Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a significant national holiday dedicated to honoring military service members and veterans. In recognition of their service, many businesses across the United States, including numerous national chains and local establishments, offer special discounts, free products, and promotional deals. These offers typically require verification of military or veteran status, often in the form of a military ID, DD 214, or other official proof. The following information details a selection of Veterans Day freebies and deals available to eligible personnel in Connecticut, as reported by local news sources. It is important to note that participation can vary by franchise location, and consumers are advised to confirm details with their local establishment before visiting.
Veterans Day Meal Offers and Freebies
A wide array of restaurants and food service establishments provide complimentary meals and significant discounts to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. These offers are typically valid for dine-in service on November 11 unless otherwise specified, and proof of service is universally required.
National Restaurant Chains
Several large national restaurant chains offer free entrées or meals from special menus for veterans and active-duty personnel.
- Applebee’s: All active-duty military, veterans, reserves, and National Guard members can receive a free, full-sized entrée from an exclusive menu. Dine-in customers in this group also receive a $5 gift card, valid for three weeks and redeemable on their next dine-in, to-go, or delivery order.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Military personnel and veterans can claim 10 free Boneless wings and Fries with a valid ID. This offer is valid for dine-in and walk-in customers at participating locations.
- California Pizza Kitchen: All veterans and active-duty military personnel may choose one entrée from a special Veterans Day menu. This offer is valid for dine-in only.
- Chili’s: Veterans and active military members who dine in receive a free meal from a select menu.
- Cracker Barrel: Veterans can get a free Sunrise Pancake Special while supplies last. This offer is for dine-in customers only, and proof of military service is required.
- Denny’s: Active and retired military personnel can receive a free Original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon local time at participating locations nationwide. The offer is valid for dine-in only and requires a valid military ID or DD 214.
- Dickey’s Barbecue Pits: Veterans and active-duty military personnel receive a free pulled pork sandwich. The offer is valid for dine-in and carry-out, with a limit of one per guest.
- Golden Corral: From 4 p.m. to close, the buffet restaurant will offer active and former military members a free meal.
- Hooters: Active and retired military personnel can choose one free meal from a special menu. On Veterans Day, all veterans who present a military ID or proof of service and purchase a beverage at any participating Hooters location nationwide will receive a free entrée from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu (available for dine-in only). The menu includes five entrées: Buffalo Chicken Salad, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Hooters Burger, and 10-Piece Boneless Wings.
- IHOP: Veterans get a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo served with eggs, hash browns, and a choice of meat. The offer is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on November 11 for dine-in only, with a limit of one per person.
- Mission BBQ: Veterans receive a free sandwich and a special treat at noon with a performance of the National Anthem.
- Ninety Nine Restaurant + Pub: Veterans and active-duty military get a free lunch entrée with the purchase of an adult entrée on Veterans Day, available from opening until 4 p.m.
- Olive Garden: Olive Garden will offer each veteran and current member of the military a free entrée from a special menu.
- Red Robin: Veterans and military members get a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger (dine-in only).
- Sheetz: On Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, service members can enjoy a free half turkey sub with a regular fountain drink, including all extras and add-ons, at any of Sheetz’s 800+ locations. Additionally, those with a valid military ID or proof of service can receive a free $9 car wash at participating stores with car wash facilities.
- Smoothie King: Active-duty military and veterans can claim a free 20-ounce smoothie at participating locations nationwide. The offer is available from 12-3 p.m.
- Starbucks: On Veterans Day, veterans, military service members, and military spouses can enjoy a free tall (12-oz) hot or iced brewed coffee. Just mention your military affiliation when placing your order. The offer is valid on café and drive-thru orders only, with a limit of one per customer.
- STK Steakhouse: Veterans will receive 50% off food all weekend long, from Saturday, November 9 through Tuesday, November 11.
Other Food & Beverage Establishments
Additional food-related offers are available from bagel shops, sandwich chains, and dessert locations.
- Dave & Buster’s: On November 11, Dave & Buster’s is offering veterans and active military a free entrée up to a $20 value and a $10 Power Card. Additionally, they can receive 15% off all food and beverage purchases every day, all year round.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels and Bruegger's Bagels: These establishments offer a free hot or iced coffee of any size to all veterans and active-duty service members on Tuesday, November 11. Guests can claim their complimentary coffee in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online with the code FREECOFFEE, with no purchase necessary.
- Firehouse Subs: Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free sub of equal or lesser value when they purchase any size sub and show a valid military ID. The offer is valid in-store only, with a limit of one per customer.
- Friendly’s: From 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on November 11th, Friendly’s will be offering Veterans a free meal. Veterans get a free All-American Cheeseburger and drink of choice with an active Military ID.
- Hacienda Mexican Restaurants: Veterans get a free large Wet Burrito, either dine-in or carry out.
Non-Food Freebies and Discounts
While most Veterans Day promotions focus on food, some businesses offer free services or products.
- Sheetz Car Wash: As mentioned, Sheetz provides a free $9 car wash at participating stores with car wash facilities to veterans and active-duty military members with a valid military ID or proof of service.
- Dave & Buster’s Power Card: In addition to a free entrée, Dave & Buster’s provides a $10 Power Card to eligible personnel on Veterans Day.
Important Considerations and Eligibility
To successfully claim any Veterans Day offer, eligible individuals must be prepared to provide verification of their status.
Proof of Service: The most commonly accepted forms of identification are a valid military ID (including dependent ID), a DD 214, a veteran organization card (e.g., American Legion, VFW), or a state-issued driver’s license with a veteran designation. Some locations may accept a photo of a military ID or service record, but policies can vary. It is always best to carry a physical ID.
Participation Variability: Many of these offers are provided by national chains, but individual franchises are often independently owned and operated. Consequently, not every location of a given chain may participate in the Veterans Day promotion. The sources emphasize that it is a good idea to call ahead to confirm local participation before visiting.
Dine-In vs. Carry-Out: Many free meal offers are valid for dine-in service only. Some, like those from Dickey’s Barbecue Pits or Cracker Barrel (for the pancake special), may specify that carry-out is also an option. Always check the specific terms of the offer.
Timing and Limits: Most offers are valid only on Veterans Day itself, November 11. Some, like the Denny’s breakfast, are available during specific hours (e.g., 5 a.m. to noon). Others, like the Smoothie King offer, are available from 12-3 p.m. Many promotions also include a "one per customer" limit.
Additional Rewards: Some restaurants, like Applebee’s, offer an additional incentive, such as a $5 gift card for future use, to dine-in customers on Veterans Day.
Conclusion
Veterans Day provides a significant opportunity for military personnel and veterans in Connecticut to receive free meals, discounts, and special offers from a wide variety of businesses. The promotions listed—ranging from full entrées at sit-down restaurants to free coffee and car washes—demonstrate a broad-based appreciation for military service. However, the availability of these offers is contingent on individual franchise participation and the presentation of valid proof of military or veteran status. To ensure a smooth experience, consumers are strongly encouraged to verify participation and specific offer details with their local establishment prior to Veterans Day.