Veterans Day 2016 Complete Guide To Free Meals Discounts And Special Offers For Military Personnel

Introduction

Veterans Day 2016 brought forth an unprecedented outpouring of gratitude from businesses across the United States, with restaurants, retail stores, and service providers offering a wide array of free meals, discounts, and special offers to honor the nation's veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about the various freebies and promotional offers available during Veterans Day weekend in 2016, helping military members and their families make the most of these appreciation programs.

The promotional landscape for Veterans Day 2016 was particularly robust, with national chains and local establishments alike participating in the observance. From complimentary meals at popular restaurant chains to special discounts on services and retail purchases, the range of offers reflected the deep appreciation communities felt for military service members. These programs typically required proof of military service, such as a military ID, DD214, or other valid identification, and many offers were available for limited time periods during the holiday weekend.

National Restaurant Chains Offering Free Meals

Casual Dining Establishments

Applebee's continued its tradition of honoring military personnel by offering a complimentary meal from a special Veterans Day menu on November 11, 2016. The limited menu included popular items such as a classic bacon cheeseburger, chicken tenders, double crunch shrimp, and a 6-ounce top sirloin steak. This offer was available to veterans, active-duty military, National Guard, and reserves, requiring proof of service for redemption.

BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse provided a free entrée valued up to $12.95 on November 11, 2016, along with a complimentary Dr. Pepper beverage. The offer applied to active-duty military personnel and veterans, making it one of the more substantial restaurant freebies available during the holiday. BJ's participation represented the restaurant's ongoing commitment to supporting military families.

Chili's Grill & Bar joined the Veterans Day celebration by offering free entrées from a special menu to veterans and active-duty military personnel. While specific menu details weren't provided in the source material, Chili's participation added another popular casual dining option for military families seeking complimentary meals on the holiday.

Buffalo Wild Wings demonstrated its appreciation through the "Wings For Heroes" promotion, offering all-day service on November 11, 2016. Veterans and active-duty military received a free order of wings with a side of fries, representing one of the most straightforward and appreciated freebies for sports bar enthusiasts. This offer was available for dine-in customers only, encouraging the social aspect of the Veterans Day celebration.

Denny's contributed to the holiday observance by offering a complimentary Grand Slam breakfast to active military, non-active, and retired military personnel. This substantial breakfast offering provided good value for military members looking to start their Veterans Day with a hearty meal, reflecting Denny's recognition of the importance of supporting military families.

Regional and Chain Restaurants

TGI Fridays provided free lunch service to all veterans and active-duty military on Friday, November 11, 2016, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This time-limited offer encouraged early participation and provided a structured approach to serving the military community during the holiday weekend.

Texas Roadhouse offered free meals for lunch on Friday, November 11, 2016, to active, former, and retired military personnel. The lunch timing aligned with the traditional Veterans Day observance, making it convenient for military families to participate in the celebration while honoring the day's significance.

Little Caesars Pizza provided free pizza to all U.S. Armed Forces veterans and active military members between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM on Veterans Day 2016. This offer specifically targeted the traditional lunch window, making it easy for military families to plan their participation.

IKEA extended its Veterans Day appreciation to the military community between November 7 and November 11, 2016. This extended window allowed for greater flexibility in participation, accommodating the varied schedules of military families and providing more opportunities to take advantage of the offer.

California Pizza Kitchen offered special menu items on Friday, November 11, 2016, allowing veterans to choose a pizza, full-size salad, or pasta from their Veterans Day menu during dine-in service. This offer provided variety and quality, reflecting the restaurant's commitment to honoring military service.

Casual Dining and Family Restaurants

Cotton Patch Cafe provided free Veterans Day meals to veterans and active military on November 11, 2016. The offer included a free full-size chicken fried steak or chicken fried chicken, contingent upon presentation of valid military ID. This substantial meal offering demonstrated the restaurant's appreciation for military service and provided good value for participating families.

54th Street Grill participated in the Veterans Day observance by offering free entrées to veterans and active military personnel on November 11, 2016. This straightforward offer added another casual dining option for military families seeking to celebrate the holiday with a complimentary meal.

