Memorial Day 2026: Anticipated Restaurant Discounts and Meal Deals for Military and Veterans

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, is a federal holiday in the United States dedicated to honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. For many consumers, the holiday weekend also signifies the unofficial start of summer and is marked by sales and promotional events. A significant portion of these promotions come from the restaurant and food service industry, which often offers special discounts, free items, and meal deals, particularly for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families.

The following information outlines anticipated food and beverage deals for Memorial Day 2026, based on patterns and predictions from consumer savings sources. These deals typically span the entire holiday weekend, with many businesses beginning promotions on the preceding Friday. It is important to note that specific offers, eligibility requirements, and participating locations can vary, and consumers are advised to verify details directly with individual establishments or through official company channels before visiting.

Memorial Day 2026: Key Dates and Context

In 2026, Memorial Day will fall on Monday, May 25. However, many restaurant promotions are expected to run from Friday, May 22, through the holiday weekend. These promotions often include a mix of general public discounts, special military appreciation offers, and limited-time menu items. While some deals are free or require no purchase, others are discounts that apply to specific menu items, meals, or orders.

Memorial Day food deals are a common tradition, with national and regional chains participating annually. Offers frequently target military members and veterans, who may be required to present a valid military or veteran ID to redeem discounts. Some promotions are also available to the general public, including loyalty program members or online/app users.

Anticipated Military and Veteran-Specific Discounts

A core component of Memorial Day restaurant promotions is recognition of military service. Many establishments offer exclusive discounts or free items to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and sometimes their dependents. These offers typically require proof of service, such as a military ID, VA card, or other official documentation.

Based on historical patterns and current predictions, the following discounts are anticipated for Memorial Day 2026:

Caribou Coffee: Expected to offer a free hot brewed Coffee of the Day to military members, active personnel, and dependents on Memorial Day.
Fogo de Chao: Likely to provide a 50% discount on meals for veterans and active military personnel, plus a 10% discount for up to three guests.
Fuddrucker’s: Anticipated to offer a 15% discount for active military and veterans.
Outback Steakhouse: Predicted to offer a 10% discount for active military and veterans.
Joe’s Crab Shack: Expected to provide a 15% discount for military personnel and veterans.
Cracker Barrel: Likely to offer a 20% discount for military, veterans, and first responders.
Long John Silver’s: Anticipated to offer a 20% discount for military and veterans.
Perkins American Food Co.: Predicted to offer military members a free Magnificent Seven Breakfast upon presentation of a valid ID.
Pokeworks: Military personnel may receive an exclusive discount on any in-store purchase using a promo code and showing a valid ID.
RA Sushi: Likely to offer a discount on food (excluding drinks) for military members, veterans, Gold Star Families, and first responders during the Memorial Day weekend (May 22-25), requiring a valid military or veteran ID.

It is noted that Dairy Queen discounts vary by store location, and military members should inquire about potential savings of up to 50% for veterans and military personnel, alongside other available deals.

General Public Discounts and Meal Deals

Beyond military-specific offers, many restaurants will have promotions available to all customers during the Memorial Day weekend. These can include percentage-off discounts, fixed-amount savings on larger orders, special meal bundles, and free delivery offers.

Discount Codes and Order-Based Promotions

Several chains are expected to utilize promo codes or require specific ordering methods for their deals:

PDQ: Anticipated to offer a 20% discount on nugget and tender platters with the promo code MDW20.
TGI Friday’s: Expected to provide $10 off an order of $50 or more with the code MEMORIAL25, along with additional offers.
Denny’s: Predicted to offer $10 off online orders of $30 or more with the code SUNFUN, valid through Sunday of the holiday weekend.
Fazoli’s: Likely to offer $10 off orders of $50 or more using the code Memorial25 on May 26, 2026.
Olive Garden: Anticipated to offer a free delivery deal during Memorial Day weekend, potentially accessible via the new app or website using the code OGDELIVERS.

App-Based and Loyalty Program Deals

Digital platforms and loyalty programs are increasingly central to holiday promotions. Many deals will be exclusive to users who order through a restaurant’s mobile app or website, or who are members of their loyalty program.

