Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a time for honoring military service members and veterans. In the Fort Worth area, this day is marked by a variety of community events, ceremonies, and, notably, numerous free offers and discounts from local and national businesses. This article provides a detailed overview of the freebies, deals, and events available to veterans and active-duty military personnel in the Fort Worth region, based on verified information from local news sources and official announcements. The focus is on free meals, discounted services, and community celebrations that are accessible with proper military identification.
The information compiled here is drawn from several sources covering the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. While many offers are specific to the Fort Worth area, some extend to the broader region. Veterans and active-duty military members are advised to confirm offer details with individual businesses, as participation and terms can vary by location. Typically, a valid military ID, such as a DD 214, or other proof of service is required to claim these offers.
Veterans Day Free Meals and Restaurant Deals in Fort Worth
A significant portion of Veterans Day freebies come from the restaurant industry, with many chains and local establishments offering complimentary meals or substantial discounts. These offers are generally valid for dine-in service on November 11, unless otherwise specified.
National and Regional Restaurant Chains
Several well-known restaurant chains with locations in Fort Worth participate in Veterans Day promotions.
- Applebee’s: Veterans and active military members can receive a free meal from a set menu. Additionally, they will receive a $5 coupon for another visit.
- Chili’s: Veterans and active-duty military members are eligible for a free meal from a set menu. Chili’s has approximately 80 locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
- Texas Roadhouse: Offers a free meal voucher to veterans and active military personnel on Veterans Day.
- Golden Corral: This buffet chain, which has nine locations around Dallas-Fort Worth, will offer a free “thank you” buffet and beverage on November 11 from 4 p.m. to close.
- Pluckers Wing Bar: Veterans and active-duty military members can get a free meal, up to a $16 value, with a military ID or proof of service.
- BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse: On Veterans Day, military members dining in will receive a free Pizookie (a chocolate chunk cookie with ice cream). They will also get a coupon for a free appetizer on their next visit, valid from November 12 through December 31, 2025. BJ’s has 11 locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
- Benihana: From November 9 through November 11, Benihana will offer a free entrée (up to a $59 value) to veterans for dine-in service. Alcohol is excluded. Benihana has four restaurants in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
- Lazy Dog Restaurants: This casual restaurant chain with six Dallas-Fort Worth locations will offer a free Fireside Favorite on November 11.
- 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.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels and Bruegger's Bagels: These bagel shops are offering a free hot or iced coffee of any size to all veterans and active-duty service members on November 11. Guests can claim their complimentary coffee in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online with the code FREECOFFEE, with no purchase necessary.
- Friendly’s: From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 11, Friendly’s will offer veterans a free All-American Cheeseburger and a drink of choice with an active military ID.
- Ford’s Garage: On November 11, U.S. veterans and active-duty military can receive a free American Standard Burger or up to $15 off an entrée of their choice at participating locations with a valid military ID.
Local and Regional Fort Worth Establishments
Several restaurants specific to the Fort Worth area are also participating with unique offers.
- Panther City BBQ: Normally closed on Tuesday, this Fort Worth establishment will open on Veterans Day from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. to serve 100 free meals to veterans.
- Rusty Taco: Honoring veterans with a free two-taco combo plate on November 11, which includes two tacos, a side, and a drink. The offer is limited to one per person and is valid for dine-in or takeout. Rusty Taco has six restaurants in Dallas-Fort Worth.
- Cantina Laredo: Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal, up to a $30 value, at two locations in Dallas-Fort Worth: 4546 Belt Line Road, Addison, and 1125 Legacy Drive, Frisco.
- El Chico: Veterans and active-duty military are treated to a free meal, up to a $25 value, at three locations: 1549 S. Bowen Road, Pantego; 7621 Baker Blvd., Richland Hills; and 503 Interstate 30, Rockwall.
- Cicis Pizza: Dine-in customers who are active-duty military or veterans receive a free adult buffet on November 11. Cicis has more than 100 restaurants in Texas.
- Salad and Go: Military members visiting the drive-through can get a free salad or wrap on November 11. On November 12, the company will launch an ongoing 10% discount for veteran and active-duty service members who show their military ID. Salad and Go has more than two dozen restaurants in Dallas-Fort Worth.
- Saved by the Bagel: This Plano bagel shop is offering a free bagel and schmear for veterans on November 11.
- Savvy Sliders: Active military and veterans get a free Original or Fried Chicken Slider on November 11. No purchase is necessary, and the offer is in-store only. Savvy Sliders has locations at 4814 Greenville Ave., Dallas, and 901 E. Berry St., Fort Worth.
