Veterans Day 2016 saw numerous businesses and organizations in the Shreveport-Bossier City area extending gratitude to military personnel through free meals, events, and services. The offers detailed below were available specifically for Veterans Day on November 11, 2016, and were directed toward veterans, active duty military members, and their families. While the primary focus of the available data centers on the Shreveport-Bossier region, several national chains with locations in the area were also highlighted in broader promotional lists. These offers generally required proof of military service, such as a valid Military ID, and were valid for dine-in customers only unless otherwise specified.
Area-Specific Restaurant Offers
Several local sources identified specific restaurants in the Shreveport-Bossier City area participating in Veterans Day promotions. These establishments offered complimentary meals ranging from full entrees to buffet access.
- Applebee’s: Applebee’s locations in the community were encouraged to honor a deal providing free meals to veterans and active duty military members. The offer was valid for dine-in customers on November 11, 2016. Customers were advised to call ahead to confirm participation at their specific location. While the data did not explicitly list a limited menu for the Shreveport area, broader promotional materials for the chain indicated that entrée selection might vary by location.
- Chili’s: Participating Chili’s locations offered a free meal to veterans and active duty military personnel on November 11, 2016.
- The Spread Buffet: This establishment offered a complimentary meal on Wednesday, November 11, 2016, to veterans and active-duty personnel who presented a valid Military ID.
National Chain Restaurant Offers (Applicable to Area)
A comprehensive list of national restaurant chains offering Veterans Day freebies in 2016 included many brands with a presence in the Shreveport-Bossier area. These offers were generally valid on November 11, 2016, for dine-in service.
- 54th Street Grill: Offered a free entrée to veterans on November 11.
- Arooga’s: Provided free meals from a limited menu on November 11.
- Bakers Square: Offered a complimentary breakfast from a set menu on November 11.
- Bar Louie: Veterans and active military personnel could receive a free appetizer or entrée.
- Ben’s Soft Pretzels: Participating locations provided a free Jumbo Soft Pretzel to veterans on November 11.
- B.J.’s Restaurant: Active duty military and veterans received a complimentary entrée under $12.95.
- Bob Evans: Free meals were available to veterans from a special menu on November 11.
- Bonanza Steakhouses: Offered a free buffet to active duty and retired military personnel.
- Boston Market: Customers could receive a free brownie or cookie with any purchase on November 11.
- Golden Corral Restaurants: On November 14, 2016 (distinct from the November 11 date), Golden Corral hosted a Military Appreciation Night. Military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard, and reserves could enjoy a free dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sticky Fingers: Veterans and active military received a free pulled pork sandwich with baked beans and coleslaw all day on November 11.
- Tap House Grill: Offered a complimentary meal on November 11.
- Texas Roadhouse: All locations offered veterans a free lunch on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The offer was valid for active duty, retired, or former U.S. military.
- TGIFridays: Veterans and active duty military received a free lunch on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Travel Centers of America: Military veterans who held a CDL received a free meal with a beverage on November 11.
- Twin Peaks: Active duty and veterans received a free menu item from the Annual Veterans Day Appreciation Menu on November 11.
- Village Inn: Veterans and active military personnel received an Inn-Credible V.I.B. Breakfast on November 11.
- White Castle: Veterans and all military members received a free combo meal on November 11.
- Wienerschnitzel: Veterans and active duty military received a free Chili Dog, small fries, and a 20 oz. drink on November 11.
- World of Beer: Veterans or current service members could get a free select draught beer on November 11.
- Yard House: Veterans and active duty military received a complimentary appetizer on November 11.
Non-Restaurant Offers and Services
Beyond food establishments, the 2016 Veterans Day promotional landscape included personal care services and significant travel giveaways.
- Complimentary Haircuts: Veterans were eligible to receive a complimentary haircut or a free haircut card at participating locations. These cards could be redeemed for haircuts until December 31, 2016.
- Westgate Resorts Vacation Giveaway: Westgate Resorts announced a giveaway of 1,000 free vacations. Starting at 9 a.m. EST on November 11, the first 1,000 qualifying servicemembers who submitted the online military appreciation form and made a fully refundable $75 deposit were awarded a free three-day, two-night vacation for up to four individuals at Westgate Town Center. The travel dates for this offer were scheduled for May 5-7, 2017.
Community Events in Shreveport-Bossier City
Local organizations in the Shreveport-Bossier City area hosted events to honor veterans on November 11, 2016.
- Bossier Council on Aging: Hosted a "Celebration of Veterans" on November 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at 706 Bearkat Drive. The event featured the Bossier High School ROTC Honor Guard posting colors, commentary from Colonel John Johnson, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Ray Urban, a retired Marine officer. Marsha and Monty Brown presented a pictorial of their visits to European veterans' memorials. Light refreshments were served.
- First Baptist Church Shreveport: Presented a patriotic concert on November 11 at 6 p.m. to honor military veterans in the community.
Eligibility and Verification Requirements
The offers listed in the source material were generally restricted to veterans and active duty military personnel. Specific eligibility criteria included:
- Proof of Service: Most restaurant offers required proof of military service. While specific documentation was not detailed for every restaurant in the local data, broader industry standards for 2016 included valid Military ID, VA Card, or in some cases, wearing a uniform.
- Dine-In Restrictions: The majority of free meal offers were valid for dine-in service only.
- Participation Verification: Consumers were advised to call ahead to specific locations to verify participation in the offers, as participation could vary by franchise owner.
Conclusion
The 2016 Veterans Day offerings in the Shreveport-Bossier City area provided a variety of free meals and services to honor military personnel. The promotions were concentrated on November 11, 2016, with a notable exception of the Golden Corral event on November 14. The offers ranged from full meals at local and national chain restaurants to personal services like haircuts and a substantial vacation giveaway. Community events hosted by the Bossier Council on Aging and First Baptist Church Shreveport offered non-commercial opportunities for recognition and celebration. Veterans and active duty military members were required to present valid identification to redeem these offers.