Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a significant occasion for businesses and communities across the United States to honor military veterans and active-duty service members. In Dayton, Ohio, numerous restaurants and local establishments participate in this tradition by offering complimentary meals, discounted items, or special promotions. These offers are a gesture of gratitude, providing veterans and service members with an opportunity to enjoy a meal at no cost or reduced price. This article compiles a comprehensive list of such offers available in the Dayton area for Veterans Day 2025, based on publicly announced promotions and local restaurant information.
It is important to note that the availability, terms, and conditions of these offers can vary significantly by location, franchise, and participating outlet. Most offers are valid for dine-in service only and require proof of military identification, such as a valid military ID, DD Form 214, or other official documentation. Veterans and active-duty personnel are strongly advised to verify details directly with the specific restaurant or establishment before visiting, as promotions are subject to change without notice.
National and Regional Chain Restaurant Offers
Several well-known national restaurant chains with locations in the Dayton area offer Veterans Day promotions. These deals typically apply to veterans and active-duty military members who present valid identification.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s offers a free entrée from a select menu for veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. This offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations. Some locations may also include a future credit as part of the promotion. The availability of specific menu items and the inclusion of future credits may vary by location.
Chili’s
Chili’s provides a free dine-in meal from a special Veterans Day menu for veterans and active-duty military members. The offer is valid for dine-in only at participating restaurants.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse distributes free meal vouchers for veterans on November 11. These vouchers can be redeemed at a later date. The process for obtaining the voucher and the redemption details may require in-person visit or prior registration, and participation may be limited to specific locations.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings offers 10 free boneless wings and fries for veterans and active-duty service members. This promotion is valid for dine-in only and requires a valid military ID. The offer is available at participating locations.
Little Caesars
On Veterans Day, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., veterans and active-duty military personnel can receive a complimentary Lunch Combo, which includes four slices of Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce beverage. This offer is typically available at participating Little Caesars locations.
Starbucks
Starbucks provides a free tall hot or iced brewed coffee for veterans, active-duty military, and spouses. The offer is available at participating U.S. stores.
Red Robin
Red Robin offers a free Big Tavern Burger and a bottomless side for veterans and active-duty military. This promotion is valid for dine-in only at participating restaurants.
Red Lobster
Red Lobster provides a free Shrimp & Chips entrée for veterans and active-duty military at participating locations. The offer is valid for dine-in only and requires proof of service.
California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen offers a free entrée and drink for veterans and active-duty military. Additionally, they provide a BOGO (Buy One, Get One) credit for a return visit. This offer is valid at participating locations and typically requires dine-in service.
Chipotle
Chipotle offers a BOGO entrée for veterans and active-duty military from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Veterans Day. A valid military ID is required to redeem the offer.
Firehouse Subs
Firehouse Subs provides a BOGO sub offer for veterans and active-duty military with a military ID. The offer is valid at participating locations.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack offers a free ShackBurger for veterans and active-duty military with a qualifying ID. The promotion is valid at participating locations.
Smoothie King
Smoothie King provides free 20-ounce smoothies for veterans and active-duty military. The time window for this offer varies by location, so checking with the specific store is recommended.
TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays offers a free meal from select options for veterans and active-duty military. A specific time window is listed for the promotion, and participation may vary by location.
White Castle
White Castle provides a free combo or breakfast meal for veterans and active-duty military. The offer is valid at participating locations.
Cicis Pizza
Cicis Pizza offers a free adult buffet for veterans and active-duty military at participating locations. Proof of service is required.
Denny’s
Denny’s offers a free breakfast item at participating restaurants for veterans and active-duty military. The offer is valid for dine-in only and requires a military ID.
IHOP
IHOP provides free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancakes or a pancake combo for veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The offer is valid for dine-in only at participating restaurants.
Golden Corral
Golden Corral hosts a Military Appreciation Night on November 11 from 4:00 p.m. to close, offering a free “thank you” meal for veterans and active-duty military when dining in. Participation may be limited to specific locations.
Hooters
Hooters offers a free select menu item for veterans and active-duty military with the purchase of a beverage. This offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations and requires proof of service.
Mission BBQ
Mission BBQ provides a free sandwich for veterans on Veterans Day. The offer is valid at participating locations.
Bob Evans
Bob Evans offers a free farm-fresh meal from a special menu for veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day. The offer is valid for dine-in only and requires a valid military ID.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse offers a Veterans Day freebie or discount, which varies by location. Veterans should check with their local BJ’s for specific details.
Smokey Bones
Smokey Bones provides free entrée options for veterans and active-duty military. The offer is valid for dine-in only and requires a military ID.
Perry’s Steakhouse
Perry’s Steakhouse offers a complimentary dinner-cut pork chop for veterans when dining with a paying guest. Veterans dining alone or with other veterans receive a 50% discount on the pork chop. The offer is valid for dine-in only and requires proof of service.
Local Dayton-Area Restaurant Offers
In addition to national chains, several locally owned and Dayton-area restaurants offer special promotions for Veterans Day.
201 Tavern
201 Tavern, a veteran-owned business, offers all veterans a free 6-inch personal pizza and one drink on Veterans Day.
Another Broken Egg Cafe
Another Broken Egg Cafe provides veterans and active-duty military with a free Patriot French Toast, topped with strawberries, blueberries, and fresh whipped cream, along with Barista House Blend Coffee on November 11. The offer is valid for dine-in only, and a valid ID must be presented.
