Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. In Michigan, as in many other states, this day is marked by a widespread tradition of businesses offering complimentary meals, discounts, and special promotions to veterans and active-duty service members. These offers span a diverse range of industries, from national restaurant chains and local eateries to coffee shops and entertainment venues. For Michigan-based veterans and their families, Veterans Day 2025 presents an opportunity to enjoy free food, beverages, and other perks as a gesture of gratitude from the community. This article provides a detailed overview of the freebies and deals available in Michigan on November 11, 2025, based on information from various local news reports and brand announcements.
The offers listed in the provided sources are typically available to veterans and active-duty military personnel who present valid identification, such as a military ID, VA card, or DD-214 discharge papers. It is crucial to note that while many national chains participate, participation can vary by individual location. Most deals are dine-in only and do not include tax or gratuity. Consumers are strongly advised to contact their local restaurant or business in advance to confirm participation and specific terms before visiting.
National Restaurant Chains with Michigan Locations
Many large national restaurant chains offer Veterans Day deals that are available at their locations across Michigan. These offers are among the most widely publicized and are consistently mentioned across multiple sources.
Applebees: Applebees offers a free entree from a special menu for veterans and active-duty military members. This is a popular, nationwide offer.
Benihana: Participating Benihana restaurants offer a free entree worth up to $49 for veterans and active-duty military.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Veterans and service members can receive a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie. Additionally, guests with a military ID who dine from November 12 through December 31 will receive a coupon for a free appetizer on a future visit.
Bonefish Grill: This chain offers free bang bang shrimp and a drink. An ongoing 10% discount for veterans is also reported by one source.
California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active-duty members can get a free meal from a special menu, dine-in only.
Chili’s Grill & Bar: Chili’s provides a free meal from a special menu for veterans and active-duty military. This offer is valid in-restaurant only for select items.
Cracker Barrel: Veterans can receive a free Sunrise Pancake Breakfast. Another source mentions a free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake.
Denny’s: Denny’s offers a free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to noon. One source specifies the "Build Your Own Grand Slam" is available during these hours.
Outback Steakhouse: Outback provides a free Aussie 3-Course Meal with select entrees on November 10 and 11 for the Marine Corps birthday and Veterans Day, dine-in only.
Texas Roadhouse: Veterans and active-duty service members can pick up a voucher between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on November 11 for a free lunch from one of 10 options, including a 6-ounce sirloin steak. These vouchers can be redeemed through May 31, 2026. Details may vary by location.
Wendy’s: Wendy’s offers a free Breakfast Combo during breakfast hours on November 11 to active military and veterans with proof of service at participating locations, dine-in only.
White Castle: Veterans and active-duty military members can get a free individual combo meal or breakfast combo meal on November 11.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active-duty members receive 10 free boneless wings and fries, available dine-in and walk-in at participating locations.
Golden Corral: The buffet chain offers a free dinner buffet beginning at 4:00 p.m. until close at all Michigan locations. One source notes that through November 30, Golden Corral is handing out free meal and beverage cards to all active-duty military and veterans.
IHOP: Veterans and active-duty members can receive a pancake or pancake combo meal from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., dine-in only.
Kona Grill (Troy): This location offers one free entree, valued up to $49.
Twin Peaks: Veterans and active-duty service members can enjoy a free lunch from a select menu between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on November 11, dine-in only.
Chipotle: The military community can enjoy any entrée and get a second entrée for free from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time on Veterans Day at restaurants across the U.S. All guests with a valid military ID are eligible for this promotion.
Coffee Shops and Bakeries
Several coffee and bagel chains offer free beverages or food items for veterans on Veterans Day.
Bruegger’s Bagels: Offers free hot or iced coffee.
Biggby Coffee: Provides free hot brewed coffee up to 24 ounces.
Dunkin’: Veterans can get a free doughnut of their choice.
Einstein Bros. Bagels: Offers free hot or iced medium coffee when veterans state they are a veteran.
