Restaurants Salute America’s Heroes with Freebies and Discounts
Every Veterans Day, we celebrate America’s active duty and retired military heroes by showing gratitude for their service. The history of this special national holiday goes back to 1919, when President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11 to be Armistice Day, a commemoration of the ceasefire between the Allied nations and Germany during World War 1. To preserve the significance of this date, Veterans Day falls on November 11 regardless of the day of the week it falls on.
As a small token of appreciation for veterans and active duty miliary personnel, fast-food franchises go all out for this special national holiday with fun deals, promotions, and special offers every November 11. Below is a compellation of freebies and discounts that salute America’s heroes.
Veterans Day 2023 Fast-Food Deals, Promotions, Freebies and Special Offers
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings has a special deal for veterans and military personnel this year. With military ID, guests receive a free 12-inch cheese pizza.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
For the sixteenth consecutive year, Applebee’s is serving complimentary meals for veterans and active duty service members (with a valid ID) on Veterans Day. These complimentary meals include: 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Platter, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken (above), Oriental Chicken Salad, and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. According to a press release, Applebee’s has served over 11.3 million free meals since beginning the tradition in 2008.
Arby’s
At select Arby’s franchise locations, veterans and active duty service members receive a free Classic Roast Beef sandwich on November 11. Guests must show valid proof of service or come dressed in uniform.
Bad Daddy’s
To honor the U.S. miliary on Veterans Day 2023, Bad Daddy’s is offering a free All-American Burger + a small side of fries, chips or tots from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. ID is required to redeem this offer.
Bar Louie
This Veterans Day 2023, participating Bar Louie locations are inviting all active and retired military, and veterans to enjoy a complimentary Bar Louie Craft Burger. These options including the Bourbon BBQ Burger, GastroBurger and more. Recipients must show a valid military ID to redeem the offer. Offer valid for dine-in only.
bb.q Chicken
At participating bb.q Chicken franchise locations this November 11, military veterans and active duty service members get 25% off their meal. A valid military ID is required.
BIGGBY COFFEE
On Veterans Day 2023, BIGGBY COFFEE is showing active and retired military personnel some love by offering a free brewed coffee of their choice up to 24 oz.
Bob Evans Restaurants
To honor America’s heroes, Bob Evans Restaurants is allowing military personnel to choose between 10 options for a free meal on Veterans Day 2023. These options include the Country Biscuit Breakfast, Sunrise, Brioche French Toast, Brioche French Toast, and Buttermilk Hotcakes. Proof of service is required.
Bombshells Restaurant & Bar
To commemorate Veterans Day 2023, Bombshells Restaurant & Bar will provide free entrees for veterans as well as 20% off for accompanying family members. A valid military ID or other official documents are required to enjoy the free offer and discount. Alcoholic beverages are excluded from the discount program, and the offer is valid for dine-in only.
Buffalo Wild Wings
On Veterans Day 2023, veterans and active duty military members can enjoy a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries at Buffalo Wild Wings. A military ID is required, and the offer is only valid for dine-in orders.
BurgerFi
At participating BurgerFi restaurants, veterans and active duty military personnel can enjoy 20% off their order on November 11. To redeem the dine-in only offer, a military ID must be presented.
Chicken Salad Chick
Chicken Salad Chick has a special offer for our nation’s active duty service members and retired veterans on November 11. With a valid military ID, military personnel get a free meal.
Chili’s
As an expression of gratitude for their service, all active duty service members and veterans can enjoy a free entrée at Chili’s on Veterans Day. These complimentary menu items include the Oldtimer with Cheese (above), 3-Count Chicken Crispers, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, and chili or soup and a side salad.
Dunkin’
At participating Dunkin’ restaurants, military personnel and veterans can enjoy a donut of their choice for free on Veterans Day 2023.
Friendly’s
From 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on November 11th, Friendly’s is offering veterans a free All-American Cheeseburger and drink. A valid military ID is required.
Golden Corral
Golden Corral is bringing back its annual Military Appreciation Night this November 13. As a small “thank you” to our military heroes, the buffet concept serves complimentary meals to all active duty military personnel, National Guard, reserves, and veterans of all branches of service. This deal lasts from 5 p.m. until closing and is available for dine-in only. No military identification is required.
Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream
To commemorate Veterans Day 2023, Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream is offering retired and active duty military personnel a free buffet with a drink. The buffet features all Happy Joe’s specialty pizzas, dessert pizzas, a salad bar, and a hot entrée with vegetables.
Hat Creek
Craving a burger on Veterans Day? Veterans and military service members get a free Big Hat Burger with a valid ID.
Hooters
Military personnel and veterans can get a free dinner entree from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu with ID and the purchase of a beverage. This special menu includes 10-piece boneless wings, Hooters burger (above), grilled chicken sandwich, Buffalo Chicken Salad, and Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. The special offer is valid for dine-in only at participating Hooters locations.
Huddle House
At Huddle House, our nation’s heroes are celebrated with a free MVP Breakfast Platter on Veterans Day 2023. To receive the offer, guests need to present a valid military ID.
IHOP
On November 11 from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., IHOP is offering veterans and active duty military a free Red, White, & Blueberry Pancakes or Pancake Combo. The deal is for dine-in only at participating restaurants.
