Veterans Day provides an opportunity for brands and restaurants across the United States to show appreciation for military service members, including veterans, active duty personnel, reservists, and National Guard members. Based on the provided documentation, numerous establishments offer complimentary meals, discounts, and special promotions on or around November 11. These offers typically require valid military identification or proof of service and are often restricted to dine-in experiences at participating locations.
The following guide details the specific freebies and discounts available at various restaurants and retailers, as reported in the source material. It categorizes these offers by establishment and highlights the eligibility requirements and redemption processes where specified.
Restaurant Free Meals and Dining Offers
Many national and regional restaurant chains offer complimentary meals to veterans and active duty military members on Veterans Day. These offers generally cover specific menu items and are available during designated hours.
Major National Chains
Several well-known restaurant chains provide free meals to military members on Veterans Day.
- Applebee’s: For the 18th consecutive year, Applebee's is offering veterans and active duty military a complimentary meal on Tuesday, November 11. The offer is valid at participating locations for dine-in only. Beverages and gratuity are not included, and the offer is not valid with other coupons or discounts.
- Chili’s: All veterans and active duty service members receive a free meal on November 11 at participating restaurants. The offer requires dine-in with a valid military ID. Beverages and gratuity are not included.
- Golden Corral: Golden Corral hosts Military Appreciation Night on November 11, from 4:00 p.m. to close. Active duty military, retirees, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans receive a free "thank you" meal and drink. This offer is for dine-in only.
- Red Robin Gourmet Burgers: On November 11, veterans and active duty military can enjoy a complimentary Big Tavern Burger when dining in at participating Red Robin locations. The offer is not valid for online or to-go orders.
- Starbucks: Veterans, military service members, and their spouses can get a free 12 oz hot or iced brewed coffee on November 11. Additionally, Starbucks is donating $200,000, shared evenly, to the USO and Wounded Warrior Project to support veteran and military communities.
- Wendy’s: Wendy’s offers a free Breakfast Combo to those who served or are currently serving in the U.S. military. This requires no purchase and is available during breakfast hours on November 11 at participating locations. Customers must notify the crew member at the register or show their VetRewards Card.
- White Castle: Veterans and active-duty military get a free individual combo meal or a breakfast combo meal when dining at a participating restaurant on November 11.
- Wienerschnitzel: On November 11, veterans and active-duty military are invited to enjoy a free Original Chili Dog, Small Fries, and Small Soda at participating locations nationwide. The offer is available all day with a valid military ID or proof of service.
- Little Caesars: The Veterans Day deal includes a Free Hot-N-Ready lunch combo, which includes four slices of Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Regional and Specialty Restaurant Offers
In addition to major chains, various regional and specialty restaurants offer specific promotions for Veterans Day.
- Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza: Veterans and active-duty military get 10% off their entire order on November 11. This is dine-in only.
- Freddy’s: All veterans and current military personnel who visit Freddy’s on Veterans Day receive a meal card valid for any free combo meal of their choice.
- Freebirds: Military members, veterans, and active-duty service personnel are invited to enjoy 50% off any order at participating Freebirds locations in-store.
- Green Mill: Green Mill offers a free 2-topping personal pizza, desert fire pasta, Western mill burger, or cobb salad with chicken to all veterans.
- Hamburger Stand: Veterans and active-duty military get a free hamburger, regular fries, and small soda on November 11.
- Houlihan’s: This restaurant offers 50% off select entrees for Veterans Day, available for dine-in only. Eligible entrees include Shrimp scampi, Houlihan’s cheeseburger, whole grain veggie burger, meatloaf No. 9, fish and chips, stuffed chicken breast, heartland grilled chicken, and chicken parmesan.
- Hooters: Hooters offers a free meal from a select menu for veterans and active military (dine-in only) and provides a 10% military discount year-round.
- Juice it Up!: All veterans and active-duty military receive a free medium classic smoothie.
- Keel Farms: Veterans and active military receive a free lunch and beverage.
- Kings Family Restaurant: Veterans and active military receive a free meal from a select menu.
- Lion’s Choice: Veterans and active military receive a free original roast beef sandwich.
- Long Doggers (Florida): Veterans can pick up $20 vouchers on Veterans Day.
- Lucille’s Smokehouse (California): Veterans receive a free meal plus a $10 bonus card for future use.
- Margaritas Mexican Restaurant (Northeast): Veterans receive 50% off an entree.
