Numerous businesses and community organizations across the United States offer free products, services, and food assistance programs throughout the year. Based on the provided documentation, specific offers are available in regions including Hampton Roads, Virginia, Odessa, Texas, Coral Gables, Florida, and Irvine, California. These opportunities range from complimentary meals and haircuts for veterans to free on-demand transportation and community food box distributions.
Veterans Day Promotions and Freebies
On November 11, 2025, various businesses in Hampton Roads, Virginia, and the Odessa/Texas Basin area are honoring veterans and active military members with freebies and discounts. Eligibility generally requires valid military identification.
Food and Beverage Offers
Several restaurants are providing complimentary meals and snacks to veterans: * Red Lobster: Offering a free Veterans Shrimp & Chips entrée (Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, Chesapeake fries, and coleslaw) for dine-in only. Taxes and gratuity are not included. * Red Robin: Providing a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger exclusively on Veterans Day for dine-in. * Scooter’s Coffee: Offering a free medium drink at participating locations nationwide with a valid military ID. * Playa Bowls: Offering free bowls (acai, pitaya, coconut, or green bases) to veterans, active duty, and retired military personnel with a valid ID at participating locations. * Gelati Celesti: Providing a free scoop to all active-duty military and veterans at every location. * The Casual Pint of Virginia Beach: Selling tickets that will be given to veterans for a complimentary beer. * The Starving Artist Café: Giving free drip coffee on Veterans Day and offering a 10% discount to military members with a valid ID every day. * Hello Sweetie Cheesecakes: Providing a 10% discount on all items on November 11. * Bubba’s 33 (Odessa, Texas): Providing a free meal from a selected menu from 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. They are also offering drive-through service for veterans unable to dine in, providing free vouchers from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M.
Retail and Service Discounts
- Grafik Trenz: A sign and screen-printing shop in Smithfield, Virginia, offering a 20% discount on in-stock items and custom orders for veterans and service members.
- Nunez Fine Jewelers: Located in Virginia Beach, this jeweler will absorb sales tax for all veterans on November 11.
- Williamsburg Salt Spa: Providing a free travel bag of salt to all veterans with valid identification.
- Pawsnickity Pets: Located in Norfolk's Ghent neighborhood, this pet store is offering free bags of select pet food for military members. The offer also extends to government workers who are furloughed and not receiving pay.
- Sports Clips and Great Clips: These salons are offering free haircuts, beard trims, and washes for veterans.
Free Transportation Services in Coral Gables
The City of Coral Gables, Florida, offers a free, on-demand rideshare service called Freebee. This service utilizes a fleet of electric vehicles and is available to the community.
Service Area and Hours
Effective July 1, the service hours are: * Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. * Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 12 a.m. * Sunday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
The service area has been extended to include Santillane Ave. from Douglas Road to Salzedo St. (south of Zamora Ave., extending to Le Jeune Road) and Venetian Pool.
How to Request a Ride
To use the service, users must: 1. Download the "Ride Freebee" app from www.ridefreebee.com. 2. Use the app to "Request a Ride." 3. Select a destination. 4. Confirm the pickup location.
For those without a smartphone or requiring accessibility accommodations, Freebee Dispatch can be contacted at 855-918-3733.
Community Food Assistance in Irvine
The City of Irvine offers a Free Food Box program through its Office of Health & Wellness. Food boxes are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Heritage Park Community Center.
Distribution Schedule and Location
- Dates: November 13, December 11, and December 18.
- Location: Heritage Park Community Center, 14301 Yale Avenue.
- Contact: For additional information, call 949-724-6650 or email [email protected].
CalFresh Enrollment Assistance
The city provides assistance for the CalFresh Program (SNAP). Interested individuals can schedule an appointment or obtain information by contacting the Office of Health and Wellness at 949-724-6650 or via email.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Food Security Volunteer Program invites community members to assist with Free Food Box events. Volunteers must register online via the "Irvine Cares Volunteer Enrollment" portal at yourirvine.org.
Screen-Free Road Trip Activities
For families planning road trips, screen-free entertainment options are available for children of various ages. Recommendations include providing a selection of books, audiobooks, and podcasts. For older children (ages 9 and 10), a crate filled with picture books, chapter books, fact books, and graphic novels—sourced from home favorites or the library—can keep them engaged during travel.