How To Claim Veterans Day 2017 Freebies A Consumers Guide To Meals Treats And Perks For Service Members

Introduction

Veterans Day 2017 brought a nationwide wave of free meals, treats, and perks for active-duty military members and veterans. Restaurants, fast-food chains, cafés, and service providers across the United States offered no-cost options to thank those who have served. These offers typically required proof of service, such as a military ID, VA card, or discharge papers, and were limited to specific hours or menus. In some cases, spouses and family members were also included. While the majority of deals were one-day experiences on November 11, 2017, some restaurants extended their offers into the preceding or following weekend. Consumers seeking freebies needed to confirm local participation in advance, bring required documentation, and plan around limited-time windows. This guide consolidates the available data on what was offered, who qualified, and how to redeem the freebies in a practical, step-by-step manner.

Summary of the Offers

The following overview highlights key Veterans Day 2017 promotions drawn from the source data. Time windows, menu items, and eligibility varied by brand and location. Offers were available on November 11 unless otherwise noted. Some deals were marked as “waiting for verification” or “waiting for confirmation,” indicating that final terms and participating locations had not been fully confirmed at the time the sources were published.

To make the information easy to scan, the first table lists free meals, the second table lists appetizers, desserts, and add-ons, and the third table lists non-food perks. Because some offers had unique requirements (for example, promo codes or dine-in only), the notes column is included to capture essential details.

Free Meals

Appetizers, Desserts, and Add-ons

Other Perks (Non-Food)

How to Verify Eligibility and Prepare

Proof of service was the central requirement for redeeming most offers. Acceptable forms included military ID, VA card, discharge papers, or other documents confirming service. Some restaurants used the term “proof of military service” generically, so it was prudent to bring multiple forms if available. The official guidance from the sources emphasized reading fine print carefully. Some offers applied to veterans and active-duty members only, while others included spouses and other family members. Limited-time windows and dine-in requirements further shaped how consumers could participate.

Several restaurants required a promo code at checkout. For instance, Chuck E. Cheese’s specified promo code #5500 for the free personal pizza, and Fazoli’s required code VET25 for the free spaghetti. Codes were typically advertised on brand websites or promotional materials. Calling ahead or checking the brand’s site ahead of time reduced the risk of arriving at a non-participating location or missing a time-bound window. For large chains, geographic coverage varied; for example, some offers were reported from Florida locations and others were noted to have participating sites across multiple states.

Step-by-Step Redemption

Bringing the right ID was the first step. Veterans and active-duty members should have carried a valid military ID, VA card, or discharge papers. Some restaurants specified that former service members were also welcome; Texas Roadhouse’s offer explicitly included active duty, retired, and former U.S. military. When a spouse or other family member planned to dine with a veteran, confirming the rules was helpful. Certain locations extended offers to spouses and family, while others limited benefits strictly to the service member.

Checking the hours and limits of each offer was the next step. Many restaurants ran from late morning into the early afternoon, such as Chili’s 11am–5pm window, T.G.I. Fridays’ 11am–2pm window, Denny’s 5am–noon window, and Black Angus Steakhouse’s open–3pm window. Some venues required that diners be present during a set window to qualify. For offers coded at checkout, entering the correct promo code was necessary to receive the free item. For instance, Fazoli’s required VET25 for the free spaghetti, and Chuck E. Cheese’s required #5500 for the free pizza.

Dine-in requirements were common. Fazoli’s and Dog Haus both specified dine-in only, which meant the offer did not typically apply to takeout orders. The out-of-town extension, such as Golden Corral’s Nov 13 dinner hours from 5pm–9pm, provided another day to redeem for those who might not have been able to visit on the 11th. For venues like Lone Star Steakhouse, calling ahead was necessary to confirm participating locations.

Family and Group Participation

Many offers focused on the service member, but some extended benefits to guests. LongHorn Steakhouse’s 10% discount for diners who were accompanying a veteran provided a simple way to include a spouse, friend, or family member on the meal. Outback Steakhouse’s free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage for guests with a military ID suggested that the offer could be redeemed even if the primary diner was a guest, not the service member. As always, reading the fine print was essential because brand-specific rules varied by location.

Planning Around Time Windows and Limited Menus

Because most offers ran within a defined time frame, planning the day around the specific windows reduced friction. For example, the Grand Slam at Denny’s was only available 5am–noon, and Black Angus Steakhouse’s free top sirloin was available until 3pm. Texas Roadhouse and T.G.I. Fridays both offered free lunch with a morning-to-early-afternoon window. When traveling with a group, coordinating arrival times, and confirming whether all parties could dine within the allowed window, was important.

