Veterans Day 2016 saw a wide array of businesses offering complimentary meals, snacks, and services to honor active-duty military personnel and veterans. These promotions, typically available only on November 11, required proof of service and were often limited to dine-in or specific locations. The offers spanned numerous national and regional restaurant chains, covering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert items. A comprehensive review of the available deals from 2016 provides insight into the types of freebies offered and the general requirements for redemption.
Many of the listed freebies were concentrated in the restaurant sector, with several major chains participating. For example, Applebee’s offered a complimentary meal from a limited menu for veterans and active-duty military personnel on November 11, valid for dine-in only at participating locations. Proof of military service was required. Similarly, Denny’s provided a free Build Your Own Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to noon on November 11 for active, inactive, and retired military personnel. Bob Evans also extended a free meal from a select menu on the same day, with an additional 10 percent discount available for veterans and active-duty military from November 12 through December 31 for dine-in and carryout purchases.
Other notable restaurant promotions included a free entrée from a set menu at Bakers Square for veterans and active-duty military on November 11. Bar Louie offered a free appetizer or entrée to veterans and active military personnel on the same day. Ben’s Soft Pretzels provided a free jumbo soft pretzel at participating locations. BJ’s Restaurant offered a complimentary entrée under $12.95 for active-duty military and veterans. Bonanza Steakhouses gave a free buffet to active-duty and retired military personnel. Buffalo Wild Wings extended a free small order of wings and a side of fries to veterans and active-duty military personnel all day on November 11.
Some establishments offered free items with a purchase or specific conditions. Boston Market provided one free brownie or cookie with any purchase for active-duty or retired military personnel and their families on November 11. Chipotle offered a buy-one-get-one-free deal on burritos or other entrees from 3 p.m. to close on November 11. Cracker Barrel gave a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake to veterans on November 11. Famous Dave’s provided a free Two Meat Combo to former and current military personnel on November 11. Fazoli’s offered a free Build Your Own Pasta Bowl to veterans on November 11. Figaro’s Pizza gave a complimentary medium 1-topping pizza to veterans and active-duty servicemembers on November 11.
Other participating restaurants included 54th Street Grill (free entrée), Arooga’s (free meal from a limited menu), B.J.’s Restaurant (free entrée under $12.95), Bob Evans (free meal), Bonanza Steakhouses (free buffet), Boston Market (free brownie or cookie with purchase), Bubba’s 33 (free lunch), Burntwood Tavern (free lunch or dinner), Calhoun’s (free meal on November 11), City Barbecue (free sandwich platter on November 11), Claim Jumper (complimentary meal on November 14), Coco’s Bakery (free slice of pie on November 11), Country Cookin (free meal from 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. on November 15), Denny’s (free Grand Slam), El Torito (one complimentary item from a special menu), Farmer Boys (free Big Cheese burger), Firebirds Wood Fired Grill (free lunch or dinner entrée), and Fogo de Chao (50 percent off the meal).
Beyond restaurants, other types of freebies were available. Golden Corral Restaurants hosted a Military Appreciation Night on November 14, where military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard, and reserves could enjoy a free dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. National Parks offered free admission for everyone on Veterans Day in honor of veterans. Westgate Resorts offered 1,000 free vacations to qualifying servicemembers who submitted an online military appreciation form and made a fully refundable $75 deposit; the vacation was for up to four individuals at Westgate Town Center from May 5-7, 2017. Veterans could also receive a complimentary haircut or a free haircut card, redeemable until December 31.
The primary requirement across most offers was proof of military service, such as a military ID. It was generally recommended to call ahead to verify local participation and specific ID requirements. The availability of these freebies was often limited to November 11, with some exceptions like Golden Corral's event on November 14 and Country Cookin's offer on November 15. The offers were intended to honor veterans and active-duty personnel for their service and sacrifice.
Conclusion
In 2016, Veterans Day freebies were predominantly offered by national restaurant chains, providing complimentary meals, snacks, and desserts to active-duty military personnel and veterans upon presentation of proof of service. The promotions were largely valid only on November 11, with a few exceptions for events on subsequent days. Beyond dining, other businesses offered services such as free haircuts and vacation packages, while national parks provided free admission. These initiatives collectively served as a widespread gesture of gratitude for military service.