Veterans Day 2016 Freebies And Discounts Restaurants Retailers And Service Offers For Veterans And Active Military

Veterans Day 2016 brought an outpouring of offers from restaurants, retailers, and service providers across the United States. For veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard, and in some cases their families, November 11, 2016 featured a wide range of free meals, discounts, and complimentary services. The offers were concentrated on the day itself, with some beginning earlier in the week or extending into late November or early December. Consumers could take advantage of these benefits by presenting proof of military service—most commonly a valid military identification card—at participating locations.

Because availability varied by location and was subject to participation, the most reliable approach was to call ahead or confirm details with specific stores or restaurants on or just before the day of the offer. Several sources compiled comprehensive lists of the year’s deals and highlighted the terms, menus, and redemption windows that applied to each. These sources emphasized that while the vast majority of locations participated, it was always prudent to verify that a particular branch or franchise location was honoring the advertised offers.

The remainder of this report summarizes the restaurant, retail, and service offers that were publicly listed for Veterans Day 2016, grouped by category. Specific details such as time windows, proof-of-service requirements, menus, and eligibility are included where available. The report also clarifies which offers extended to dependents or families and notes any related charitable initiatives that were part of the 2016 observance.

Restaurants Offering Free Meals and Select Menu Items

Many of the most widely reported offers on Veterans Day 2016 came from casual dining and fast-casual restaurants. Several national chains provided a free entree or a free item from a limited menu; some offered a beverage, sides, or a dessert as part of the deal. Several restaurants also issued coupons or discounts that could be redeemed in the days following Veterans Day. In general, proof of service was required, typically in the form of a valid military ID. Some locations also accepted other forms of proof, such as a veteran license plate or a membership card from a veterans organization.

Applebee’s offered a complimentary meal from a special menu. In addition, a $5 coupon was available to be redeemed between November 12 and November 27, giving veterans an extra reason to return after the holiday. Olive Garden provided a free entree from a special menu featuring six popular items. Those entrees were served with unlimited homemade soup or a signature house salad and warm garlic breadsticks. Outback Steakhouse offered a free Bloomin’ Onion and a beverage, and also extended a 15 percent military discount for both active and former service members and their families that was valid from November 12 through December 31.

Red Lobster provided a free appetizer or dessert from a select Veterans Day menu. The offer was available on both November 10 and November 11, making it more convenient for veterans who wanted to take advantage of the deal across a two-day window. Red Robin offered a free dine-in Red’s Tavern Double Burger and bottomless steak fries at participating restaurants nationwide. As part of its observance, Red Robin also announced a $10,000 donation to the United Service Organizations, highlighting the connection between consumer offers and broader support for service members. LongHorn Steakhouse offered a free appetizer or dessert with no purchase required and no restrictions, and also extended a 10 percent discount to guests dining with veterans on November 11.

Chili’s highlighted a free entree from a special Veterans Day menu. The menu included items such as the Oldtimer with Cheese, Soup & Salad, Chicken Crispers, Chipotle Chicken, and Margherita Flatbread. Proof of service was required to redeem the offer. Chevys Fresh Mex offered a complimentary item from a special Veterans Day menu, with the menu featuring Mesquite Grilled Chicken or Steak Fajitas, Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas, Crispy Chicken Flautas, a two-item combo, or a Surf n’ Turf selection. Chevys encouraged veterans to dine in uniform or bring identification. Notably, Chevys also offered a year-round 20 percent military discount.

IHOP offered free red, white, and blue pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The free pancakes were a festive nod to the colors of the American flag and provided a simple, family-friendly way to mark the day. On the Border offered a free “create your own combo” with a “choose two or choose three” selection for veterans and active service members. The offer was valid for dine-in only and required proof of military service. O’Charley’s honored veterans and active duty service members with a free meal at any location on November 11, and the brand also provided a 10 percent military discount all year long.

Bob Evans offered free meals to veterans from a special menu only on November 11. B.J.’s Restaurant provided a complimentary entree under $12.95 for active duty military and veterans. Bakers Square offered a free breakfast from a set menu on November 11, while 54th Street Grill offered a free entree on November 11 as well. Arooga’s provided free meals from a limited menu on November 11. Ben’s Soft Pretzels offered a free Jumbo Soft Pretzel at participating locations. Sizzler offered a free lunch and beverage to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Friday, November 11, 2016. Texas Roadhouse offered a free special veterans lunch menu that included a beverage and sides. Texas de Brazil offered 50 percent off the regular dinner price for veterans and active-duty military plus one guest from Monday, November 7 through Friday, November 11, and 20 percent off for up to six additional guests.

A few other restaurants were also included in compiled lists. Ryan’s provided a free buffet and drink for all veterans and active-duty military on November 11, 2016. Ruby Tuesday provided one free appetizer up to $10 in value for veterans, active duty, and reservists on November 11, 2016, with proof of service required. Shoney’s offered its All-American Burger to all veterans and active duty military members. The inclusion of these brands showed how widely the holiday offers reached beyond the largest national chains, extending into regional and franchise-based establishments.

