Veterans Day Freebies and Discounts in Columbus, Ohio: A Guide to Free Meals and Offers

Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a significant occasion for honoring military service members and veterans. Across the United States, many businesses extend gestures of appreciation through free meals, discounts, and special offers. In the Columbus, Ohio area, a variety of national chains and local establishments participate in these traditions, providing veterans and active-duty personnel with opportunities to enjoy complimentary food and services. This article compiles information on available Veterans Day deals in Columbus, focusing on free meals, menu items, and discounts. It is important to note that offers can vary by location, franchise, and year, and most require proof of military service.

Understanding Veterans Day Offers

Veterans Day offers are typically extended to veterans and active-duty members of the U.S. military. To redeem these promotions, individuals are generally required to present a valid form of identification. Common forms of proof include a military ID, a VA card, a driver’s license with a veteran designation, a DD214 discharge document, or, in some cases, wearing a military uniform. The availability of offers can be subject to change, and participation may vary by individual restaurant location. It is always advisable for veterans to confirm details directly with their local restaurant before visiting.

Free Meal Offers

Several prominent restaurant chains offer free meals to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. These meals often include a selection of menu items, allowing for choice and flexibility.

Applebee’s

Applebee’s provides veterans and active-duty servicemembers with a complimentary lunch or dinner. Eligible individuals can select one entrée from a specific list, which includes options such as a bacon cheeseburger, 6-ounce top sirloin, chicken tenders, double crunch shrimp, fiesta lime chicken, oriental chicken salad, or three-cheese chicken penne pasta. In addition to the free meal, Applebee’s offers a card for $5 off a future visit, valid within three weeks. This offer is typically valid on Veterans Day. There are multiple Applebee’s locations in central Ohio.

Bob Evans

Bob Evans, a chain with a significant presence in central Ohio (33 locations in the area), offers a free meal from a 10-option menu for veterans and active-duty members. The menu includes classic breakfast items (two eggs, breakfast meat, bread), the Sunrise breakfast (two eggs; hash browns, home fries or fruit; bread), biscuits and gravy, brioche French toast, buttermilk hotcakes, and Down-Home Country-Fried Steak with mashed potatoes, green beans, and bread.

Chili’s

Chili’s offers veterans a free dine-in meal from a special Veterans Day menu. This promotion is valid for veterans and active-duty military personnel.

Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse distributes free meal vouchers to veterans on November 11. These vouchers can be redeemed for a complimentary meal.

Raising Cane’s

Raising Cane’s offers a year-round Hero Discount Program for military members, veterans, and first responders. While not a Veterans Day-specific free meal, it represents an ongoing program of appreciation.

Free Menu Items and Specials

Some establishments provide specific menu items or specials rather than a full meal, offering a taste of their offerings.

BIBIBOP Asian Grill

On Veterans Day, BIBIBOP Asian Grill offers a free bowl to all veterans and active-duty military personnel at all locations. To claim the free bowl, a military ID must be presented. This offer is available in-store on November 11 only.

Charleys Cheesesteaks

Charleys Cheesesteaks provides veterans with free gourmet fries on Veterans Day. This offer is available at participating locations in the Columbus area.

Chicken Salad Chick

Chicken Salad Chick offers a free Chick Special (a scoop or sandwich) with one side and a regular drink for veterans or active-duty military personnel. This promotion is valid on Veterans Day. Proof of service, such as a military ID or DD214, is required, and individuals in uniform are also eligible. Specific locations in the Columbus area include 1056 Dublin Road (Grandview Heights), 687 Worthington Road (Westerville), and 6304 E. Dublin Granville Road (Northeast Side).

Chipotle

Chipotle offers a buy-one, get-one free entrée deal for the military community on Veterans Day from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The promotion is available to guests with a valid military ID. Additionally, Chipotle runs a Round Up for Real Change feature on its app and website from November 11 through November 16, allowing guests to round up their total to donate to the United Service Organizations (USO).

Peach Cobbler Factory Columbus

Peach Cobbler Factory Columbus, a Veteran-owned business, offers a free menu item to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day from noon to 10 p.m. No purchase is required, but proof of service must be shown. This location is at 4691 Morse Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230.

