Veterans Day deals: Where current and former military members can eat for free
Veterans Day 2022: Here’s were military members can score free food and more.
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This Veterans Day, restaurants are recognizing current and former military members with free meals and deals as a “thank you” for their service.
The annual holiday, celebrated Nov. 11, marks the anniversary of the end of World World I and was initially set aside to salute veterans of that war, according to the Department of Defense. It replaced Armistice Day in 1954 when Congress amended the commemoration to honor all U.S. veterans and service members.
Proof of military service — including a valid military ID, veterans organization card or photo of yourself in uniform — is usually required to receive Veterans Day discounts. Most deals can only be redeemed on the actual holiday, though some restaurants are offering longer running specials.
Here’s where current and former military members can score a freebie on Thursday, Nov. 11:
Applebee’s
Active-duty military, veterans, Reserves and National Guard members can visit a participating Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar and receive a free full-size entree of their choice from a custom menu crafted just for military members.
The offer is valid on dine-in orders only and guests will receive a $5 bounce back card to use toward a future dine-in, delivery or to-go purchase, according to a news release.
Proof of military service is required. Entrees are limited to one per customer.
Find your nearest Applebee’s here.
Cicis
In honor of Veterans Day, Cicis pizza is offering a free adult buffet to all active and retired military members.
Guests must present a valid military ID and the Cicis Veterans Day coupon at the time of purchase.
The deal is good for dine-in only on Nov. 11
Find your closest Cicis here.
Denny’s
In a show of appreciation, Denny’s is offering a free build your own Grand Slam combo to all active and inactive military members, according to a news release.
The offer is good from 5 a.m. until noon Nov. 11 at participating restaurants. A military ID is also required.
Eligible guests can build their ultimate breakfast platter, choosing from morning staples such as pancakes, bacon and eggs.
Hard Rock Cafe
Military members can enjoy a steak burger on the house at Hard Rock Cafes for Veterans Day. The burger, topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato and applewood bacon, also comes with a side of fries and is available all day, according to a news release.
The offer requires proof of military service.
IHOP
IHOP is treating veterans and active military members to free Red, White and Blueberry pancakes on Nov. 11.
Guests with a military ID can stop in for their pancakes between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at participating locations, according to a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page.
The offer is valid on dine-in orders only and is limited to one per customer.
Little Caesars
Little Caesars is honoring U.S. veterans and active military members with a free Hot-n-Ready lunch combo at participating locations nationwide, according to a news release.
Military members can pick up their pizza between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m on Nov. 11. No coupon is required, but guests must present proof of military service to receive the offer.
Pilot Company
The Pilot Company of U.S. travel centers is honoring all active and retired military personnel with a free meal at any of its 750-plus stores on Veterans Day.
Customers with a military designation in the myRewardsPlus app can add the special $10 meal credit to their account, according to a news release. The deal is valid on hot and cold food purchases, coffee, fountain drinks and more.
Red Lobster
Veterans can enjoy a free appetizer or dessert at Red Lobster with dine-in orders on Veterans Day, the company announced.
To redeem the offer, guests must show a military ID or proof of military service.
Red Robin
Red Robin is celebrating veterans with free burgers and bottomless steak fries ahead of Veterans Day, McClatchy News previously reported.
Red Robin Royalty members who have a military designation can enjoy a Red’s Tavern Double burger and fries on the house. Those who aren’t signed up for the Royalty Program must have joined on or before Nov. 1 to be eligible for the offer.
The one-time deal is valid through Nov. 14.
Starbucks
Starbucks is saying “thank you” to those who have served by treating them to a free 21-ounce hot coffee.
The offer is open to all veterans, active military members and military spouses at participating Starbucks stores. For every cup of brewed coffee sold Nov. 11, the coffee house said it will donate 25 cents to Headstrong and Team Red, White & Blue to support military members’ mental health.
Military members can get their free coffee in-store or in the drive-thru.
Wendy’s
Free breakfast will be waiting at Wendy’s for all active military and veterans on Nov. 11, the fast-food chain announced.
Those with a valid military ID or Veterans Advantage Card can receive a free breakfast combo at participating Wendy’s locations. Guests can choose from the Breakfast Baconator, Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit or Maple Bacon Chicken Croissant combo.
The offer is available during breakfast hours from 6:30–10:30 a.m., though hours may vary by location.
Find your closest Wendy’s here.
White Castle
White Castle is saluting veterans this year with a free breakfast combo or combo meal No. 1-6.
The offer is valid to all current and former U.S. military members who dine-in at participating White Castle locations Nov. 11 No purchase is necessary, but guests must provide a military ID.
This story was originally published November 10, 2021 at 12:46 PM with the headline "Veterans Day deals: Where current and former military members can eat for free."