Bagger Dave’s
Bagger Dave’s offers veterans a free Great American Cheeseburger and fries on Veterans Day. The offer is valid for active, non-active, reservists, and retired military personnel with proof of military identification. It is valid at all Bagger Dave’s locations for dine-in only.
BIBIBOP Asian Grill
BIBIBOP Asian Grill provides veterans and active-duty military with a free bowl in-store on November 11. The offer is valid in-store only with a valid ID, and it is for one free bowl per person. Premium toppings and additional items are not included.
Biggby Coffee (Springboro & Middletown)
Biggby Coffee locations in Springboro and Middletown offer a free 16 oz drink of choice for veterans.
Fricker’s
Fricker’s offers veterans 10 free Boneless Frickin’ Chicken Wings on November 11. The offer is valid for dine-in only and requires an ID.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers provides veterans and active military personnel with a free Freddy’s Combo meal card on November 11. No purchase is necessary to receive the card, which may be redeemed through December 31, 2025.
Georges Family Restaurant
Georges Family Restaurant offers veterans 50% off their meal on Veterans Day as a thank you.
Giovanni’s Fariborn
Giovanni’s Fariborn offers veterans a gift certificate for either a spaghetti dinner or $10.00 to be used in November or December.
Green Chili Indian Restaurant
Green Chili Indian Restaurant honors veterans and active-duty military with 25% off all dine-in menu orders on November 11, all day long.
Hickory River Smokehouse
Hickory River Smokehouse honors veterans and active-duty military with a free meal on Veterans Day.
Huey Magoo’s
Huey Magoo’s offers veterans and active-duty military a free 3-Piece Tender Meal with the purchase of a beverage on November 11. Must show Military or Veteran ID or DD Form 214 to redeem. The offer is valid for one-time use only for in-store orders at participating locations.
Long John Silver’s
Long John Silver’s offers a buy-one, get-one-free combo deal on November 11.
Mudlick Tap House
Mudlick Tap House offers 20% off for all veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day.
Old Bag of Nails
Old Bag of Nails offers $10 off food purchases for veterans who present a Military ID.
Olive Garden
Olive Garden offers a complimentary entrée from a special menu for those that dine-in on November 11 to thank members of the military.
Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse offers a free Aussie 3-course meal, including a starter, choice of select entrées, and dessert, for veterans and active-duty military when dining in on November 10 and 11. This promotion is to celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day.
The Pub
The Pub offers a free meal for retired and active-duty military as a thank you for their service.
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons offers a free classic donut to guests who are in any U.S. military uniform or present a valid veteran’s ID in participating restaurants. The order must be placed in the restaurant.
Fazoli’s
Fazoli’s offers all active military and veterans a free Spaghetti with Marinara or Meat Sauce at participating locations with proof of service when dining in or via the online code, VET24.
Love’s Travel Stops
Love’s Travel Stops offer a free Love’s branded food offering and a fountain drink through the Love’s Connect app on Veterans Day.
Lumpia Queen
Lumpia Queen offers veterans a choice of a small Chicken Pancit Bowl or two lumpia (Beef, Pork, Chicken, or Veggie) for free.
The Donut Haus Bakery
The Donut Haus Bakery offers one free donut or pastry to all veterans on Veterans Day.
Important Considerations for Veterans
When seeking Veterans Day offers, it is crucial to understand the common terms and conditions associated with these promotions.
Proof of Service
Nearly all offers require proof of military identification. Acceptable documents typically include: - A valid military ID card (for active duty, reserve, or retired personnel) - A DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) - A state-issued driver’s license with a veteran designation - A military uniform (for some offers, like Tim Hortons) - Other official documentation may be accepted at the discretion of the restaurant.
Dine-In vs. Takeout
The majority of Veterans Day meal offers are valid for dine-in service only. This is often due to operational considerations and the need to verify identification at the time of service. A few exceptions exist, such as the offer from Fazoli’s, which may allow redemption via an online code, but this is less common. Always confirm the service method with the restaurant.
Participating Locations
Participation in Veterans Day promotions can vary by franchise, especially for national chains with independently owned and operated locations. It is essential to call ahead or check the restaurant’s website or social media for confirmation that the specific Dayton-area location is honoring the offer.
Menu Limitations
Many free meal offers are restricted to a select menu. For example, Applebee’s, Chili’s, and Bob Evans provide a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu, which may not include all regular menu items. Similarly, offers like the one at BIBIBOP Asian Grill specify that premium toppings and additional items are not included.
Time Windows and Expiration
Some offers are available only during specific hours (e.g., Little Caesars from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., IHOP from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Others, like the Freddy’s Combo meal card, may have a redemption window extending beyond Veterans Day (through December 31, 2025). Always verify the validity period.
No Purchase Necessary
While many offers do not require a purchase (e.g., Applebee’s free entrée, Freddy’s meal card), some promotions, such as Hooters or Huey Magoo’s, require the purchase of a beverage. The terms should be checked in advance.
Conclusion
Veterans Day in Dayton, Ohio, presents a wide array of opportunities for veterans and active-duty military personnel to enjoy complimentary meals and discounts from both national chains and local establishments. The offers range from full sit-down meals to specific menu items, beverages, and even future-use meal cards. While the generosity of these businesses is commendable, the success of accessing these offers hinges on careful planning. Veterans should always verify participation, required identification, service method (dine-in vs. takeout), and any specific time windows or menu restrictions directly with the restaurant prior to visiting. By doing so, they can ensure a smooth and rewarding experience as they are honored for their service.