, offering a free Big Cheese sandwich.
- Shane’s Rib Shack: (Reiterated for regional context) Located in the Southeast, New York, and Arizona, offering a free BBQ plate.
- Sheetz: (Reiterated for regional context) Located in the Eastern U.S., offering a free half turkey sub.
Discounted Offers and Year-Round Benefits
While many offers are strictly for Veterans Day, some brands provide extended discounts or require a purchase.
- Barbeque at Home by Dickey’s: Veterans receive a 15% discount on all orders using the code VETERAN15, valid from November 11 through December 31.
- D’Angelo’s Sandwiches: Offers 50% off orders for veterans and active duty.
- Duffy’s Sports Grill: Offers a choice between a free meal (up to $15) or 40% off.
- Eat’n’Park: Offers 10% off for the entire month of November.
- Roy Rogers: Requires a purchase to receive the free brownie.
- Shane’s Rib Shack: Notes that offers may vary by location.
Retail and Service Freebies
Beyond food, several retailers and service providers offer free products or significant discounts to veterans.
- Kohl’s: Veterans and active-duty military will receive 30% off their purchase, valid in-store only on Monday, November 11.
- ZIPS Car Wash: Veterans and active military receive a free top car wash when using the code VETS at check-out.
Events and Ceremonies
In addition to commercial offers, various community events honor veterans.
- Committee to Honor America’s Veterans: Hosting a Ceremony at Fire Station 1, 102 Shoreline Drive in Sunset Beach, on Monday at 1:00 p.m. Attendees are requested to bring a chair.
- Veterans Homecoming Week: A week of complimentary events, discounts, celebrations, and meals for veterans will take place from November 5 to November 11 in Branson, MO.
Eligibility and Redemption Requirements
Accessing these offers generally requires adherence to specific eligibility criteria and redemption processes. The most common requirement is proof of military service. This typically includes a valid military ID, but some locations may accept other forms of identification or require veterans to be in uniform.
- Proof of Service: Most restaurants and retailers require a valid military ID. Some offers may extend to Reservists, Guardsmen, and military families.
- Dine-In vs. To-Go: Many free meal offers are restricted to dine-in service only. However, exceptions exist, such as Sheetz (which offers the sub for carry-out) and Shane’s Rib Shack (in-store only).
- Geographic Restrictions: Some offers are limited to specific regions or states (e.g., Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria in New York, Cotton Patch Cafe in Texas).
- Redemption Codes: Certain discounts, such as those from ZIPS Car Wash and Barbeque at Home by Dickey’s, require the use of specific promotional codes during the transaction.
- Varying Participation: Several sources note that participation may vary by location. It is recommended that veterans call ahead to their local establishment to confirm participation and specific offer details.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 offers a diverse array of freebies and discounts for military veterans and active-duty personnel. The most extensive opportunities are found in the food and beverage sector, with national chains like Applebee's, Bob Evans, and Denny's providing complimentary meals. Additionally, service-based businesses such as Great Clips and ZIPS Car Wash offer free services, while retailers like Kohl's provide substantial discounts. To maximize these benefits, veterans should prepare valid proof of service and verify specific offer details, including location participation and dine-in requirements, with individual businesses prior to visiting.