Pilot Flying J

Pilot Flying J offers a free meal credit valued up to $12 in the myRewards Plus app for service members and their families verified through ID.me on Veterans Day.

Discounts and Ongoing Offers

Several restaurants provide discounts rather than free meals, both on Veterans Day and throughout the year.

101 Craft Kitchen

101 Craft Kitchen offers a $10 discount for veterans and active-duty military personnel. This discount is available at their Columbus-area locations: 7509 Sawmill Road (Dublin), 397 Stoneridge Lane (Gahanna), and 817 Polaris Parkway (Westerville).

Bonefish Grill

Bonefish Grill provides a year-round Heroes Discount of 10% on all checks for service members, veterans, and first responders. A valid ID is required to receive the discount.

El Vaquero

El Vaquero offers a 20% discount to all veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. This discount is available at all Columbus-area El Vaquero locations.

Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse honors veterans year-round with its Heroes Discount, offering 10% off for all service members, veterans, and first responders.

Texas de Brazil

Texas de Brazil offers a 10% Heroes Discount on dine-in dinner and lunch prices (including the salad area) for service members, EMS personnel, and teachers. Exclusions may apply; details are available on the restaurant’s website.

Additional Veterans Day Freebies and Events

Beyond restaurant offers, other freebies and events are available in the Columbus area for Veterans Day.

Free Haircuts and Car Washes

While specific businesses are not named in the provided data, it is noted that Veterans Day often includes free haircuts and car washes for veterans and active-duty military personnel. These offers are typically provided by local businesses as a gesture of appreciation.

Free National Parks Admission

On Veterans Day, all National Parks offer free admission to the public, providing an opportunity for veterans and their families to enjoy outdoor spaces at no cost.

Veterans Day Events and Parades

The Columbus area hosts several events and ceremonies for Veterans Day. These include: * Delaware Veterans Parade: Held on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 3 p.m. at the Delaware County Fairgrounds. * Annual Veterans Day Parade in Hilliard: Hosted by the William R. Schnug Memorial Post 614 of the American Legion on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 2 p.m. The parade starts at the Franklin County Fairgrounds and ends at Veterans Memorial Park. * Columbus Veterans Day Rally: Held on November 9, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the National Veterans Memorial Museum grounds. The event includes entertainment, free meals, and veteran-related vendor tents. * Clinton Township Veterans Day Ceremony: A ceremony on November 11, 2025, at 10:45 a.m. at Veterans Park, featuring an ROTC Honor Guard. * City of Powell Veterans Day Ceremony: Held on November 10, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Greater Powell Veterans Memorial.

Important Considerations for Veterans

When seeking Veterans Day offers, veterans should keep several key points in mind:

Proof of Service: Almost all offers require some form of military identification. It is recommended to carry a valid ID, such as a military ID, VA card, or DD214.
Dine-In vs. To-Go: Many offers, particularly free meals, are valid for dine-in only. To-go orders may not be eligible for the same promotions.
Location Variability: Offers can vary by franchise and location. It is crucial to call the specific restaurant ahead of time to confirm participation and any specific requirements.
Timing: Veterans Day offers are typically valid only on November 11, unless otherwise specified. Some promotions, like the Chipotle BOGO deal, are time-limited within the day (e.g., 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.).
Terms and Conditions: Always review the terms and conditions of any offer. Some deals may have exclusions, such as specific menu items or locations.

Conclusion

Veterans Day in Columbus, Ohio, is marked by a wide array of freebies and discounts offered by restaurants and other businesses to honor military service. From full free meals at chains like Applebee’s and Bob Evans to complimentary menu items at establishments like BIBIBOP Asian Grill and Peach Cobbler Factory, there are numerous opportunities for veterans and active-duty personnel to enjoy a meal at no cost. Additionally, discounts are available at various restaurants, and free admission to National Parks provides another way to celebrate. Veterans are encouraged to verify offer details with individual locations and have appropriate identification ready to redeem these appreciations. By taking advantage of these deals, veterans can enjoy a well-deserved gesture of thanks from their community.