Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a significant date for recognizing the service and sacrifice of military personnel across the United States. In North Carolina, a variety of businesses, community organizations, and municipalities extend gestures of appreciation through complimentary meals, discounted services, and special events. These offers are typically available to active-duty military members and veterans, often requiring proof of service such as a military ID. The following comprehensive guide details the verified freebies, discounts, and community gatherings available to service members in North Carolina for the 2025 Veterans Day period.
Restaurant Freebies and Discounts
Numerous restaurant chains and local eateries across North Carolina participate in Veterans Day celebrations by offering complimentary meals or significant discounts. These offers generally apply to dine-in service and require valid military identification.
National Chain Offers
Several major restaurant chains have confirmed participation in Veterans Day promotions for 2025. The specific terms and participating locations may vary, so service members are advised to verify details with individual restaurants.
- Applebee’s: Applebee’s offers a complimentary dine-in entrée from a select menu on Veterans Day. Locations in Fayetteville, North Carolina, are specifically noted to participate. In addition to the free meal, veterans dining in on November 11 receive a $5 coupon valid for a future dine-in, to-go, or delivery meal within three weeks. Participating Fayetteville locations include 1961 Skibo Road, 5225 Ramsey St., and 7810 Good Middling Drive.
- Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar: This establishment offers a free Bad Daddy’s Burger with a classic side for veterans and active-duty military who dine in on November 11. In Fayetteville, the offer is available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1800 Skibo Road, Suite 332. A similar offer in central North Carolina includes a free All American Burger and small side of fries, chips, or tots from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., requiring a military ID.
- BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse: Veterans and active-duty service members dining in at BJ’s on Veterans Day receive a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie with a minimum purchase of $11.95. They also receive a coupon for a free appetizer on their next visit.
- Bob Evans: On November 11, Bob Evans provides a special menu available for free to veterans and active-duty military personnel.
- Bonefish Grill: Participating locations offer veterans and active-duty military a complimentary order of Bang Bang Shrimp and a soft drink on November 11. The restaurant also offers 10% off to service members year-round.
- BurgerFi: Military members receive 20% off their entire order on November 11.
- California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free non-alcoholic beverage and a choice of one entrée from a special Veterans Day menu.
- Carolina Ale House: Participating locations offer special deals for veterans.
- McCormick & Schmick’s: This restaurant invites veterans of the U.S. military, National Guard, Gold Star parents, Gold Star spouses, and active military to enjoy a select half-priced entrée. The offer is valid on Sunday, November 9, 2025.
- Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt: Veterans receive their first 6 oz of frozen yogurt for free on Veterans Day.
- Metro Diner: Veterans receive 50% off their meals on November 11.
- Mission BBQ: Mission BBQ offers a free sandwich to veterans on Veterans Day. The chain also hosts a live National Anthem at noon.
- Ninety Nine Restaurant + Pub: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free lunch entrée with the purchase of an adult entrée on November 11. The offer is available from opening until 4 p.m. and includes options such as chopped sirloin, roasted turkey dinner, and the All-American cheeseburger. Additionally, veterans receive a $5 reward card for their next visit.
- O’Charley’s: O’Charley’s provides veterans and active-duty military with a free entrée from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both November 10 and November 11.
Local and Regional Offers
In addition to national chains, various local establishments offer specific promotions for Veterans Day.
- Anstead Tobacco Company: Located at 320 N. McPherson Church Road in Fayetteville, Anstead Tobacco Company offers a cigar, doughnut, and coffee for $1 on November 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This offer is sponsored by Hooten Young and Duck Donuts.
- Biggby Coffee: A 16-ounce beverage is available for $1.99 on November 11 at the Fayetteville location (180 Andrews Road).
- Main Event Entertainment: Veterans receive a hero’s welcome, including a free double cheeseburger with fries and 30 minutes of game play on November 11.
Community Events and Ceremonies
Beyond restaurant discounts, North Carolina communities host various ceremonies, breakfasts, and gatherings to honor veterans. These events often include speeches, flag ceremonies, and social opportunities for service members and their families.