Arooga's joined the list of participating restaurants by providing free meals from a limited menu on November 11, 2016. The restaurant's participation added to the variety of dining options available to military families during the holiday.

Bakers Square offered complimentary breakfast from a set menu exclusively on November 11, 2016. This breakfast-focused offer provided an early start to Veterans Day celebrations and reflected the restaurant's commitment to supporting military families.

Bob Evans provided free meals to veterans from a special menu on November 11, 2016. The restaurant's participation added another family-friendly option for military families looking to enjoy a complimentary holiday meal.

Specialty Food Service Establishments

Pizza and Quick Service

Plucker's Wing Bar offered a comprehensive dining experience to veterans, including an entrée, side, and non-alcoholic drink with a value up to $15. This all-inclusive offer represented one of the more generous restaurant freebies, providing good value and a complete meal experience.

Twin Peaks honored veterans and active military with a free meal on November 11, 2016, from their Annual Veterans Day Appreciation Menu. The restaurant's participation provided a unique dining experience for military families celebrating the holiday.

Grub Burger Bar offered a free burger and fries to veterans and active military on Friday, November 11, 2016. This casual dining option provided a modern approach to the traditional Veterans Day meal, appealing to younger military families.

Ben's Soft Pretzels provided free jumbo soft pretzels to veterans at participating locations on November 11, 2016. This simple offering added a unique snack option for military families enjoying the holiday celebrations.

International and Variety Options

Carrabba's Italian Grill offered a free appetizer of choice to veterans and active-duty military members from Monday, November 7 through Sunday, November 13, 2016. The extended offer period provided flexibility for military families with varying schedules and added a week-long celebration to the holiday observance.

Zoës Kitchen provided free meals to veterans who showed military ID or DD214. The restaurant's straightforward offer reflected a growing trend among health-conscious establishments to support military families.

On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina offered a free Create Your Own Combo meal to veterans and active duty military members. The offer included the choice of 2 or 3 selections from soup, salad, tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, and other menu classics, providing customization and variety to the free meal experience.

Coffee and Quick Service

Coffee Establishments

Starbucks provided a free tall (12-ounce) coffee to all veterans, active-duty military members, and their spouses. This offer, while modest in monetary value, represented the coffee giant's recognition of military service and provided a warm start to Veterans Day celebrations.

Krispy Kreme celebrated Veterans Day on November 11, 2016, by offering a free doughnut of any variety and a small coffee to all veterans at all company and participating franchise locations. No purchase was necessary, and the offer was available to anyone who identified themselves as a veteran or active duty military personnel.

Convenience and Gas Stations

7-Eleven stores offered a free quarter-pound hotdog, which customers could order online or in-store. This convenient option provided a quick meal solution for busy military families and reflected the convenience store industry's support for military appreciation.

Sheetz Gas Stations offered a free 6-inch turkey sub, regular-size fountain drink, and car wash to military personnel with valid ID. This comprehensive package represented one of the more generous freebies, combining food, beverage, and automotive service in a single offer.

Service-Based Freebies and Discounts

Automotive Services

Rack Room Shoes provided a 10% discount on entire purchases to military personnel and their dependents on November 11, 2016. While not a free offer, this discount provided savings on necessary items and represented the retail industry's support for military families.

Participating auto service locations offered all veterans a free basic oil change on November 11, 2016. This service-based offer provided practical value and helped military families maintain their vehicles with professional service.

Personal Care Services

Great Clips provided a free haircut card to customers visiting for services on November 11, 2016, which could be given to a preferred veteran. Veterans could also receive a complimentary haircut or use the free haircut card, with redemption available until December 31, 2016. This extended redemption period provided flexibility for military families and demonstrated long-term appreciation for military service.

Retail and Product Offers

Food Retail and Special Events

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store provided veterans with a complimentary piece of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake for dessert on November 11, 2016. This traditional dessert offering reflected the restaurant chain's ongoing support for military service members, veterans, and their families.

