Veterans Day 2018 Comprehensive Guide To Free Meals And Discounts Nationwide

Introduction

Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11th, serves as a dedicated occasion to honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States military. This federal holiday commemorates the end of World War I, when the Allies and Germany signed an armistice agreement on November 11, 1918, with fighting ceasing on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

In 2018, marking the 100th anniversary of Veterans Day, numerous restaurants, retail establishments, and service providers across the United States offered substantial freebies, discounts, and complimentary services to veterans and active-duty military personnel. These offers ranged from complete meals and beverages to personal care services and retail discounts, providing meaningful appreciation for military service while enabling veterans and their families to enjoy various products and experiences at no cost.

The following comprehensive analysis examines the extensive range of Veterans Day 2018 freebies available nationwide, with particular attention to offers accessible to Florida residents. While many deals were available nationwide, certain establishments provided region-specific promotions, including specialized programs for Cape Coral, Florida residents.

Restaurant Free Meals and Special Offers

National Chain Restaurant Freebies

Major restaurant chains across the country participated in Veterans Day 2018 by offering free meals, with most requiring valid military identification or proof of service. These programs generally fell into two categories: completely free meals with no purchase requirement, and free items with the purchase of a beverage or meal.

Denny's provided a free "Build-Your-Own Grand Slam" from 5 a.m. to noon on Monday, November 12th, 2018, for veterans and military personnel. This comprehensive breakfast option allowed recipients to customize their meal according to personal preferences, including choice of proteins, pancakes, eggs, and sides.

Golden Corral hosted their annual Military Appreciation Night on Monday, November 12th, 2018, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The program offered a free meal to anyone who has served in the military, representing one of the most generous offerings in the restaurant industry. This particular event had become a longstanding tradition for Golden Corral, extending their appreciation beyond a single day to provide a dedicated evening celebration.

Dunkin' provided a free donut of choice with no purchase necessary on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, at participating locations nationwide. This simple gesture allowed veterans to enjoy a sweet treat while demonstrating appreciation from the coffee and breakfast chain.

Chili's offered a free meal on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, with multiple options from their regular menu. Veterans and active-duty military could select from Chicken Crispers, Margarita Grilled Chicken, Bowl of Chili, Soup & Salad, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, Just Bacon Burger, Oldtimer with Cheese, or Cajun Chicken Pasta. This variety allowed participants to choose based on their dietary preferences and time of dining.

California Pizza Kitchen provided a free entrée on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, from a special Veterans Day menu that included certain pizzas, salads, and pastas. The offer was dine-in only and required military personnel to be in uniform or show proof of military status, ensuring that the benefit reached intended recipients.

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks extended their invitation to veterans and Gold Star honorees, including parents and spouses, to enjoy a free entrée at both lunch and dinner on Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11th, 2018. This comprehensive approach recognized the broader military community, including family members who had made sacrifices.

Bob Evans offered one of six entrees for free on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, with options spanning breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This flexibility allowed veterans to choose timing that best fit their schedule while enjoying a substantial meal at no cost.

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse provided an entrée up to $12.95 at no charge plus a free Dr Pepper beverage on Sunday, November 11th, 2018. Additionally, during the entire month of November, the restaurant chain offered a free Pizookie through their "Buy a Hero a Pizookie" program, allowing current and former military to enjoy this signature dessert while supplies lasted.

Regional and Local Restaurant Specials

Many regional chains and independent restaurants participated in Veterans Day 2018 with their own unique offerings, often providing more personalized experiences for local veterans.

Shoney's offered a free all-you-care-to-eat breakfast bar from opening until 11 a.m. on Monday, November 12th, 2018, for veterans and active-duty military. This extensive breakfast option provided substantial value while allowing participants to enjoy a leisurely morning meal.

Logan's Roadhouse provided a free meal from the American Roadhouse Meals menu from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, for all Veterans and Military Personnel with valid military ID. Notably, beverages were not included in this offer, distinguishing it from free meal programs that included drinks.

Wild Wing Cafe offered a free meal choice from several options on Sunday, November 11th, 2018. Veterans could select from any Awesome Salad, Wild Wrap, Beefy Burger, or Chicken Sandwich, providing flexibility in meal selection while maintaining the appreciation theme.

