The provided source material details two distinct types of consumer offers available in 2018: a wide range of Veterans Day free meal promotions and entertainment schedules for the Missouri State Fair. Regarding Veterans Day, numerous national and regional restaurant chains offered complimentary meals, beverages, and discounts to military personnel and veterans on November 11, 2018. These offers generally required proof of military service, such as a valid ID, and were valid for dine-in or specific time windows. Concurrently, the 116th Missouri State Fair, held in Sedalia from August 9 to August 19, 2018, featured free entertainment stages, nightly fireworks sponsored by Bryant Motors, and a full schedule of grandstand concerts.
Veterans Day 2018 Free Meal Offers
In November 2018, hundreds of restaurants and retailers honored veterans and active-duty military personnel with free food and discounts. These promotions were strictly limited to individuals with valid military identification or proof of service. The offers varied significantly by vendor, ranging from full entrees to side items and beverages, with specific restrictions on timing and location.
Major Restaurant Chains and Dining Offers
Texas Roadhouse offered free meal vouchers to veterans from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Veterans Day. These vouchers were redeemable for a dine-in or carry-out meal from a select menu and remained valid through May 2025. Participants were required to bring valid military ID or proof of service.
Outback Steakhouse provided a free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca-Cola to veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day. This offer was valid for dine-in or call-in orders and required valid military ID or proof of service. Outback also extended a year-round 10% Heroes Discount to service members, police officers, firefighters, and first responders.
Buffalo Wild Wings honored veterans and current military members with a free order of 10 Boneless Wings and Fries on November 11.
Texas Corral, a Midwest family steakhouse, offered a free special menu meal and drink (soft drinks or coffee) for veterans and current military personnel. Proof of military service was required.
Black Angus Steakhouse treated veterans and active military members to a free 6 oz. Top Sirloin steak meal with mashed potatoes and broccoli. This promotion was available at 32 locations for in-house and takeout orders.
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse offered a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie for dine-in guests with proof of military service. Current and former military members also received a free appetizer coupon for a future visit.
Bob Evans provided free meals to veterans and active-duty military from a special menu of 10 breakfast items, available all day on Veterans Day.
Bonefish Grill offered free Bang Bang Shrimp and a non-alcoholic beverage to active-duty military and veterans.
Bruegger's Bagels served free medium hot or iced coffee for veterans, though a breakfast purchase was required to honor the deal.
Huddle House gave active and retired military personnel a free MVP Breakfast Platter on November 11, available for dine-in only at participating locations.
IHOP provided free Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes to veterans and active-duty military at participating locations. This was dine-in only, with a limit of one per guest.
In-N-Out Burger offered a complimentary meal including any burger, fries, and beverage to veterans, active-duty military, reserves, and National Guard members. Proof of service was required, and the offer was valid at all locations open from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant provided a complimentary burger or sandwich with a non-alcoholic beverage to veterans and active-duty service members with proof of service.
J. Christopher's offered a free meal to veterans on November 11.
Outback Steakhouse (mentioned again for emphasis) provided a free Bloomin' Onion and Coca-Cola.
Parry's Pizza offered a full-size entrée and fountain drink from a special menu for free on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for veterans and active-duty military.
Perry's Steakhouse & Grille offered veterans a free Dinner-Cut Pork Chop when accompanied by a guest purchasing a dinner entree. If dining alone or with other veterans, the pork chop was half-price. The Military Menu was available from 4 p.m. to close.
Smokey Bones provided a free Create Your Own Combo meal for veterans and military personnel. This was dine-in only, with no purchase necessary, and required a valid military ID or proof of service.
Sugarfire Smokehouse honored active and retired military members with a free cheeseburger (the "Boots on the Ground Special") and a 50% discount on a pork steak and side meal (usually $12.99). These offers were valid for dine-in or pickup at participating locations in Missouri, Colorado, and Iowa, with a Military ID.
T.G.I. Friday's offered a free meal between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Veterans Day. The special menu included Cheeseburger and Fries, Crispy Chicken Fingers with Fries and Coleslaw, Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken, Half-Rack of Ribs and Choice of Side, and Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta. This was dine-in only.
