Veterans Day 2017 Free Meals Discounts And Redemption Guidelines

The provided source material is insufficient to produce a 2000‑word article. Below is a factual summary based on available data.

Summary of Offers

The documents list a range of complimentary meals, desserts, and discounted items offered by national and regional chains to veterans, active‑duty service members, and in some cases their spouses. The offers were primarily available on or around November 11 2017, with specific time windows and menu restrictions. Below is a concise compilation of the offers that appear in the source data.

• Applebee’s – One free signature item from a limited menu, available with a valid military ID.
• Bob Evans – Complimentary meal from a special menu offered all day on the holiday.
• Buffalo Wild Wings – One free small order of traditional or boneless wings with a side of fries, for dine‑in only.
• Chevys Fresh Mex – Complimentary Fresh Mex 3‑Item Combo (selection of enchiladas, tacos, tamales, flautas, or chile relleno) served with rice, beans, and a side dish; available 11 a.m.–10 p.m., dine‑in, and requires uniform or proper identification.
• Chili’s – A free meal chosen from a special menu.
• Cicis Pizza – Free pizza buffet when a valid military ID is presented.
• Cracker Barrel – Complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca‑Cola® Cake for veterans.
• Famous Dave’s – Free two‑meat combo.
• Fogo de Chão – 50 % off the meal for veterans and active‑duty personnel; up to three accompanying guests receive 10 % off.
• Friendly’s – Free breakfast, lunch, or dinner from a limited menu.
• Glory Days Grill – Free appetizer or a regular order of boneless or grilled wings, with a valid military ID.
• Red Lobster – Free appetizer or dessert.
• Red Robin – Free Red’s Tavern Double Burger with bottomless steak fries.
• Ruby’s Diner – Free entrée.
• Starbucks – Free tall brewed coffee; additional promotional partnership for donations to the USO (not a free product).
• Texas Roadhouse – Free lunch, beverage, and sides.
• TGI Fridays – Free lunch item up to $12, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
• World of Beer – Free select draft beer for veterans and current service members.
• Great Clips – Free haircut.
• Another Broken Egg Cafe – Free Patriot French Toast combo and coffee (Florida locations).
• Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – Free build‑your‑own burger and fries (Florida locations).
• BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse – Free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie with no minimum purchase (Florida locations).

Additional regional events in the Tampa‑Bay area (Florida) are also noted, including parades and commemorative activities.

Eligibility and Verification

All offers require proof of military service. The most commonly accepted documents are:

• Valid military ID (active‑duty, National Guard, retired)
• VA card or discharge papers
• Military spouse ID (when the promotion explicitly includes spouses)

Some deals limit participation to the service member, while others allow a spouse or limited number of guests. The documents consistently emphasize confirming local participation before visiting, as not all locations may be part of the promotion.

Redemption Process

The sources outline a straightforward redemption workflow:

1. Verify participation – Call or check the restaurant’s website to confirm the location is honoring the offer.
2. Prepare identification – Carry at least one accepted form of military ID; having a backup document can prevent issues.
3. Observe time limits – Many offers are valid only for a specific window (e.g., 11 a.m.–10 p.m. for Chevys, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. for TGI Fridays). Arriving within the window reduces waiting and ensures the offer is honored.
4. Review fine print – Some deals require dine‑in, limit the menu, or restrict the number of guests. Reading the fine print avoids unexpected exclusions.
5. Present ID at the register – Staff typically verify the ID at the point of order; a printed coupon is rarely required.
6. Confirm any added benefits – In cases like Starbucks, a donation to the USO is linked to a purchase rather than a free product.

A practical checklist recommended in the source material includes confirming local participation, bringing accepted ID, saving any promotional code, reading menu limitations, checking guest eligibility, and planning arrival times to fit within defined windows.

Limitations and Notes

• Location‑specific participation – While most locations are expected to honor the offers, the sources note that some may not. Calling ahead is advised.
• Limited menu selections – Free items are often drawn from a curated list, not the full menu.
• Time‑restricted – Offers typically expire on the holiday itself, with a few extending into the preceding weekend.
• Dine‑in requirement – Several chains specify that the free item must be consumed on premises.
• Guest limits – Where guests are included (e.g., Fogo de Chão), limits apply; the source does not provide further detail.
• Potential for verification delays – High traffic on the holiday may increase wait times; planning early arrival helps mitigate this.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2017 generated a broad spectrum of free meals, desserts, and discounted services for military personnel, veterans, and in some cases their families. Participation required proof of service, adherence to specific time windows, and attention to menu restrictions. Verification of local participation and preparation of required identification were critical to a smooth redemption experience. The available data provides a clear snapshot of the promotions offered by a variety of national chains and regional establishments, primarily in the United States and notably in Florida.

Sources

1. Veteran’s Day 2017 Freebies and Discounts
2. How To Claim Veterans Day 2017 Freebies A Consumers Guide To Meals Treats And Perks For Service Members
3. Veterans Day 2017: A List of Free Meals and Discounts
4. Veterans Day free, discounted meals: Florida deals
5. Veterans Day 2017 events and freebies throughout Tampa Bay