- Max & Erma’s (Midwest): Veterans receive 25% off on Veterans Day (may vary by location).
- Red Lobster: Veterans and active-duty military can get a free bowl of chowder for dine-in only; this is not valid at airport locations.
- Roy Rogers (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 (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 (The Colony, Texas): Generally offers a free meal for veterans and active-duty military.
- Shane’s Rib Shack (Southeast, New York, Arizona): Expect a free BBQ Pork or Chopped BBQ Chicken Plate (half-pound meat and two sides) for all active, inactive, and retired military personnel (in-store only, may vary by location).
- Sheetz (Eastern U.S.): All veterans and active duty military personnel get a free half turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink at any of Sheetz’s 800+ store locations. The offer includes extras and add-ons to the sub.
- Wings and Rings: Veterans and active military can receive a free lunch on November 11. Dine-in only.
- WOB Bar & Kitchen: Veterans and active-duty service members are invited to enjoy a complimentary order of WOB’s newest craving, 2-piece Smash Burger Sliders at participating locations nationwide.
Free Meal with Purchase or Discounted Meals
Some establishments offer free items with a purchase or provide discounts rather than entirely free meals.
- J. Christophers (Georgia, Tennessee): Veterans receive a free meal (may vary by location). Veterans and up to three guests get 20% off their bill (dine-in only).
- Joella’s Hot Chicken (Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky): Usually offers a free meal or sandwich for veterans.
- Moe’s Southwest Grill: Veterans receive a free meal with military ID and a 25% off year-round discount for military members in uniform.
- Sonic Drive-In: While not explicitly detailed in the provided chunks, common reports suggest Sonic offers a free meal or discount.
- Specials: Some locations offer a free deluxe cookie with a $5 purchase or any classic cookie for $1 year-round.
Retail and Service Discounts
Beyond dining, the source material highlights discounts in retail and services, though the specific details are less comprehensive than the restaurant offers.
- Born Primitive: In addition to a year-round 15% military discount, Born Primitive donates 100% of its Veterans Day profits to help pay off medical debt for veterans.
- Kohl’s: Kohl’s offers a 30% discount for military/veterans on Veterans Day. Throughout the year, Kohl’s hosts Military Mondays, offering military, veterans, and immediate family a 15% discount (in-store only).
- Grocery: There is a 10% discount on groceries for veterans and active military on Veterans Day.
- Insurance: There is a 50% off offer for any plan for life, highlighted on Veterans Day.
- Year-Round Discounts: Several retailers offer year-round discounts that are highlighted on Veterans Day, including 10% off for veterans, military, and first responders. Specific retailers mentioned include those offering seasonal 10% discounts and a potential increase to 30% off around Veterans Day (in-store only).
- Free Items: A free U.S. military ring is available from November 7 through November 14, valid for dine-in, carry-out, and delivery (though this context seems potentially misplaced, it is noted in the source).
Important Considerations for Redemption
When seeking these Veterans Day freebies and discounts, consumers should be aware of several common requirements and limitations based on the source documentation.
- Proof of Service: Most offers require valid military identification or proof of service. Consumers should ensure they have the appropriate documentation before visiting participating locations.
- Participating Locations: Many offers are valid only at participating locations. It is advisable to check with the local establishment prior to visiting to confirm their participation in the Veterans Day promotion.
- Dine-In Restrictions: A significant number of restaurant offers are restricted to dine-in service only and are not valid for online orders, takeout, or delivery.
- Beverages and Gratuity: Complimentary meals typically do not include beverages or gratuity. These items are usually the responsibility of the customer.
- Combining Offers: Most Veterans Day promotions cannot be combined with other coupons or discounts.
- Local Variations: For regional chains and independently owned franchises, offers may vary by location. The documentation notes that "all locations are independently owned and operated; additional Veterans Day offers may be available at different locations."
Conclusion
Veterans Day offers a wide array of free meals and discounts for U.S. military members across the restaurant and retail sectors. From national chains like Applebee's, Chili's, and Golden Corral to regional favorites such as Green Mill and Sheetz, there are numerous opportunities for veterans and active duty personnel to receive complimentary food and beverages. While many offers are entirely free, others provide substantial discounts on meals and merchandise. To successfully redeem these offers, individuals should prepare valid military identification, confirm participation at local establishments, and be mindful of restrictions such as dine-in requirements and exclusions on beverages and gratuity.