Kolache Factory
On Veterans Day 2023 from 6 a.m. – 2 p.m., active duty servicemen and women and veterans can go to Kolache Factory and get a free kolache, a doughy, fruit-filled pastry, and coffee. A valid military ID is required, and the offer excludes croissants, Polish varieties, and espresso drinks.
Logan’s Roadhouse
Veterans Day is a special celebration at Logan’s Roadhouse. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 11, there is a free Veterans Day menu that features items including the All-American Cheeseburger (above), Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders, BBQ Grilled Pork Chop, and more. There is no need to make a purchase to receive this offer, and veterans and service members must present their military ID or come in uniform. This offer is valid for all military branches, including reservists and the National Guard. It is available for dine-in customers only.
O’Charley’s Restaurant & Bar
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 10-11, veterans can order a free entrée and/or receive a free slice of pie at O’Charley’s. The special menu items include: Bayou Shrimp Pasta, Southern Fried Chicken Tender Salad, Honey-Drizzled Southern Fried Chicken, Classic Cheeseburger, and Tenders & Fries (above). Both offers are for dine-in only.
Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom
As a salute to active military and retired veterans, Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom is giving away complimentary lunch entreés from an exclusive Veterans Day menu.
Perkins
To commemorate Veterans Day 2023, active duty, retired military, and veterans get a free Magnificent Seven meal. To receive the offer, a valid military ID must be presented.
Perry’s
Perry’s is offering multiple deals this Veterans Day 2023. On November 10 from 10:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. veterans and active service members get a free Pork Chop. The offer is available dine-in only, and guests must be accompanied by a guest purchasing one lunch or dinner entree and have a reservation and military ID. On Veterans Day from 4 – 6 p.m., retired and active duty military get a 3-course meal for $39 with a reservation and valid military ID.
PJ’s Coffee
To commemorate Veterans 2023, PJ’s Coffee is offering veterans and active service members a free 12 oz hot coffee or cold brew iced coffee.
Playa Bowls
Playa Bowls is thankful to all veterans, including its co-founder, Rob Giuliani, who is a U.S. Air Force veteran. On Veteran’s Day 2023, a complimentary bowl is being offered with the requirement of presenting a valid military ID for redemption.
Pokeworks
From November 11-12, veterans and active duty service members get 20% off any order at Pokeworks. The deal is good in-store only, and a valid ID is required.
Red Robin
This Veterans Day 2023, Red Robin is offering a complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger to veterans and military personnel who dine-in. This menu item features a thick, juicy burger patty, American cheese, Red’s Secret Tavern Sauce, shredded lettuce and tomatoes along with endless steak fries.
Rock Bottom Brewery
The Rock Bottom Brewery is offering a 20% discount for active duty and veterans this November 11. The deal is valid for dine-in and to-go with a military ID.
Smokey Bones
All active duty and retired military personnel can enjoy a free Create Your Own Combo on Veterans Day at Smokey Bones. The offer is valid for dine-in only with a valid military ID. When guests get a Robert’s Ribfeast (above), a portion of the proceeds will support The Robert Irvine Foundation. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to the physical and mental well-being of active duty service members, veterans, first responders, and their families.
Smoothie King
To honor our nation’s heroes, Smoothie King is giving away free red, white and blue smoothies on Veterans Day 2023. These smoothies include Cherry X-Treme, Slim-N-Trim Vanilla, and Blueberry Heaven.
Starbucks
Craving a coffee this Veterans Day 2023? On November 11, veterans, military service members and their spouses get a free 12-oz hot or iced brewed coffee at participating Starbucks locations. The corporate-owned coffee giant is also donating $100,000 each to two military focused organizations: Team Red, White & Blue and Travis Manion Foundation.
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe
All retired and active duty military members are honored at Taziki’s on Veterans Day with a free Chicken Gyro.
The Greene Turtle
On November 11, veterans and active military get a free entree up to $15 value. This in-store offer is valid with a military ID.
Tim Hortons
A small coffee is on the house this Veterans Day for retired miliary and active service members.
Tocaya Modern Mexican
On Veterans Day 2023, veterans can enjoy 50% off any purchase at Tocaya Modern Mexican. A valid ID is required for this in-store only offer.
Twin Peaks
Veterans and active military can pick a free menu item at Twin Peaks on November 11. These free items include a cheeseburger, chicken tenders, Caesar Salad (Chicken or Shrimp), or Chicken Street Tacos. By donating to Tunnel to Towers, a charitable organization founded to help America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families, guests receive a $5 off card.
White Castle
This Veterans Day 2023, veterans and active duty service members who dine-in at participating White Castle restaurants get a free individual combo meal or a breakfast combo meal. The corporate-owned fast-food chain will serve its sliders in patriotic packaging to commemorate the national holiday.
Zaxby’s
Select Zaxby’s locations are celebrating Veterans Day 2023 with a deal for rewards members. On November 11, the fast-food franchise is offering a free Signature Sandwich or the Spicy Signature Sandwich for members ordering on the app or website.
Ziggi’s Coffee
To commemorate Veterans Day 2023, Ziggi’s Coffee is offering a free 16 oz drink of choice for veterans and active duty service members. Be sure to bring proof of service to enjoy the deal.