Veterans Day is a significant occasion in the United States, dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of military veterans and active-duty personnel. Each year, numerous businesses across the nation participate by offering special promotions, including complimentary meals, discounted products, and exclusive deals. These offers serve as a tangible expression of gratitude, providing an opportunity for service members to enjoy various services and goods at no cost or reduced prices. The availability and specifics of these promotions can vary widely by brand, location, and year, making it essential for eligible individuals to consult the most current information directly from official sources before planning to redeem an offer.
The following information is compiled from verified sources detailing Veterans Day promotions for 2025. It focuses on restaurant freebies and retail discounts, as these are the primary categories documented in the provided source material. The offers listed are based on specific announcements for Veterans Day 2025, with details such as eligibility requirements, redemption methods, and timing. All factual claims are derived exclusively from the provided context documents, which include news articles and promotional listings from reputable outlets.
Restaurant Freebies
A wide array of national restaurant chains offer free meals to veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day. These promotions typically require proof of military service, such as a valid military ID or a DD 214 form. Most offers are valid for dine-in only on November 11, 2025, and may have specific time windows or menu restrictions.
Applebee's
Applebee's offers a free meal from a select menu to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. The promotion is valid at participating locations.
Back Yard Burgers
Back Yard Burgers provides a free classic burger to veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day.
Bad Daddy's Burger Bar
Bad Daddy's Burger Bar offers a free All-American Burger with a choice of small fries, chips, or tots. This promotion is available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time on Veterans Day at restaurants across the U.S. A valid military ID is required for eligibility.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings honors past and present armed service members by offering 10 free boneless wings and fries with valid ID. This offer is available for dine-in or walk-in at participating locations on November 11, 2025.
California Pizza Kitchen
All veterans and active-duty military members receive a free meal on Veterans Day. The offer is valid on November 11, 2025, and allows the choice of one entrée from a special Veterans Day menu. It is valid for dine-in only.
Chicken Salad Chick
All veterans and active military members receive a free meal with one side and drink on Tuesday, November 11. This offer is valid in-restaurant or at the drive-thru only and is not valid for online orders or delivery orders. A military ID or DD 214 is required to redeem the offer at all Chicken Salad Chick locations.
Chili's
Chili's provides a free Veterans Day meal to all veterans and active military members. The offer is valid on November 11, 2025, at all participating Chili's Grill & Bar restaurants. It is available in-restaurant only and applies to select menu items.
Chipotle
Chipotle offers a "buy one, get one free" promotion for the military community. On Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time, guests who present a valid military ID and order an entrée in-restaurant will receive a second entrée for free. The promotion applies to Chipotle bowls, burritos, salads, and taco entrees. Mobile order ahead is not available for this promotion, and there is a limit of one redemption per customer.
Cicis Pizza
Cicis Pizza offers a free adult buffet for all veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. This promotion is dine-in only and valid at all locations.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel offers veterans a free sunrise pancake special on Veterans Day. This offer is valid on November 11, 2025, while supplies last, and is available for dine-in only. Proof of military service is required.
Denny's
Denny's invites active and retired military personnel to enjoy a free Original Grand Slam® from 5 a.m. (store open) to noon local time at participating locations nationwide on Veterans Day. To redeem this offer, veterans and active-duty military need to present a valid military ID or DD 214.
Dickey's Barbecue Pit
Dickey's offers a free pulled pork sandwich to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, at all locations nationwide.
Little Caesars
Little Caesars offers a free HOT-N-READY® Lunch Combo to veterans and active-duty military members. This promotion is available on Tuesday, November 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Lunch Combo includes four slices of Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage.
Logan's Roadhouse
Logan's Roadhouse offers a free meal to active-duty military and veterans on Veterans Day. The offer is valid on Tuesday, November 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants can enjoy one free meal from a Veterans Day menu with proof of service.