7-Eleven: Veterans with a Veterans Advantage account can link it to the 7Rewards loyalty program for special offers, including a free cup of coffee for Veterans Day.
Local and Regional Michigan Eateries
In addition to national chains, many local businesses across Michigan offer special deals for veterans. These offers often vary by location and may include extended celebration periods.
Anna’s House (West Michigan): Veterans and active-duty members can get a free traditionalist breakfast (two eggs, potatoes, toast, and choice of meat) at all locations.
Bear Lake Tavern (North Muskegon): Veterans with a military ID receive a free meal from 4-9 p.m.
Blue Porch Bar & Grill (West Michigan): Veterans and their families receive 33% off their entire bill, excluding alcohol.
Lighting Rounds, Woodchips BBQ, Kookys N Cream (Lapeer): These three businesses host Veterans Appreciation Week from November 10 through November 13, offering 50% off all food and non-alcoholic drinks.
Captain D’s: Offers 10% off meals for veterans.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Provides a free order of calamari with any purchase for veterans, active military, police officers, and firefighters with a valid ID through Wednesday. The chain also has an ongoing 10% discount for active and retired service members.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Offers a free Pulled Pork Classic Sandwich.
Famous Dave’s: Provides a free Lunch Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich with a side.
Chicken Salad Chick: All veterans and active military receive a free meal with one side and drink, valid in-restaurant or drive-thru only. Must show military ID or DD-214.
Other Freebies and Deals
The Veterans Day celebration extends beyond food to include entertainment and retail offers.
Dave & Buster’s: Veterans receive a free entree and a $10 Power Card for gameplay.
Emagine Theatres: Active military and veterans will get two tickets each to see a movie of their choice for free on November 11, 2025.
Pilot / Flying J: Veterans, military personnel, and their families can get a free breakfast sandwich and coffee or lunch item and fountain drink. Identification must be verified with ID.me in the Pilot app. Pilot is also making a donation to the Call of Duty Endowment and allowing guests to round up purchases for donations from November 8 through December 1.
Important Considerations for Veterans
While the list of freebies is extensive, there are several important factors for veterans to consider when planning their Veterans Day.
Proof of Service: Most participating businesses require some form of valid military identification. This can include a military ID card, VA card, or a DD-214 discharge form. Some offers, like the one from Pilot/Flying J, require digital verification through an app. It is essential to have proper documentation ready.
Dine-In vs. Drive-Thru: The majority of free meal offers are valid for dine-in service only. Some exceptions exist, such as the offers from Chicken Salad Chick (dine-in or drive-thru) and McDonald’s (dine-in and drive-thru). Always check the specific terms of the offer.
Participation Varies by Location: Even for national chains, not every location may participate in Veterans Day promotions. Franchise-owned locations have the discretion to opt out. It is highly recommended to call the specific restaurant you plan to visit ahead of time to confirm they are honoring the deal.
Exclusions and Limitations: Most free meal offers do not include tax or gratuity, which are the responsibility of the guest. Some deals may be limited to a specific menu or have a maximum value. For example, Benihana’s free entree is worth up to $49.
Extended Offers: Some businesses extend their gratitude beyond November 11. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, for instance, offers a coupon for a future visit valid from November 12 through December 31. Golden Corral’s free meal cards are available through November 30. Texas Roadhouse vouchers are valid through May 31, 2026.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 in Michigan offers a wide array of free meals, discounts, and special treats to honor military service members. From national chains like Applebees, Chili’s, and Outback Steakhouse to local eateries in West Michigan and Lapeer, there are numerous opportunities for veterans and active-duty personnel to enjoy a complimentary meal or beverage. The offers span breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with some extending to coffee, doughnuts, and even movie tickets. To maximize these benefits, veterans should ensure they have valid military identification, confirm participation with their local establishment, and be aware that most deals are dine-in only and do not cover tax or gratuity. By planning ahead and verifying details, Michigan’s veteran community can fully partake in the gratitude and appreciation expressed on this important holiday.