Veterans Day is a national holiday on November 11 dedicated to honoring military veterans in the United States. Many businesses across various industries show appreciation by offering special promotions, including complimentary meals, discounted retail purchases, and free services. These offers are typically available to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and sometimes their families. This guide provides an overview of the types of freebies and discounts available for Veterans Day 2025, based on information from promotional guides and news reports. It covers food and beverage offers, retail discounts, and other services, along with tips for claiming these benefits.
Free Food and Meals
A significant portion of Veterans Day promotions centers on complimentary food and beverages. Both national chain restaurants and local establishments participate, offering everything from quick snacks to full sit-down meals. It is important to note that many offers are dine-in only and require proof of military service.
Full-Service Restaurants
Several full-service restaurant chains offer free meals to veterans and active-duty military personnel on November 11, 2025. These are typically from a select menu.
- Applebee's: Offers a free dine-in meal from a select menu for active-duty military, veterans, Reservists, and Guardsmen on November 11.
- Bar Louie: Provides a free burger (excluding the Big Louie) for veterans and active-duty service members dining in on November 10 and 11.
- Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar: Veterans receive a free BD’s Burger with a classic side on November 11 until 4 PM.
- Bandana’s BBQ: Offers a free Pork Sandwich Meal with a regular side for veterans on November 11.
- Biscuit Belly: Provides a free biscuit sandwich from a select menu and a drip coffee or fountain drink for veterans on November 11.
Buffets and Casual Dining
Buffet-style restaurants and casual dining chains are also popular destinations for Veterans Day meals.
- Golden Corral: Hosts an annual Veterans Day Free Meal Event. Veterans can enjoy a free buffet from 4 PM to 9 PM on November 11.
- Another Broken Egg Cafe: Invites veterans, active duty, and retired military personnel to enjoy a complimentary Patriot French Toast topped with strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream, paired with Barista House Blend Coffee. This offer is for dine-in only on November 11.
Fast Food and Coffee Chains
For a quicker option, several fast-food and coffee chains offer smaller complimentary items.
- Starbucks: Provides a free coffee or tea for veterans and military personnel (limit one per person).
- Dunkin’: Offers a free donut for veterans, with some locations potentially offering more.
- Wendy’s: Provides a free breakfast combo or coffee for veterans.
- Taco Bell: Offers a free Beefy 5-Layer Burrito with a military ID.
- Aroma Joe’s: Veterans receive a free 24-ounce drink of their choice on November 11.
- BIGGBY Coffee: Veterans can get any 16-ounce beverage for $1.99 on November 11.
Local Diners and Cafes
In addition to national chains, many local, family-owned diners and cafes offer discounts or free meals on Veterans Day. Checking local town or city websites, community Facebook groups, or military base announcements can help identify these regional promotions.
Retail and Service Discounts
Beyond food, many brands offer discounts on retail purchases and services, allowing veterans to save on everyday items and special purchases.
Retail Discounts
Several major retailers provide percentage-based discounts for Veterans Day.
- Target: Offers 10% off two storewide purchases for Veterans Day.
- Walgreens: Provides 20% off all weekend long.
- Academy Sports + Outdoors: Offers a 10% discount through Veterans Day.
- Barbeque at Home by Dickey’s: Veterans receive a 15% discount on all orders using code VETERAN15 from November 11 through December 31.
Travel and Lodging
Travel-related discounts are also available for veterans planning trips.
- Red Roof Inn: Veterans can save 15% when booking a stay.
Automotive Services
Some automotive service providers offer free or discounted services.
- ZIPS Car Wash: Veterans and active military receive a free top car wash when using code VETS at check-out.
Other Services
Additional service offers include community events and educational opportunities.
- Veterans Homecoming Week: A week of complimentary events, discounts, celebrations, and meals for veterans from November 5 to November 11 in Branson, MO. Vouchers are available at five locations in the state.
Eligibility and Claiming Process
To successfully claim Veterans Day freebies and discounts, preparation is key. Most promotions require proof of military service.
Required Documentation
- Military ID: This is the most common and widely accepted form of proof.
- Proof of Service: If a military ID is not available, other forms of service proof may be accepted. This can include a veteran organization membership card, a discharge document (like a DD214), or a state-issued veteran ID card. It is advisable to check with the specific business beforehand to confirm what documentation they accept.
Planning and Strategy
- Call Ahead: Even if a brand lists a promotion, individual franchise locations may choose not to participate. Calling the specific location beforehand is recommended to confirm they are honoring the deal, especially for popular restaurants where lines can be long.
- Plan Your Route: To maximize the day, group locations by neighborhood or category. For example, start with breakfast at a coffee shop, move to a lunch spot, and then visit a retailer offering discounts.
- Arrive Early or During Off-Peak Hours: Freebies attract crowds. Arriving early or visiting during mid-morning or late afternoon can help avoid long lines.
- Be Patient: Expect lines, especially at popular establishments.
Sharing with Family
Many Veterans Day offers are designed for the veteran but can be shared with family in some cases. Some restaurants offer "kids eat free" promotions that may be stacked with Veterans Day deals, or provide a discount on a second meal for family members. It is important to check the specific terms of each offer.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 presents a wide array of opportunities for veterans and active-duty military personnel to receive complimentary meals, retail discounts, and service offers. From full-service restaurants like Applebee's and Golden Corral to quick-service options like Starbucks and Dunkin’, the culinary options are extensive. Retailers such as Target and Walgreens, along with service providers like ZIPS Car Wash, extend the appreciation through savings on purchases and services. The key to a successful Veterans Day experience lies in preparation: verifying eligibility, bringing proper documentation, calling ahead to confirm participation, and planning an efficient route. By leveraging these verified offers, veterans can enjoy a day of gratitude and savings.