- Sevy’s: Any veteran visiting for lunch or dinner on Veterans Day will receive a free appetizer or dessert. Sevy’s is located at 8201 Preston Road, Dallas.
- La Madeleine: This casual French restaurant chain, with 17 locations around Dallas-Fort Worth, will offer a free entrée on November 11.
- Kolache Factory: With four locations in the Dallas area, Kolache Factory will offer one free kolache and any size coffee on November 11. The offer excludes croissants, Polish varieties, and espresso drinks.
- Andy’s Frozen Custard: Honoring military members with one regular-sized, one-topping sundae for free on November 11. Andy’s has nearly two dozen shops in Dallas-Fort Worth.
- Black Sheep Coffee: On November 11, veterans can get a free medium filter coffee at Black Sheep Coffee locations in Dallas-Fort Worth (6240 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas; 1501 Preston Road, Plano; and 2111 Hall-Johnson Road, Grapevine).
- Starbucks: On Veterans Day, veterans, military service members, and military spouses can enjoy a free tall brewed coffee.
Discounts and Other Offers Beyond Meals
In addition to free meals, several businesses offer discounts on services or products.
- Bombshells: Military members on Veterans Day will receive a 20% discount on all menu items (alcohol not included). Bombshells is located at 7501 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, and 701 N. Watson Road, Arlington. In November, the company will also donate $1 from every order of fried pickle “Bayonets” appetizers to the PTSD Foundation of America.
- Grimaldi's Pizzeria: This pizza chain, with eight locations around Dallas-Fort Worth, will offer 25% off on November 10 and 11. For veterans who cannot make it on Veterans Day, Grimaldi's offers 15% off every day of the year.
- The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill: This Greek restaurant chain, with three locations in Dallas-Fort Worth, will offer 25% off all gyros and gyro combo meals on November 11.
- Blue Mesa Grill: Military members will pay $5 for margaritas on Veterans Day. Blue Mesa Grill has restaurants at 14866 Montfort Drive, Addison; 612 Carroll St., Fort Worth; and 8200 Dallas Parkway, Plano.
Veterans Day Events and Celebrations in Fort Worth
Beyond dining, the Fort Worth area hosts several community events and ceremonies to honor veterans.
- 2025 Tarrant County Veterans Day Parade: This parade begins at 11 a.m. on November 11 outside the Tarrant County Courthouse on Main St. in Downtown Fort Worth. This year, the parade is honoring Vietnam Veterans.
- Veterans Day on the Square: This event takes place at 11 a.m. on the Denton Downtown Square.
- Veterans Day Celebration: Held at 9 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 925 Conover Dr., Grand Prairie.
- Greater Dallas Veterans Day Parade: This parade begins at 11 a.m. at the Hall of State, Fair Park. Ceremonies begin with the traditional "11th Hour Ceremony," which includes a symbolic laying of the wreath, Taps, and a Missing Man Formation military flyover.
- National Medal of Honor Museum: Located in Arlington, the museum will have several events on Veterans Day, including extended hours, a book signing, a parade, and a drone show.
Cultural and Recreational Freebies
Some museums and cultural institutions offer free admission or special access for veterans.
- George W. Bush Presidential Museum: The museum will offer free admission to all visitors on November 11, with extended hours from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- John Wayne: An American Experience: This Fort Worth museum will offer free walk-in admission from November 8 through November 11.
- Fort Worth Botanic Gardens: Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Veterans Day, with no tickets or reservations required for entry.
Important Considerations for Veterans
While the offers listed are widespread, there are important conditions to note. Most free meal and discount offers are valid only for dine-in service on November 11, 2025, and require proof of military service. Acceptable proof typically includes a valid military ID, a VA card, a DD 214, or a driver’s license with a veteran designation. It is always recommended to call ahead to a participating location to confirm they are honoring the offer and to inquire about any specific terms or limitations.
Some offers, such as the one from Firehouse Subs, require a purchase to receive the free item. Others, like the free coffee from Einstein Bros. Bagels, do not require a purchase but may require a code or in-app redemption. Veterans should carefully review the terms of each offer.
Conclusion
Veterans Day in Fort Worth offers a multitude of ways for the community to show appreciation for military service members and veterans. From free meals at a wide array of national and local restaurants to free admission to museums and participation in community parades and ceremonies, there are numerous opportunities for veterans to be honored. The key to accessing these offers is to have proper identification and to verify details with individual businesses, as participation can vary. By planning ahead and confirming offer specifics, veterans and active-duty military personnel can fully take advantage of the freebies and discounts available to them on this day of recognition.