Columbus Ohio Veterans Day Free Meals Discounts And Events For Military Personnel

Columbus, Ohio offers numerous Veterans Day free meals, discounts, and special events to honor veterans and active-duty military personnel. Local and national restaurant chains, as well as community organizations, provide special offers that require proof of military service. These offers include complimentary meals, discounted products, and exclusive events designed to recognize the service and sacrifice of military members.

Free Meals at Columbus Restaurants

Numerous Columbus restaurants offer complimentary meals to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day and surrounding dates. These free meal options vary by establishment and may be available on specific days of the Veterans Day weekend.

• Applebee's: Veterans and active-duty servicemembers can select from several free menu items including bacon cheeseburger, 6-ounce top sirloin, chicken tenders, double crunch shrimp, fiesta lime chicken, oriental chicken salad, or three-cheese chicken penne pasta. Additionally, recipients receive a card for $5 off their tab if they visit again within three weeks. There are nine Applebee's restaurants in central Ohio.

• Bibibop Asian Grill: This Columbus-based chain offers veterans and active-duty personnel a free rice or noodle bowl. The chain has 10 local restaurants and 40 more locations from Maryland to Missouri.

• Denny's: Veterans and active-duty service members can receive a free Original Grand Slam (two pancakes, two eggs, bacon and sausage) until noon on Friday. Columbus has one Denny's location at 3025 Olentangy River Road.

• Donatos: All Donatos locations offer veterans a free lunch combo meal valued up to $10, available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

• Golden Corral: The chain hosts its annual Military Appreciation Night event on Monday, having served more than 6 million meals to veterans and active-duty military personnel over 20 years. Central Ohio has two Golden Corral restaurants: one at 2005 Stringtown Road in Grove City and another at 4750 E. Main St. in Whitehall.

• IHOP: Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy free Red, White and Blueberry Pancakes topped with strawberry sauce, whipped cream, and blueberry sauce from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. Three central Ohio locations include 2413 Taylor Square Drive in Reynoldsburg, 40 Polaris Pkwy. at Polaris, and 7130 Sawmill Road on the Far Northwest Side.

• Starbucks: The coffee chain provides a free tall brewed hot or iced coffee on Veterans Day, which can be ordered either in its shops or through its drive-thrus.

• Torchy's Tacos: Three central Ohio Torchy's Tacos locations offer a free taco and drink to veterans and active-duty military personnel. The locations are at 3726 W. Dublin Granville Road on the Northwest Side, 1478 Gemini Place on the Far North Side, and 6042 N. Hamilton Road near New Albany.

• Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Veterans and active military members receive a card for a free Freddy's Original Double with Cheese combo meal that can be redeemed through November 30. The one area Freddy's restaurant is located at 4264 Buckeye Pkwy. in Grove City.

Special Discounts for Veterans

In addition to complimentary meals, many Columbus businesses offer special discounts for veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day and surrounding dates.

• The Buckeye Lady: This Ohio-based business offers 10% off purchases on November 11, both online and in its store at 4493 N. High St. in Clintonville. The discount can be applied to online orders using the code VETERAN. The company specializes in Ohio's chocolate-and-peanut-butter buckeye candies with 80 different variations.

• El Vaquero: This Columbus-based chain of Mexican restaurants with 13 locations in central Ohio provides 20% off to veterans and active-duty personnel who dine in on Monday.

• MOD Pizza: Customers who buy an 11-inch (MOD-size) pizza or salad at one of MOD Pizza's locations receive one MOD-size pizza or salad free. The four central Ohio locations are at 333 Hamilton Road in Gahanna, 6181 Sawmill Road on the Northwest Side, and 1301 Hill Road N in Pickerington.

• Kona Grill: Between Friday and Monday, veterans and active-duty military can receive 50% off their food at the Kona Grill location at 4087 New Bond St. at Easton Town Center.

• Bob Evans: While specific details are not provided in the source material, this Columbus-based chain offers some form of discount or deal for veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day.

Veterans Day Events and Activities

Columbus and surrounding areas host numerous Veterans Day events and activities designed to honor military personnel and provide opportunities for community engagement.

Parades and Ceremonies

• Delaware Veterans Parade: Scheduled for Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 3 pm at the Delaware County Fairgrounds. The parade route follows Pennsylvania Avenue, Sandusky Street and ends at Wilmer Street (near Ohio Wesleyan University). A flyover above Sandusky St. is planned for 3:30 pm. Veterans and groups showing support can register to participate in the parade.

• Annual Veterans Day Parade in Hilliard: Taking place on Sunday, November 2, 2025, this parade offers another opportunity for community members to honor veterans.

• FREE Wadsworth Veterans Day Parade: Celebrating veterans with a parade on Main St., Wadsworth, OH on Monday, November 11, 2024.

