Veterans Day 2017 provided an opportunity for service members and veterans in the Wichita Falls, Texas, area to receive complimentary meals and treats from a variety of local restaurants. These offers were designed to honor active-duty, retired, and reservist military personnel, with many extending the gratitude to military spouses and family members under specific conditions. The availability of these freebies often required proof of military service, such as a valid military ID, a photograph in uniform, or even wearing the uniform at the time of dining. While the national lists for Veterans Day 2017 were extensive, the local Wichita Falls area had a dedicated selection of participating establishments. This article details the free meal offers, eligibility requirements, and participating locations based on information available for Veterans Day 2017 in Wichita Falls.
Many of the offers for Veterans Day 2017 were structured to provide a full meal experience. For example, Applebee’s, a national chain with a location in Wichita Falls, offered all veterans and active-duty military members a free entrée from a special menu. This was a common promotion for the brand, aimed at providing a sit-down dining experience. Similarly, Chili’s offered a complimentary entrée for dine-in customers on Veterans Day. Denny’s provided a free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast entrée on Veterans Day, November 11, from 5 a.m. to noon, requiring valid military identification. Red Robin extended its offer to veterans and active-duty military, providing a free Red’s Tavern Double burger with free refills of Bottomless Steak Fries when dining in on November 11.
Other restaurants focused on specific menu items or combination meals. Buffalo Wild Wings offered a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries for veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day. The offer was available for dine-in or takeout, though online ordering was excluded, and proof of service was required for redemption. Cici’s Pizza provided a free adult buffet for those with valid active-duty or retired military ID. Cracker Barrel offered veterans a free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake, either with an in-store or online purchase. Cotton Patch Café gave all veterans and active-duty members a free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken.
Chipotle’s offer for Veterans Day 2017 was a buy-one-get-one-free deal for burritos, bowls, salads, or tacos, valid on Tuesday, November 7, from 5 p.m. to close, which was before Veterans Day itself. This offer was valid for all U.S. military (active-duty, national guard, and retired military), military spouses with ID, and veterans for in-restaurant orders at participating locations. On Veterans Day itself, Chipotle did not have a specific free entrée offer listed in the provided data for 2017.
Other local and national chains in Wichita Falls had specific offers. On the Border offered a free pick-two combo meal. Olive Garden provided a free entrée from a special menu, which included salad or soup and breadsticks. Rapid Fire Pizza offered a free dessert or cheesy bread with the purchase of an entrée. Red Lobster thanked veterans with a free Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, Fries, and Cole Slaw when dining in on Veterans Day. Schlotzsky’s offered free chips and a drink with the purchase of an entrée from Veterans Day through November 30 for veterans and active-duty service members. Starbucks offered a free tall (12-oz) hot brewed coffee for veterans, military service members, and military spouses on November 11. Texas Roadhouse offered meal vouchers valid through May 30, 2023, for veterans and active-duty military personnel from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with proof of service and no purchase necessary. Wendy’s provided a free small breakfast combo with military ID.
Specific to the Wichita Falls area, several local restaurants were listed as participating in Veterans Day 2017 freebies. These included locations such as 7-Eleven, which offered a free quarter-pound Big Bite 100-percent all-beef hot dog available in-store or on the app. A local establishment listed as number 10 offered a free lunch buffet for veterans on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Another location, number 11, offered a free signature entrée. Number 12 provided veterans with a free meal from a create-your-own combo menu, allowing a choice of two items. Number 13 offered a free appetizer or dessert. Number 14 provided a choice of two meat and two sides for veterans and active-duty military. Number 15 offered free lunch for veterans from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Number 16 provided a free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken. McAlister’s Deli in Wichita Falls offered a complimentary entrée, drink, and dessert for veterans and active-duty military members, dine-in only. Taco Casa was also noted as offering free meals to veterans and active-duty military.
Some offers were specific to dates around Veterans Day. A restaurant listed as number 5 had an annual military Appreciation Night on November 14 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., offering a free “thank you” dinner requiring proof of military service. This was not on Veterans Day itself but was a related event. Another location offered Red, White & Blue Pancakes free from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Veterans Day.
The eligibility for these offers generally required proof of military service. Acceptable forms of identification included permanent or temporary U.S. military ID cards, veteran’s cards, a photograph of the individual in military uniform, or dining in at a participating location in uniform. Many offers were valid for active-duty, retired, reservist, and National Guard members, with some also extending to military spouses with ID and veterans. Some offers, like the one at Red Robin, specified that no purchase was necessary. Others, like the Cracker Barrel cake slice, required an in-store or online purchase.
It is important to note that the information for Veterans Day 2017 is historical. The participation of specific locations can vary year to year, and the offers listed are from 2017. For current Veterans Day offers, consumers should check with individual restaurants and national chains for their most up-to-date promotions. The lists provided were based on offerings nationwide and local listings, and it was recommended to check with the local location to confirm participation.
The provided source material is insufficient to produce a 2000-word article. Below is a factual summary based on available data.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2017 in Wichita Falls, Texas, featured a variety of free meal offers from both national chains and local restaurants to honor military service members and veterans. Offers ranged from free entrées and combination meals to specific items like burgers, wings, and desserts. Eligibility typically required proof of military service, such as a valid ID or uniform, and many offers were valid for active-duty, retired, and reservist personnel, with some also including military spouses. While these specific offers were for 2017, they illustrate the common types of Veterans Day freebies available. Consumers interested in current offers should verify directly with restaurants for the most recent information.