Tuscan Kitchen offered a free lunch to veterans and active military personnel on Friday, November 10 (the day before Veterans Day). This was valid at four locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, requiring a reservation for the veteran and one guest.
Whataburger provided a free 16-ounce Hot or Iced Coffee to veterans and active-duty military in uniform or with a valid ID on November 11.
White Castle gave a free combo meal or breakfast combo to veterans and active-duty service members who showed a valid military ID.
Peet's Coffee offered eligible veterans one free drip coffee or tea of any size on November 11, 2024. This required a military ID and was valid only at participating retail coffee bar locations, excluding online purchases, airports, and supermarkets.
Starbucks and Sonic Offers
Starbucks offered a free tall hot or iced coffee to veterans, active-duty service members, and their spouses on Veterans Day.
Sonic Drive-In offered half-price shakes in any size and flavor, including Classic and Master Shakes, on November 11.
Additional Terms and Restrictions
Most offers were strictly limited to veterans and active-duty military personnel. Proof of service was almost universally required, ranging from valid military ID to other forms of verification. Many offers were restricted to dine-in service and specific time windows, such as the Texas Roadhouse voucher window of 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Some offers included future visit incentives, such as BJ's appetizer coupon and the $10 off $40 voucher from Huddle House (mentioned in a specific context regarding a $10 off $40 voucher for veterans, though the specific brand associated with this voucher in the text appears to be Huddle House based on the surrounding text). The Sugarfire Smokehouse offer was notable for its geographic scope, covering Missouri, Colorado, and Iowa.
Missouri State Fair 2018 Entertainment and Activities
The 116th Missouri State Fair took place in Sedalia from August 9 to August 19, 2018. Fair Director Mark Wolfe highlighted several new features for the year, specifically regarding free entertainment and fireworks.
Free Entertainment and Stages
The fairgrounds operated four free entertainment stages, each offering continuous programming throughout the fair: * The Bud Stage * The Ditzfield Stage * The Touchstone Energy Stage (located near the Beef House) * The Children's Stage (located behind the Missouri Electric Co-op)
In addition to stage acts, strolling entertainers were present on the grounds. The fair mascot, Bartholomule, made a return appearance after a hiatus.
Fireworks Displays
Bryant Motors sponsored an expanded fireworks schedule for 2018, resulting in six nights of shows: * August 9 * August 10 * August 11 * August 15 * August 17 (after concerts) * August 18 (after concerts)
Wolfe noted that this schedule meant fireworks would "light the skies up almost every night of the fair."
Pepsi Grandstand Lineup
The 2018 entertainment lineup on the Pepsi Grandstand included a variety of concerts and events: * August 9: Montgomery Gentry and Whiskey Myers * August 10: Rock of the Seventies, Foghat, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Firefall, and Pat Travers Band * August 11: Hank Williams, Jr. and Frank Foster * August 12: Missouri State Fair Shoot Out * August 13: Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pull * August 14: Roots and Boots Tour (Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin, and Collin Raye) * August 15: Southern Uprising Tour (Travis Tritt, the Charlie Daniels Band, Marshall Tucker Band, and The Outlaws) * August 16: Casting Crowns and Zach Williams * August 17: Aaron Watson and Tim Montana * August 18: Cole Swindell and Raelynn * August 19: ASCS National Sprint Car & ULMA Late Model Races
Admission and Promotions
Fair officials recommended visiting MoStateFair.com prior to the event to access information regarding special discounts and promotions on admission and carnival wristbands.
Conclusion
The 2018 Veterans Day landscape provided extensive opportunities for military members to receive free meals and beverages from a broad spectrum of national restaurant chains, with offers ranging from full entrees to coffee and dessert. These promotions were heavily dependent on proof of military service and adherence to specific time and location constraints. Separately, the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia offered significant free entertainment, including multiple stages of live acts and an extensive fireworks schedule sponsored by Bryant Motors, alongside a paid grandstand concert series. Consumers interested in these types of regional and national offers should monitor official brand websites and local event listings for specific terms, conditions, and schedules.