Community Events

• Westerville Senior Center Pancake Breakfast: Scheduled for November 11, 2025, at Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel, 409 Altair Parkway. Breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. with a 9 a.m. presentation. Tickets are required for all attendees and must be purchased in advance at the Community Center (350 N. Cleveland Ave.). Tickets are $15 per person, with veterans admitted free with valid identification. Tickets must be reserved prior to the event.

• Delaware County Veterans Breakfast: Taking place on November 11, 2025, at 8:30 am at the AG Center in the Delaware County Fairgrounds, Delaware, OH 43015. The event features a buffet breakfast followed by a presentation titled "The U.S.S. Squalus & the Diving Bell," as well as special recognitions for the Veteran of the Year and the Friend of the Veteran of the Year. Breakfast is free for veterans and one guest. Seating is limited and reservations are required, with registration closing on November 1.

• Greater Powell Veterans Memorial: This location offers opportunities for reflection and remembrance of those who served the country. Veterans can be honored through the Greater Powell Veterans Memorial Brick Program, which features the honoree's name, branch of service, name of the war, specific achievement, or years of service.

• National Veterans Memorial and Museum Veterans Day Ceremony: While specific details are not provided in the source material, this venue hosts a Veterans Day ceremony to honor military personnel.

Special Activities

• FREE Veteran's Day Train on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: Departing from the Akron Depot, this special train ride is exclusively for veterans and up to three family members and is absolutely free. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, November 6, 2024, departing from Rockside Station, 7900 Old Rockside Rd., Independence, OH 44131.

• FREE Veterans Day Concert: This free concert (donations accepted) features the Brass Band of the Western Reserve and the Men of Independence. The event is scheduled for Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Medina High School, 777 E. Union St., Medina, OH 44256.

• Family Fun Run 5k Supporting Our Veterans: This event includes a 5K Road Race, 5K Trail Run, and FREE Kids Obstacle Course (ages 8-14). Food trucks will be on-site, and 10% of sales will support Veteran outreach programs. The event takes place on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Countryside YMCA, 1699 Deerfield Rd., Lebanon, OH 45036.

• FREE Veterans Appreciation Days at the Akron Zoo: While specific details are not provided in the source material, the zoo offers free admission to veterans during these special appreciation days.

Important Information for Military Personnel

When planning to take advantage of Veterans Day offers, military personnel should be aware of several important details:

Proof of Service Requirements

Most offers require some form of proof of military service, such as: - Military ID card - DD-214 discharge papers - Veterans organization card - Driver's license with veteran designation - Other official documentation demonstrating military service

Date and Time Restrictions

Many offers are only available on specific dates or times: - Some offers are available only on Veterans Day (Monday, November 11) - Others are available on the weekend before or after - Certain restaurants have specific time windows for their offers - Some offers extend for several days surrounding Veterans Day

Eligibility Details

• Most offers are extended to both veterans and active-duty members of the military
• Some offers may also include reservists and National Guard members
• Family members may be included in certain events (as noted for the train excursion)
• Spouses of veterans may be eligible for some offers, though this varies by establishment

Advance Requirements

• Some events require advance registration
• Certain breakfast events require ticket purchases in advance (for non-veterans)
• Some venues may have limited seating or capacity

How to Prepare for Veterans Day Offers

To maximize the benefits of Veterans Day offers in Columbus, military personnel should take several preparatory steps:

Gather Documentation

• Ensure all necessary proof of service documentation is current and accessible
• Consider carrying multiple forms of verification, as requirements may vary by establishment
• Have digital copies available if needed for online offers

Plan Itinerary

• Create a list of desired offers with locations and times
• Consider geographical proximity to minimize travel time
• Allow adequate time at each location, as some establishments may experience higher volumes

Make Reservations When Required

• Register for events that require advance sign-up
• Call ahead to confirm participation, especially for local establishments
• Verify that specific locations are participating in advertised offers

Inform Companions

• If planning to attend with family or friends, confirm whether they are eligible for any benefits
• Check if offers include guests or family members
• Consider establishments that welcome non-military companions

Conclusion

Columbus, Ohio provides numerous opportunities for veterans and active-duty military personnel to be recognized and appreciated on Veterans Day. From complimentary meals at popular restaurant chains to special events and activities, the community offers a wide range of ways to honor those who have served. By preparing in advance and understanding the requirements for each offer, military personnel can make the most of these special Veterans Day celebrations.

The variety of options available demonstrates the community's commitment to recognizing military service, with something to suit different preferences and schedules. Whether enjoying a free meal with family, participating in a parade, or attending a special ceremony, veterans have numerous opportunities to feel appreciated on this important day.

Sources

1. Free Veterans Day Meals and Other Offers From Columbus Restaurants

2. These Restaurants Are Offering Free Meals or Discounts for Veterans Day

3. Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies

4. Veterans Day Freebies, Deals & Discounts