Veterans Day 2017 offered a wide array of complimentary meals, discounts, and special offers for active military members, veterans, and their families across the United States. Numerous restaurants and retailers participated in honoring those who have served, providing free food, beverages, and products on or around November 11, 2017. These offers generally required proof of service, such as a military ID, VA card, or discharge papers, and many were valid only on Veterans Day itself, though some extended into the surrounding days or month.
The availability of these deals varied by location, with participating franchises often leaving it to individual store management to decide whether to honor the promotions. Consequently, it was recommended that individuals call ahead to confirm participation before visiting. Additionally, some offers included a charitable component, such as donations to organizations supporting the children of fallen heroes.
Restaurant and Food Offers
Many national and regional restaurant chains provided free meals or significant discounts to veterans and active-duty personnel. The specific terms, dates, and required identification varied by establishment.
Major Chain Offers
Several well-known chains offered free entrees or meals on Veterans Day, November 11, 2017:
- Chipotle: Chipotle offered a buy-one-get-one-free deal on burritos, bowls, salads, or tacos on Tuesday, November 7, from 5 pm until close. This offer was valid for active-duty, national guard, retired military, and military spouses with ID. On Veterans Day itself, November 11, military veterans received a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake.
- Denny's: Veterans, active-duty personnel, and retirees received a free Grand Slam from 5 am to noon on Veterans Day with valid ID.
- Texas Roadhouse: A free lunch was available from 11 am to 2 pm on Saturday, November 11, 2017. The offer applied to active duty, retired, or former U.S. military personnel, who could choose from a select menu. Proof of service included a military or VA card or discharge papers.
- Outback Steakhouse: Guests with a military ID received a free Bloomin' Onion and beverage on Veterans Day. Additionally, a 15% military discount was available on the total bill from November 12 through December.
- T.G.I. Fridays: All veterans and active-duty personnel were invited to a free lunch up to $12 at participating locations from 11 am to 2 pm on November 11, 2017, from a select menu.
- Bob Evans: Veterans and active-duty military personnel could choose one of six free meals at all Bob Evans restaurants on November 11, 2017.
- White Castle: A free combo meal, including breakfast combos, was offered to all veterans and active military at participating locations on Veterans Day.
- Chuck E. Cheese: Veterans received one free personal 1-topping pizza at all U.S. restaurants on November 11, 2017. Valid ID or proof of military service and promo code #5500 were required.
- Wienerschnitzel: Veterans and active-duty military received a free Chili Dog, small fries, and a small Pepsi on November 11.
- MOD Pizza: Veterans and active-duty military could receive a free pizza or salad with ID on Veterans Day, though confirmation for 2017 was pending at the time of the offer.
- BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: In addition to Veterans Day offers, BJ's ran a "Buy a Hero a Beer" program throughout November. Guests 21 and older could contribute $6 toward a pint of craft beer or handcrafted soda for a veteran or military hero. Active and retired military could sign up online to reserve a beer and receive a promo code.
Regional and Casual Dining
Various regional chains and casual dining establishments also participated:
- Lone Star Steakhouse: Free entree from the Stars & Stripes Menu for veterans and active-duty military with ID. A portion of proceeds from Veterans Day sales was donated to SnowballExpress.org.
- Burntwood Tavern: All locations provided a free lunch or dinner for veterans and active military on November 11, 2017.
- City BBQ: A free sandwich platter (any sandwich plus two sides) and drink were available for active-duty personnel and veterans at participating locations.
- Glory Days Grill: A free appetizer or boneless wings were offered with a military ID on Veterans Day.
- JJ's Red Hots: Veterans and active-duty military received a free meal, including unlimited hot dogs, sausages, sides, and non-alcoholic drinks, all day at participating locations.
- CentraArchy Restaurants: Nine specific restaurants (including New York Prime, California Dreaming, and Chophouse New Orleans) offered a free entrée from the regular dinner menu on Sunday, November 12, 2017, with valid military ID.
- Sammy's Woodfired Pizza & Grill: Veterans received two free appetizer choices (hummus with grilled herb flatbread or garlic cheese bread) on Veterans Day.
Fast Food and Other Food Offers
- Bubba's 33: Veterans and active military members were eligible for a free lunch on Veterans Day.
- Fresh Mex: A complimentary Fresh Mex 3-Item Combo was available on Saturday, November 11, 2017, from 11 am to 10 pm. Qualifiers needed to dine in uniform or bring proper identification. The combo included a selection of enchiladas, tacos, tamales, flautas, or chile relleno, served with rice, sweet corn tamalito, and a choice of beans.
Retail, Services, and Other Freebies
Beyond food, Veterans Day 2017 included offers for jewelry, resort stays, and memorial recognition.
- Samuels Jewelers: A sweepstakes was held in honor of Veterans Day, offering two giveaways: a REVV, 14K White Gold, Titanium and Diamond Accent Dog Tag (Retail Value $199) and a Sterling Silver, Citrine and Diamond Necklace (Retail Value $219). The sweepstakes ran from October 27, 2017, to November 12, 2017.
- Sirata Beach Resort: In collaboration with MilitaryBridge, Sirata Beach Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida, offered a promotion, though specific details were not fully listed in the provided text.
- South Central Region Veterans Group (SCRVG): Based in Rolla, Missouri, SCRVG managed the construction of the Veterans Memorial Park. They offered an opportunity to honor veterans with an Honor Plaque for a minimum donation of $75.00. These black plaques with silver letters (8.5" x 5.25") were placed on the reverse side of a memorial wall. Donations could be mailed to SCRVG, PO BOX 1691, Rolla, MO 65402.
Important Considerations for Veterans and Active Military
When seeking Veterans Day freebies and discounts, several factors should be considered to ensure a smooth experience:
- Verification of Participation: While many national chains intend for all locations to participate, individual franchise owners often have the discretion to opt out. It is highly recommended to call the specific location ahead of time to confirm they are honoring the Veterans Day offer.
- Required Identification: Most offers require proof of military service. Acceptable forms typically include a military ID, VA card, or discharge papers. Some offers may also allow veterans to dine in uniform.
- Timing of Offers: Not all deals are valid solely on November 11. Some, like Chipotle's BOGO offer, occur earlier in the week (November 7), while others, such as Outback Steakhouse's discount, extend into the following days or month. BJ's "Buy a Hero a Beer" program ran throughout November.
- Scope of Eligibility: Some offers are strictly for veterans and active-duty personnel, while others extend to military spouses and family members. The fine print of each offer specifies the exact eligibility requirements.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2017 provided a significant number of opportunities for veterans and active military members to receive free meals and discounts from a variety of restaurants and businesses. From national chains like Chipotle and Texas Roadhouse to regional eateries and retailers, the range of offers was extensive. To maximize these opportunities, individuals should verify participation with specific locations, carry appropriate identification, and be aware of the specific dates and terms of each promotion. Additionally, community initiatives like the SCRVG Honor Plaques in Rolla, Missouri, offered a way to permanently honor veterans through memorial contributions.