In addition to the single-day offers, some restaurants provided extended benefits and additional incentives. Applebee’s issued a $5 coupon valid for a limited period after the holiday, giving veterans an additional reason to visit again. Outback Steakhouse extended its 15 percent military discount to both military members and their families from November 12 through December 31. O’Charley’s offered a year-round 10 percent military discount, underscoring that the appreciation for service extended beyond a single day.

The terms for the restaurant offers were generally consistent. Most required proof of service in the form of a valid military ID. Some brands specified that retirees, veterans, active-duty, National Guard, and reservists were all eligible. Several offers were limited to dine-in, and some had specified time windows. As a best practice, veterans and their families were advised to confirm participation with the specific location they intended to visit and to ask about any restrictions that might apply.

Free Services and Retail Discounts

Beyond food, a number of service providers and retailers offered free or reduced-cost services for veterans and their families. These included haircuts, oil changes, shoes, and discounted merchandise. Proof of service was sometimes required, though in a few cases the offer was extended to anyone identifying themselves as a veteran or active military personnel.

Great Clips offered free haircuts on Veterans Day. Customers who visited for a service on November 11 could obtain a free haircut card to give to a preferred veteran. Veterans could also receive a complimentary haircut or take the free haircut card for later use. The free haircut card was redeemable until December 31, which provided a longer window to schedule a haircut at the recipient’s convenience. Rack Room Shoes offered a 10 percent discount on an entire purchase on November 11 for military personnel and their dependents. Participating locations offered all veterans a free basic oil change on November 11.

Krispy Kreme offered a free doughnut and small coffee to anyone who identified themselves as a veteran or active military personnel, and no ID was required. Krystal offered a complimentary sausage biscuit to all active and retired military on Veterans Day 2016. These simple, no-frills offers made it easy for veterans to pick up a quick treat or snack as part of their day.

Several retailers offered storewide discounts for veterans and their families. Bed Bath & Beyond provided 20 percent off for U.S. Military and Veterans from Thursday, November 10 through Sunday, November 13. Amazon.com offered 20 percent off select apparel on Veterans Day by using the promotion code “20veterans.” Cabela’s ran its Hometown Heroes program, providing a 5 percent discount for military personnel—including active and retired military, active reservists, and VA recipients—as well as law-enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical service personnel, with proof of service required. Local stores hosted events and activities, and additional discounts were possible at the store level.

AARP provided up to a 30 percent membership discount for veterans, their families, and anyone interested in annual or multi-year memberships and renewals. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service highlighted Veterans Day deals on many items, including gift items starting on November 10. The Army Corps of Engineers waived all day use fees at more than 2,400 recreation areas nationwide. This waiver was available to all veterans, active and reserve component service members, and their families. Only verbal confirmation of service was required, making this an especially accessible benefit.

These offers addressed practical needs and everyday expenses. The free oil change and haircut services met common personal maintenance needs. Retail discounts allowed veterans and their families to save on household goods, clothing, and other purchases. The recreation fee waiver expanded access to outdoor spaces and activities, offering families a low-cost way to spend time together during the holiday weekend.

Special Events, Contests, and Charitable Initiatives

In addition to standard offers, several brands and organizations created special events and initiatives that added a community or charitable dimension to Veterans Day 2016. These were designed to provide a memorable experience or to support service members and their families through donations or special surprises.

Westgate Resorts announced plans to give away 1,000 free vacations in honor of Veterans Day. This type of large-scale giveaway, though not widely available to every veteran, drew national attention and demonstrated how some brands were willing to invest in significant gifts as part of the observance. Golden Corral hosted a Military Appreciation Night on November 14, 2016. Military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard, and reserves were invited to enjoy a free dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event extended the recognition beyond the actual Veterans Day date and provided a designated time for families and service members to gather.

Marco’s Pizza hosted free pizza parties for military veterans at local Veterans of Foreign Wars posts, Veterans Affairs hospitals, and American Legions nationwide. The pizza boxes included certificates for special surprise gifts, such as wheelchair ramps, medical bill assistance, and plane tickets to visit family. This approach combined immediate refreshments with longer-term support for veterans with practical needs, showing how restaurants could integrate charitable acts into the holiday experience.

The combination of meal offers, discounts, and charitable initiatives reinforced the message of gratitude and support. The extended events and contests created opportunities for families and communities to participate in Veterans Day observances in ways that went beyond a single transaction.

Practical Guidance for Redeeming Offers

For veterans and their families, making the most of the 2016 offers required a few simple steps. First, plan ahead and identify which offers matched the day’s schedule and preferred locations. Because participation could vary by branch or franchise, it was recommended to call ahead or confirm online whether a specific location was honoring a given offer. Doing so helped avoid disappointment and ensured that the necessary documentation—often a valid military ID—was available.