Central North Carolina and the Triangle Area
- Cornelius: A Veterans Day program is scheduled for Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Veterans Monument at Rotary Plaza, 21445 Catawba Avenue, behind the Cornelius Town Hall.
- Cary: Veterans can attend a free catered lunch and presentation on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Prestonwood Country Club, 300 Prestonwood Parkway. Registration is required. Additionally, a Veterans Day celebration is held at the Veterans Freedom Park featuring a speaker, Marine Corps veteran Ron Brigham.
- Morrisville: The Town of Morrisville holds a Veterans Day celebration on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Cedar Fork Community Center, 1050 B Town Hall Drive. The event includes a continental breakfast, camaraderie, and a guest speaker. Registration is required.
- Raleigh: The City of Raleigh hosts a Veterans Day celebration on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at John Chavis Memorial Park, 505 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
- Garner: The Town of Garner presents a Veterans Day Observance on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Aversboro Road Baptist Church, 1600 Aversboro Road.
- Chapel Hill: The Orange County Veterans Day Celebration takes place on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Orange County Veterans Memorial, 2501 Homestead Drive.
- Durham: Duke University holds a commemoration ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Duke University Chapel, 401 Chapel Drive.
- Indian Trail: The Town of Indian Trail’s Veterans Day ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Indian Trail Town Hall, 315 Matthews-Indian Trail Road.
Charlotte Area
- Charlotte: A variety of events are planned for Veterans Day weekend. A full calendar of events is available for those seeking activities.
- Mooresville: The Town of Mooresville hosts a week of Veterans Day events, including a ceremony, parade, flag processional, free meals for veterans, and a blood drive.
Fayetteville Area
- Fayetteville: In addition to restaurant discounts, community events are held to honor veterans. Details on specific ceremonies or gatherings are available through local listings.
Eligibility and Verification Requirements
To ensure access to these offers and events, veterans and active-duty military members must typically meet specific eligibility criteria and provide verification.
- Proof of Service: Almost all restaurant offers and many event admissions require proof of military service. Acceptable forms of identification generally include:
- Military ID card (CAC card or DD Form 2)
- Veterans Service Organization membership card (e.g., VFW, American Legion)
- State-issued driver’s license or ID with veteran designation (where applicable)
- Photocopy of military discharge papers (DD-214)
- Wear of military uniform (accepted by some establishments)
- Active Duty vs. Veteran Status: Most offers are explicitly extended to both active-duty personnel and veterans. Some promotions may also include members of the National Guard and Reserves. It is important to read the specific terms of each offer, as some may be limited to specific branches or statuses.
- Dine-In vs. To-Go: Many restaurant offers are valid for dine-in only. However, exceptions exist, such as the Applebee’s $5 coupon which can be redeemed for to-go or delivery. Veterans should confirm the service method with the restaurant.
- Geographic Restrictions: While this guide focuses on North Carolina, specific offers may only be available at certain franchise locations. Veterans are encouraged to call ahead to confirm participation at their local establishment.
Historical Context and Trends in Veterans Day Offers
Veterans Day freebies have become a longstanding tradition in the United States, with many brands participating annually. The offers listed above reflect a mix of consistent annual promotions and specific 2025 event details.
- Consistency: Chains like Applebee's, Mission BBQ, and Bonefish Grill have historically offered Veterans Day promotions, often with similar terms year over year.
- Expansion: The variety of participating businesses has expanded beyond restaurants to include retail, automotive, and entertainment venues. For example, Main Event Entertainment offers game play alongside a meal.
- Community Involvement: Municipalities and local organizations play a significant role in hosting ceremonies and free meals, supplementing corporate offers. Events in towns like Morrisville, Cornelius, and Garner highlight the community aspect of Veterans Day.
Conclusion
Veterans Day in North Carolina offers a wide array of freebies, discounts, and community events for military members. From complimentary meals at major restaurant chains like Applebee's and Mission BBQ to local gatherings in towns across the state, there are numerous ways for service members to be recognized. Eligibility typically requires proof of military service, and offers are generally valid on November 11, though some events occur earlier in the week. Veterans and active-duty personnel should verify specific details with participating locations and event organizers to ensure availability and eligibility.