Veterans Day provides an annual opportunity for brands and restaurants across the United States to extend gratitude to active duty military personnel, veterans, and their families through complimentary meals, discounts, and special offers. Based on current and historical promotional data, numerous establishments have established annual traditions of providing free food and beverages on November 11. These offers typically require valid proof of military service and are subject to participation by specific franchise locations.
Restaurant Offers for Veterans Day
The majority of Veterans Day promotions focus on the food and beverage sector, with major national chains leading the initiative. These offers generally apply to dine-in services, though some extend to drive-thru or specific meal combinations.
Major Chain Dining Offers
Several prominent restaurant chains have been cited in promotional materials for offering free meals or specific menu items to veterans and active duty personnel.
- Applebee’s: In past years, Applebee’s has offered veterans a choice of one of eight entrées for free on November 11. This offer requires a military ID or proof of service. Information regarding specific participating locations and full terms is typically available on the Applebee’s website.
- Golden Corral: Golden Corral hosts an annual Military Appreciation Dinner. This event is open to any person who has served in the United States military, including veterans, retirees, active duty personnel, and members of the National Guard or Reserves. The dinner is traditionally held on November 11 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- IHOP: IHOP offers veterans and active duty military members free Red, White, and Blue Pancakes (or a similar pancake combination) on Veterans Day. This offer is usually valid during specific hours, such as 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and requires dining in.
- Texas Roadhouse: Texas Roadhouse offers free meals to veterans and active military members on Veterans Day. Participation may vary by location.
- Wendy’s: Wendy’s provides a free breakfast combo for veterans and active duty military members on November 11. This offer is valid at participating locations, generally via in-restaurant or drive-thru ordering, and requires proof of service.
- Denny’s: Denny’s offers a free Original Grand Slam to past and present military personnel on Veterans Day. This offer is typically valid from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and requires a military ID or proof of service.
- UNO’s Pizzeria & Grill: UNO’s offers a free entrée to military members (past and present) on Veterans Day. This offer is valid for dine-in only and requires a military or veteran ID.
- Little Caesars® Pizza: Little Caesars offers a free pizza or a $5 HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo to US Armed Forces veterans and active military members. This offer is typically available between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM on November 11 and requires proof of military service at participating stores.
- White Castle: White Castle offers a free Breakfast Combo or Castle Combo meal for veterans and active duty military members on Veterans Day. Proof of military service is required.
- Wienerschnitzel: Wienerschnitzel offers a complimentary Chili Dog, small fries, and a small Pepsi to veterans and active military members on Veterans Day. This offer is available at participating locations with valid military ID or by wearing a military uniform.
- Tap House Grill: Tap House Grill offers a complimentary meal for active, inactive, and retired military personnel on Veterans Day. This offer is for dine-in only.
- Wild Wing Cafe: Wild Wing Cafe offers a complimentary meal from a specific Veterans Day menu with proof of service.
Coffee and Quick Service Offers
In addition to full meals, several quick-service restaurants and coffee chains offer complimentary beverages or breakfast items.
- Starbucks: Starbucks honors veterans, military servicemembers, and military spouses with a free tall (12-ounce) brewed coffee (hot or iced) at participating U.S. Starbucks stores and licensed locations on November 11.
- TXB Stores: TXB Stores offer free cappuccino or medium coffee at any location on Veterans Day.
Retail and Service Discounts
While food and beverage offers are the most prevalent, other sectors such as automotive, hospitality, and retail also participate in Veterans Day promotions.
- Automotive Services: Goodyear Auto Service Centers and Just Tires company-owned locations nationwide offer all veterans free tire, alignment, brake, fuel system, and fluid checks.
- Hospitality: B&Bs for Vets offers veterans a free night’s stay on and around Veterans Day at select Bed and Breakfasts and Inns across the U.S.
- Hair Care: Various participating locations allow active duty service members, veterans, and family members to receive a free haircut or a free haircut card for a future visit on Veterans Day.
- Retail:
- Ashley Furniture: Active military and veterans can receive 10% off their purchase.
- Sporting Goods Stores: Some sporting goods stores increase their normal veterans discount from 5% to 10% in honor of Veterans Day.
- General Retail: Active duty service members, veterans, and family members can often receive a 15% discount on purchases, while veterans and military personnel may receive a special 15% discount on qualifying purchases.
Event-Based Observances
Beyond individual business offers, various communities host events specifically for Veterans Day.
- Parades: Cities such as Prescott, Arizona, and Fort Smith, Arkansas, hold annual Veterans Day Parades. The Prescott parade typically features opening ceremonies and a procession beginning at 11:00 AM. The Fort Smith event includes food trucks, kids’ areas, and charity drives.
- Concerts and Services: The National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., frequently hosts free concerts and remembrance services for veterans. No tickets are typically required for these events.
- Museum Admission: Historical sites such as Colonial Williamsburg often extend free admission to active duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, and their dependents during the Veterans Day period (e.g., November 7-11).
Eligibility and Redemption Requirements
To redeem Veterans Day offers, individuals generally must provide proof of military service. Acceptable forms of identification typically include:
- Military ID (CAC card or DD Form 2)
- Veterans Service Organization membership card (e.g., VFW, American Legion)
- Photograph in uniform
- Wearing military uniform
- Official orders or pay stubs
It is noted that offers are subject to participation by individual franchise owners for chain restaurants. Therefore, consumers are advised to verify participation with their local establishment prior to visiting. Additionally, many offers are restricted to dine-in service and may not be valid for mobile orders or third-party delivery services.
Conclusion
Veterans Day offers a wide array of complimentary meals, retail discounts, and community events dedicated to honoring military service. From national restaurant chains providing free breakfasts and dinners to automotive centers offering complimentary maintenance checks, the availability of these benefits is extensive. However, the availability of specific offers is subject to annual changes and local participation. Consumers should rely on official brand announcements for the most current information regarding terms, hours, and required documentation.