Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring all who have served in the United States military. Originating as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I, the holiday was renamed in 1954 to recognize veterans of all conflicts. For many service members and their families, the day is also marked by a variety of businesses offering complimentary meals, discounts, and special treats as a gesture of gratitude. In 2025, numerous restaurant and retail chains are participating in this tradition, providing free food and beverages to active-duty personnel, veterans, reservists, and sometimes their families.
The availability of these offers generally requires proof of military service, such as a Veteran ID Card, DD214, or other valid military identification. Furthermore, most deals are limited to dine-in service at participating locations, though some exclusions or variations may apply based on franchise ownership or regional management. Consumers are strongly advised to confirm participation with their local establishments prior to visiting.
Major Restaurant Chains Offering Free Meals
A wide array of national restaurant chains has confirmed Veterans Day freebies for 2025. These offers span breakfast, lunch, and dinner categories, ranging from full entrées to desserts and beverages.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s is marking its 18th consecutive year of providing Veterans Day deals. The chain is offering a free full-size entrée to all active-duty military personnel, veterans, reservists, and National Guard members. The available menu options include items such as the bacon cheeseburger and three-cheese chicken penne. This offer is strictly for dine-in customers, and a valid form of military identification is required to redeem the meal.
BJ’s Restaurants
Current and former military members dining at BJ’s Restaurants on November 11 can receive a free chocolate chunk pizookie. To redeem this dessert offer, customers must present a military ID or other proof of service. Additionally, some reports indicate that a free appetizer coupon may be issued for a future visit.
Chili’s
Participating Chili’s locations are providing a free meal to veterans and active military members. The offer includes menu items such as burgers or chicken tenders and is available for dine-in only.
Denny’s
Denny’s is offering a free Original Grand Slam to active and retired military personnel. This breakfast offer is valid from 5 a.m. until noon at participating locations. Proof of service is required to redeem the meal.
IHOP
IHOP is providing active military and veterans with a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo on November 11. This offer is valid for dine-in customers only and requires a valid military ID.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings is honoring past and present military members with 10 free boneless wings and an order of regular fries. This offer is valid for dine-in customers. At Buffalo Wild Wings Go locations, the offer applies to walk-in orders. The chain also offers a daily 15% discount for veterans on all dine-in and call-in orders.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free meal voucher. These vouchers are distributed between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Veterans Day.
California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen is offering a complimentary beverage and one entrée from a limited menu to veterans and active-duty military. Beverage choices include Coca-Cola fountain beverages, iced tea, or passion fruit mango unsweetened iced tea. Entrée options include full-size salads such as the Original BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad, Thai Crunch, Classic Caesar, or Italian Chopped, as well as pizzas including Original BBQ Chicken Pizza, Hawaiian, Mushroom Pepperoni Sausage, Pepperoni, and Five Cheese + Fresh Basil.
In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger is offering veterans, active-duty military, reserves, and National Guard members a complimentary meal including any burger, fries, and a beverage from the menu on November 11.
Other Notable Food and Beverage Offers
- Chipotle: Chipotle is offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal on entrées. Customers who present a valid military ID and purchase an entrée in-restaurant can get a second entrée for free between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Veterans Day.
- Dunkin’: Dunkin’ is offering a free beverage to veterans and active-duty military members.
- Circle K: Circle K is offering a free hot or iced medium coffee on November 11.
- Einstein Bros Bagel: Einstein Bros Bagel is offering veterans and active-duty military a free any-sized hot or iced coffee on November 11, redeemable in-store or online using the promo code FREECOFFEE.
- Firehouse Subs: Firehouse Subs is offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal on subs on November 11.
- Shake Shack: Shake Shack is offering a free entrée to veterans and active-duty military.
- Another Broken Egg Cafe: Veterans and active-duty service members can enjoy a free Patriot French toast combo and coffee at participating locations.
- Beef 'O' Brady's: This chain is offering a free BYOB (Build Your Own Burger) and fries for veterans.
- Smashburger: While specific details for 2025 were not fully confirmed in the source material, Smashburger has historically offered freebies or deals such as a free All-American Smash. The chain maintains a list of participating locations, though it is unclear if this list pertains to 2024 or 2025. Consumers are advised to check social media or the company website for updates.
Retailers and Convenience Stores
While the majority of Veterans Day promotions focus on dining, some retail and convenience chains also participate.
- Burger King: While Burger King does not list specific Veterans Day freebies for 2025, the chain provides a 10% discount for those enrolled in the WeSalute program at some participating locations. This offer is not widely advertised, so customers should check with their nearest location and bring military ID.
- Circle K: As noted above, this convenience chain offers a free medium coffee.
General Eligibility and Redemption Rules
To ensure a smooth experience, military members and veterans should be aware of standard eligibility requirements and redemption processes that apply to most offers.
Proof of Service
Almost all participating businesses require proof of military service. Acceptable forms of identification typically include: * Veteran ID Card * DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) * Military ID (CAC or dependent ID) * Uniformed Services ID Card * Veterans Service Organization membership card (e.g., VFW, American Legion) * Some businesses may accept wearing a uniform, but this is generally discouraged as a sole form of proof.
Dine-In vs. Takeout
The vast majority of Veterans Day meal deals are restricted to dine-in service. This policy ensures that the restaurant staff can verify identification and that the offer is being redeemed by the eligible individual. However, exceptions exist, such as Buffalo Wild Wings Go locations allowing walk-in orders for the free wings deal, and Einstein Bros Bagels allowing online redemption with a promo code.
Participating Locations
Many restaurant chains are comprised of independently owned and operated franchises. As such, the decision to participate in Veterans Day promotions is often left to the discretion of the franchise owner. While national chains typically encourage participation, not every location may offer the same deals. Consumers are advised to call ahead or check the local restaurant's website or social media pages to confirm participation before visiting.
Timing Restrictions
Some offers are time-sensitive. For example, Denny’s free Grand Slam is available only until noon, and Chipotle’s BOGO offer is valid only between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Texas Roadhouse distributes vouchers specifically between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Planning visits around these windows is essential to redeeming the offers.
Menu Limitations
Free meals are often drawn from a limited menu. Applebee’s and California Pizza Kitchen, for instance, specify that the free entrée must be selected from a select list of items. This helps streamline kitchen operations during a high-volume day. It is not usually possible to order any item on the menu for free.
Historical Context and Significance
Veterans Day holds significant historical weight. It commemorates the armistice signed between the Allies and Germany on November 11, 1918, which effectively ended World War I. The holiday was originally established as Armistice Day in 1938 and was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 following legislation signed by President Eisenhower. The tradition of businesses offering freebies serves as a modern extension of the national gratitude expressed toward the military community.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 continues the longstanding tradition of businesses honoring military service through free meals and discounts. Prominent chains such as Applebee’s, Denny’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, and IHOP are offering specific deals for veterans and active-duty personnel, while others like Burger King and Smashburger offer alternative discounts or unconfirmed promotions. The redemption of these offers almost universally requires valid military identification and is limited to dine-in service at participating locations. Because franchise ownership allows for local discretion, consumers should verify that their specific neighborhood location is participating before attempting to redeem a deal. By preparing proper identification and checking local availability, military members can fully utilize the appreciation offered by the business community on this federal holiday.