Mission BBQ
Mission BBQ offers a free sandwich to veterans on Veterans Day. The promotion includes a live National Anthem performance at noon.
O'Charley's
O'Charley's provides veterans and active-duty military with a free entrée from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both November 10 and November 11. Options include Salisbury steak, shrimp scampi, and more. Participants also receive a $5 reward card for their next visit.
Ojos Locos Sports Cantina
Ojos Locos Sports Cantina offers 20% off all food items for veterans and active-duty military personnel. This discount is valid at all locations.
Olive Garden
Olive Garden offers each veteran and current member of the military a free entrée from a special menu on November 11. Proof of military service is required. Mobile order ahead is not available for this promotion, and there is a limit of one redemption per customer only on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Shoney's
Shoney's offers free access to its breakfast fresh food bar for veterans and active military personnel on Veterans Day. This offer is valid on Tuesday, November 11, from open until 11 a.m.
Sonny's BBQ
Sonny's BBQ offers a free Pork Big Deal to veterans and active military personnel on November 11. To redeem this offer, individuals must verify their status on the Sonny's BBQ website and sign up for rewards by Sunday, November 9. The offer is valid for one meal per check, for orders placed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Starbucks
Starbucks offers a free tall (12 fl. oz) brewed coffee (hot or iced) to veterans, military servicemembers, and military spouses on Veterans Day. The offer is valid at participating U.S. stores on November 11, 2025, for café and drive-thru orders only.
TCBY
TCBY offers free froyo to veterans and active military personnel. To show appreciation, TCBY is treating all veterans and active military with valid ID to their first 6 oz. of froyo free on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse is honored to offer free meals to veterans and active military members across the country on Veterans Day. At participating locations, veterans and military members can get a free Texas Roadhouse meal voucher on November 11, redeemable in-restaurant or for carry-out through May 30, 2026.
Viva Chicken
Viva Chicken is proud to serve veterans and active-duty military every day of the year. While a specific Veterans Day promotion is mentioned, the provided source data does not specify the exact offer details for 2025.
Retail Discounts
In addition to restaurant freebies, several retail brands offer discounts to veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day. These discounts often require verification of military status and may be available both in-store and online.
Target
Target offers a 10% military discount through November 11 to all active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. The discount can be used on two separate transactions, in-store or online.
Army & Air Force Exchange Service
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service offers various deals, including 10 cents off every gallon of gas at fuel locations. This is part of their broader Veterans Day promotional offerings.
Important Considerations for Redeeming Offers
When seeking to redeem Veterans Day freebies and discounts, it is crucial for eligible individuals to follow the specific guidelines set by each brand. Most promotions require proof of military service, such as a valid military ID, DD 214 form, or other official documentation. Offers are typically valid only on Veterans Day (November 11) unless otherwise specified, such as O'Charley's promotion spanning November 10 and 11. Many restaurant offers are dine-in only and may not be available for mobile orders, delivery, or to-go orders. It is also common for offers to have limited availability, with terms like "while supplies last" or "at participating locations."
To ensure accuracy, veterans and active-duty military members should verify the details of any promotion directly with the brand or restaurant before visiting. Official company websites, customer service lines, or social media channels are reliable sources for the most current information. Some brands, like Sonny's BBQ, require pre-registration or sign-up for rewards programs to redeem an offer.
Conclusion
Veterans Day promotions provide a meaningful way for businesses to express gratitude to military veterans and active-duty personnel. The 2025 offerings include a diverse selection of restaurant freebies, from full meals at establishments like Applebee's and Denny's to specific items like Little Caesars' Lunch Combo and Buffalo Wild Wings' boneless wings. Retail discounts, such as Target's 10% military discount, further extend the appreciation beyond dining. Each offer comes with specific eligibility criteria, redemption methods, and time constraints, emphasizing the importance of consulting official brand communications for the most accurate and up-to-date details. By adhering to these guidelines, veterans and service members can fully benefit from the honors extended to them on this national day of recognition.