Second, note the time windows. Several offers were tied to specific hours. IHOP’s free pancakes, for example, were available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., while Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Night ran from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on November 14. Some offers were valid over two days, like Red Lobster’s free appetizer or dessert on November 10 and 11, and some extended beyond the holiday, such as Great Clips’ free haircut card redeemable until December 31. Outback’s 15 percent military discount was valid from November 12 through December 31, and Applebee’s $5 coupon could be redeemed November 12 through 27.

Third, bring proof of service. While some offers, such as Krispy Kreme’s free doughnut and small coffee, required no ID, most required a valid military ID. Some discounts, like Cabela’s Hometown Heroes program, extended to law-enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical service personnel with proof of service. When in doubt, bring an ID and ask.

Fourth, consider whether the offer extends to dependents and family members. Some discounts, such as Outback’s 15 percent military discount, were available to military members and their families. Others were limited to the service member. Read the details of each offer carefully to determine who could participate.

Finally, use the extended benefits where possible. Year-round discounts, like O’Charley’s 10 percent military discount, could provide ongoing value beyond Veterans Day. The Army Corps of Engineers fee waiver applied to families and could be used on any day during the holiday period, not just on November 11. These extended or ongoing benefits often represented a meaningful way to continue the spirit of appreciation throughout the year.

Local and Regional Variations

It is important to note that availability and participation could differ by location. While national brands and large chains typically had company-wide policies, franchise ownership sometimes influenced whether an individual store participated. The general guidance from multiple sources was to call ahead and confirm participation before heading to a particular location.

This was especially relevant for offers that relied on local managers to implement the promotion, such as free oil changes at independent auto service centers or free haircuts at independently owned Great Clips locations. For chain restaurants, the parent company’s policy generally set the standard, but local store operations could affect details such as menu availability, timing, and seating capacity during peak hours.

For families planning to visit multiple locations in one day, it was useful to map out the day’s route and set a realistic schedule. Some offers had limited hours and could be subject to long lines or capacity limits. Planning ahead and leaving buffer time between visits helped ensure that all intended offers could be redeemed without unnecessary stress.

The Role of Proof of Service

Proof of service played a central role in redeeming most of the 2016 offers. A valid military ID was the most common and reliable form of proof. For families, it was helpful to have a clear understanding of which IDs were accepted and whether dependents were eligible under a given promotion. In most cases, only the service member needed to present an ID, though some discounts explicitly included dependents.

A few offers, such as Krispy Kreme’s free doughnut and small coffee, required no ID and relied on self-identification as a veteran or active military personnel. Other offers, like the Army Corps of Engineers day use fee waiver, required only verbal confirmation of service, making them particularly accessible. The variation in requirements meant that veterans and families should have read the specific terms for each offer to understand what documentation was needed.

Extended Benefits and Ongoing Discounts

One notable aspect of Veterans Day 2016 was the number of offers that extended beyond the holiday itself. These extensions gave veterans and their families additional time to take advantage of discounts and promotions. Outback Steakhouse’s 15 percent military discount, valid from November 12 through December 31, provided a substantial window for savings. Applebee’s $5 coupon, valid from November 12 to 27, encouraged repeat visits after the holiday. Great Clips’ free haircut card, redeemable until December 31, gave veterans an extended period to schedule an appointment.

Year-round discounts were another important element. O’Charley’s 10 percent military discount was available throughout the year, as was Chevys’ 20 percent military discount. Cabela’s Hometown Heroes program provided a 5 percent discount to a broad group of service members and first responders, with local events and possible additional discounts at individual stores. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service offered deals starting on November 10, giving military families early access to merchandise promotions.

These extended benefits and ongoing discounts reinforced the idea that gratitude for service members could be expressed consistently, rather than limited to a single day. For families managing household budgets, these long-term offers represented practical support that extended well beyond the holiday.

Summary of Key Details

To consolidate the practical details, the following table summarizes major restaurant and service offers for Veterans Day 2016. Eligibility and terms are listed as reported; consumers were advised to confirm participation and any restrictions with individual locations.

This table captures the breadth of the 2016 offers and underscores the variety of benefits available across dining, services, and retail.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2016 was marked by extensive freebies and discounts that spanned restaurants, retail, and service providers. The offers were broadly accessible, with proof of service required for most dining and service-based benefits. Retail discounts provided savings on everyday purchases, and the recreation fee waiver opened up thousands of outdoor spaces to veterans and their families. Several brands extended their appreciation beyond a single day, issuing coupons, discount windows, and ongoing promotions that continued into late November and December.

For those planning to use these offers, the key steps were clear: confirm participation with the intended location, bring valid identification, note time windows, and consider extended benefits that offered ongoing value. As the holiday approached each year, consumers found it helpful to review the updated lists and terms for the current cycle, as offers, menus, and windows can change. The overarching goal—honoring and supporting veterans and active-duty service members through tangible benefits—remained the common thread across the wide range of 2016 offers.

Sources

1. Veterans Day Freebies 2016
2. Saving Toward a Better Life: Veteran’s Day 2016 Freebies and Discounts
3. 6abc: Freebie Friday – Veterans Day Freebies and Deals
4. MilitarySpot: 2016 Veterans Day Discounts and Meal Deals