Limited menus also required attention. Several brands specified select menus for Veterans Day. At Chili’s, options included the Oldtimer with cheese and fries, chicken bacon ranch quesadillas, three-count chicken crispers, or soup with side salad. At Bob Evans, six menu items were offered, including breakfast options available all day and select lunch and dinner items. Outback Steakhouse’s free Bloomin’ Onion and Mission BBQ’s free sandwich and cake were examples of specific dishes tied to the holiday offer. The free Red, White, and Blue Pancakes at IHOP also aligned with the theme for a limited-time treat.

Regional and Chain Participation Differences

The data suggested mixed regional coverage and variations in offer structures. Cody’s Original Roadhouse in Florida was cited as a confirmed example for a free entrée of either a half rack of ribs or grilled barbecue chicken breast for dine-in customers. Hickory Taverns across North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee participated with 50% off everything on a special Veterans Day menu. 54th Street Grill & Bar offered a free entrée up to $12 with an associated social media contest for gift card giveaways. Lone Star Steakhouse’s call-ahead policy highlighted the need to verify participating locations for certain brands.

In contrast, several national chains offered free donuts or other items that could be claimed quickly and without a large time commitment. Dunkin’ Donuts offered a free donut with no purchase necessary, and Great Clips offered a free haircut or haircut card on Nov 11. These options broadened the scope of what could be claimed beyond meals, accommodating consumers who preferred quick-service experiences or non-food perks.

Notes on Offer Verification and Potential Changes

Not all offers were fully confirmed at the time of publication. Some were noted as “waiting 2017 verification” or “waiting confirmation,” which signaled that participating locations, final terms, or menu specifics might still be subject to change. The most prudent approach was to confirm with the local restaurant on the day or a day before the event. It was also advisable to review brand sites for any updates. For promotions tied to social media contests, such as the 54th Street Grill & Bar weekly gift card, consumers needed to follow the instructions and confirm that the rules applied to their jurisdiction and time frame.

Strategies for Maximizing Offers

Consumers could get the most from the day by planning a route that fit within multiple time windows and selecting a small number of venues for lunch and dinner. Carrying more than one proof of service helped, and when bringing guests, verifying whether their participation was included in the offer avoided confusion at the register. If a specific menu was offered, reviewing the options in advance helped the party decide quickly upon arrival. When a promo code was required, having it written down or saved on a phone prevented last-minute delays. For families, considering the free donut at Dunkin’ Donuts or the free slice of cake at Chuck E. Cheese added a low-friction treat to the day’s plan without requiring a long dining window.

Limitations and Exclusions

There were some notable exclusions. Fazoli’s specified dine-in only for the free spaghetti. Dog Haus similarly required dine-in for the free Haus Dog. Some offers, such as Lone Star Steakhouse, required calling ahead to confirm participating locations. Certain restaurants specified a maximum value for the free item or a cap on the guest discount. Golden Corral’s free dinner was on Nov 13, not Nov 11, which meant consumers who intended to visit on the holiday needed to adjust their plans accordingly. At Chuck E. Cheese’s, the free pizza required a specific code and was limited to retired service members with valid ID or proof of service, suggesting that eligibility could be narrower than the general “veterans and active-duty” phrasing used by other brands.

Non-Food Perks on Veterans Day

In addition to meals, several non-food perks were available. Great Clips offered a free haircut either the same day or as a card for later use, making it convenient for those who might have had scheduling conflicts later in the day. Grace for Vets coordinated a car wash program at 2,841 locations, which provided an easy, quick service that could be combined with other errands. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden offered free admission, and the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee extended free admission to veterans, their spouses, and up to four children, allowing families to plan a cultural outing alongside meals.

Practical Checklist

A simple, practical checklist helped ensure a smooth Veterans Day experience:

• Confirm local participation and hours for each venue.
• Bring at least one accepted form of proof of service; if available, carry a backup document.
• For coded offers, save the code in notes on a phone or write it down.
• Read the fine print for dine-in requirements, menu limitations, and guest eligibility.
• If traveling with family or friends, check whether guests are included in the offer.
• Plan arrival times to fit within defined windows and reduce waiting.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2017 featured an extensive range of freebies and discounts that extended beyond a single meal. From full entrées at national chains to free appetizers, desserts, haircuts, and car washes, the day allowed service members and their families to enjoy a variety of no-cost experiences. Eligibility and redemption details varied, with most offers requiring proof of service and adhering to limited time windows. Some offers included spouses and family, while others applied only to the service member. Dine-in requirements and promo codes were common, and certain venues required calling ahead to confirm participation. Taking a few minutes to verify hours, bring the correct ID, and review the fine print enabled consumers to claim the freebies efficiently and with minimal friction.

Sources

1. Military Bridge: Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies (2017)
2. The Hill: Restaurants Offering Veterans Day Discounts (2017)
3. Mic: Veterans Day Free Meals and Deals (2017)
4. Budget101: Veterans Day Free Meals, Offers, and Deals (2017)