Burger King: Royal Perks members are expected to receive a week of daily deals leading up to Memorial Day 2026. Each freebie will likely require an online or in-app purchase of $1 or more.
Raising Cane’s: New Caniac Club members may receive a free Box Combo when they download the Raising Cane’s app.
Gopuff: Gopuff FAM members are anticipated to get discounts on Memorial Day essentials like ice cream sandwiches, sparkling water, hydration drinks, and popsicles.
Logan’s Roadhouse: Rewards members may receive a discount on Party Packs for Memorial Day weekend.
Long John Silver’s: Seacret Society members can look forward to a discount on Family Meals.
McDonald’s: A Memorial Day deal is predicted, though specifics are not detailed.

Specific Meal Deals and Bundles

Numerous chains are expected to offer special meal bundles or themed deals for the holiday:

7-Eleven: In 2026, 7-Eleven is likely to celebrate with a delivery deal through the 7NOW app and a discount on whole pizzas. Additionally, from May 19, $2 snack deals featuring Clif Bars, Rice Krispie Treats Big Bars, and Quest Protein Cookies are available. Loyalty members can access a $4 meal deal with a value grill item, chips, and a drink, or a $5 meal with two grill items or one Big Bite Hot Dog. Seasonal items like the Summer Sprinkle Donut and Peace Tea Caddy Shack Slurpee are also highlighted.
Applebee’s: Expected to offer an All-You-Can-Eat meal for Memorial Day weekend.
Bubbakoo's Burritos: Anticipated to offer free delivery with no minimum purchase required for orders placed online or in-app during Memorial Day weekend.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Likely to offer a discount on Group Packs when using a promo code at checkout online or in-app.
Fazoli's: A discount is anticipated when using a promo code at checkout online or in-app during Memorial Day weekend.
Krystal: Expected to offer all guests a discount on 12-packs of Original Krystals and Cheese Krystals.
Marco's Pizza: Predicted to feature a Crowd Pleaser Bundle deal.
Newk's Eatery: Expected to offer a meal deal during Memorial Day weekend.
Nekter Juice Bar: Likely to offer a discount on a protein waffle (gluten-free) with any purchase.
Peet's Coffee: Anticipated to offer a sitewide discount when using a promo code at checkout.

Additional Food and Beverage Promotions

Beyond restaurant chains, other food-related businesses may also participate in Memorial Day promotions. Zaxby’s is offering half-price shakes (Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, and Birthday Cake) through June 1st, which extends beyond the immediate holiday weekend. Dunkin’ is expected to offer $3 medium Refreshers.

GrubHub is also noted as having multiple deals during the week of Memorial Day, which could aggregate offers from various participating restaurants on its platform.

Important Considerations for Consumers

While these deals are anticipated based on historical data and predictions, several factors should be considered:

Verification is Essential: Offers can change, and not all locations may participate. Consumers should confirm the availability of any deal with their local restaurant before visiting. Calling ahead is recommended.
Proof of Service: For military and veteran discounts, proper identification (e.g., a military ID, VA card, or other official documentation) is almost always required. Terms and conditions may specify acceptable forms of ID.
Geographic and Location Variability: Some deals, particularly those from regional chains or franchises, may not be available at all locations. Franchisees often have discretion over participation in national promotions.
Expiration and Validity: Pay close attention to the specific dates a promotion is valid. Many deals are only good on Memorial Day itself, while others run for the entire weekend (Friday through Monday). Codes may have specific expiration times.
Online/App Requirements: Many of the best deals are exclusively available through a restaurant’s mobile app or website. Consumers should download necessary apps and create accounts in advance to be prepared.

Conclusion

Memorial Day 2026 will feature a wide array of food and beverage promotions from national restaurant chains, catering to both the general public and, notably, military personnel and veterans. Anticipated deals range from percentage-off discounts and fixed-amount savings on larger orders to free meals for service members, special meal bundles, and app-exclusive offers. The promotional period is expected to span the entire holiday weekend, beginning as early as Friday, May 22. Consumers seeking to take advantage of these offers should plan ahead, verify details with individual establishments, and ensure they have any required identification or digital tools (such as restaurant apps) ready. As with all holiday promotions, terms, conditions, and participation can vary by location.