Golden Corral Restaurants hosted a Military Appreciation Night on November 14, 2016, where military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard, and reserves could enjoy a free dinner from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The inclusive timing and extensive menu options made this one of the most comprehensive free meal experiences available during the Veterans Day period.

Entertainment and Family Services

Chuck E. Cheese offered two special military deals: The Alpha package included a large one-topping pizza, four drinks, and 45 tokens for $26.99 (representing a $40 value), while The Bravo package offered two large one-topping pizzas, four drinks, and 100 tokens for $44.99 (representing a $65 value). Both deals required presentation of a Common Access Card or Uniformed Services ID Card, providing family entertainment at significant savings.

Local Restaurant Participation

Texas and Regional Establishments

Abacus and Jasper's restaurants demonstrated local commitment by providing complimentary entrées to every veteran who dines in with valid military ID. Participating locations included Abacus in Dallas, as well as Jasper's locations in Plano and Richardson, showing how local establishments contributed to the Veterans Day celebration.

Norma's Cafe provided complimentary breakfast from a special Veterans Day menu to all veterans and current military members. This local restaurant's participation added to the variety of options available to military families in the Texas area.

Emporium Pies offered 20% off a slice of pies and a free coffee to all veterans and service members on Veterans Day, valid at both their Bishop Arts and McKinney Square locations. This offer required proof of service and provided a unique local dining experience.

Considerations and Best Practices

Documentation Requirements

Most offers required military identification for redemption, with common forms of acceptable documentation including military ID cards, DD214 papers, Common Access Cards, and Uniformed Services ID Cards. Some establishments simply required self-identification as a veteran or active duty military personnel, though verification was typically required at the point of service.

Timing and Availability

Many offers were specifically scheduled for November 11, 2016, with some extending to nearby dates to provide flexibility for military families. Weekend timing allowed for greater participation, while some offers provided additional celebration windows that extended the appreciation period beyond the single day.

Geographic Variations

Some offers were available at participating locations only, and availability could vary by franchise ownership. Corporate-owned locations might have different participation rates than franchised establishments, making it advisable to verify availability at individual locations before making travel plans.

Value Considerations

Free meal values ranged from modest coffee and pastry combinations to substantial dinner experiences exceeding $12-$15 in value. Some offers included beverages, sides, or additional perks, while others focused solely on the main meal component. Service-based offers like haircuts and oil changes provided practical value beyond food and entertainment.

Community Impact and Participation

The widespread participation in Veterans Day 2016 freebies demonstrated the strong connection between local communities and military families. National chains provided consistency and reliability, while local establishments added personal touches and regional character to the celebration. The variety of offerings ensured that military families with different preferences, schedules, and needs could find appropriate ways to participate in the holiday observance.

The extended redemption periods for some offers, such as the Great Clips haircut cards valid through December 31, 2016, showed how businesses could provide ongoing appreciation rather than limiting recognition to a single day. This approach allowed for better planning and reduced the pressure of immediate redemption during the busy Veterans Day period.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2016 offered an impressive array of free meals, discounts, and special services to honor the nation's military personnel. From national restaurant chains providing substantial meals to local establishments offering unique experiences, the range of appreciation demonstrated the deep respect communities hold for military service. The variety of documentation requirements, timing options, and offer structures ensured that military families could find appropriate ways to participate regardless of their individual circumstances or preferences.

These freebies represented more than simple promotions; they served as tangible expressions of gratitude and recognition for the sacrifices and service of military personnel. The widespread participation from both national chains and local establishments created a comprehensive support network that allowed military families to celebrate the holiday with dignity and appreciation, while also providing practical value that could ease the financial burden of family meals and services.

The success of Veterans Day 2016 freebies set a standard for future observances and demonstrated how businesses could effectively combine marketing objectives with genuine community service. For military families, these offers provided opportunities to enjoy quality meals, services, and experiences while feeling genuinely appreciated for their service and sacrifice.

Sources

1. Veterans Day Freebies 2016 - Comprehensive List
2. Veterans Day Food Deals - Corpus Christi News
3. Veterans Day Free Meals and Freebies for 2016 - Dallas-Fort Worth
4. 2016 Veterans Day Deals Freebie List - Retail Salute