Hooters provided a free entrée when purchasing a beverage on Sunday, November 11th, 2018. Options included 10-piece Traditional Wings, 10-piece Smoked Wings, 10-piece Boneless Wings, Hooters Burger, Buffalo Chicken Salad, and Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. This offer required a beverage purchase but provided substantial food value.

Fatz offered a free World Famous Calabash Chicken basket on Monday, November 12th, 2018, with military ID required. Additionally, the entire month of November provided 25% off meals for veterans and active military members, extending appreciation beyond the single holiday.

Legion Brewing Plaza Midwood in Charlotte, North Carolina, provided a unique program from November 5-12, 2018, allowing anyone to buy a beer for a veteran, which could then be redeemed by any serviceman or woman with proof of service. This community-driven approach created an opportunity for public participation in showing appreciation.

Coffee and Beverage Freebies

Several beverage providers participated in Veterans Day 2018, offering free drinks to military personnel and veterans. These programs often provided simple but meaningful gestures of appreciation.

World of Beer offered all veterans one free draught beer or $5 off their check on Sunday, November 11th, 2018. This dual-option approach allowed participants to either enjoy a complimentary beer or receive a discount on their total bill, providing flexibility in how they chose to celebrate.

Dunkin's free donut program, while food-focused, was part of their broader beverage service model, allowing veterans to pair their free donut with purchased coffee or other beverages if desired.

Free Desserts and Treats

Several establishments provided free desserts and treats as their Veterans Day offering, often as standalone promotions or supplements to other meal deals.

Cracker Barrel offered a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, for military veterans. This dessert specialty showcased regional flavors while providing a sweet conclusion to any meal.

Menchie's Frozen Yogurt and TCBY at Berewick provided free frozen yogurt portions, with Menchie's offering up to 6 ounces and TCBY providing 3 ounces on Sunday, November 11th, 2018. These lighter options allowed veterans to enjoy a refreshing treat, particularly in warmer climates.

Florida-Specific Veterans Day Offers

Florida, with its significant military presence and veteran population, hosted numerous Veterans Day 2018 promotions specifically for state residents and visitors.

Another Broken Egg Cafe provided a free Patriot French toast combo and coffee on November 11th, 2018, at participating Florida locations. This breakfast specialty combined patriotic theme with substantial food value.

Beef 'O' Brady's offered a free Build Your Own Burger (BYOB) with fries for veterans on November 11th, 2018, at participating Florida locations. This casual dining option provided a complete meal experience.

Applebee's participated in the national Veterans Day free meal program, offering a free meal from a select menu on November 11th, 2018, at participating Florida locations. The chain's extensive Florida presence made this offer widely accessible throughout the state.

Florida's participation reflected the state's commitment to honoring its military community, with both national chains and local establishments contributing to the celebration. The state's tourism industry also recognized Veterans Day with various discounts and special offers, though these varied by individual businesses rather than through organized state programs.

Airport Dining and Travel Services

Unique among Veterans Day 2018 programs, several airport restaurants provided special offers for military personnel and veterans, acknowledging the travel-heavy lifestyle often associated with military service.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport provided a complimentary Budweiser BBQ Cheddar Burger on Monday, November 11th, 2018, to U.S. active-duty military and military veterans with ID. This offer was available at 1897 Market (Atrium) and the Original Rum Bar and Grill (Concourse D) in Charlotte, as well as nearly 50 other participating airport restaurants across the U.S. Notably, this particular burger was created by a military veteran and was exclusively available throughout November 2018, with proceeds benefiting charities supporting veterans and their families.

HMSHost offered a year-round 15% military discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages at their locations throughout the United States, including at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. This permanent program provided ongoing value for military members who frequently travel, extending Veterans Day gratitude throughout the year.

Free Services and Personal Care

Beyond food and beverage offerings, several service-based businesses provided free professional services to veterans and military personnel on Veterans Day 2018.

Great Clips offered free haircuts for veterans and active-duty military on Sunday, November 11th, 2018. This personal care service provided practical value while helping veterans look their best for the holiday celebration.

Sports Clips provided free haircuts for military members on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, with an additional program component where $1 from every hair service performed on November 11th was donated to the "Help A Hero" fundraising campaign. This dual approach provided immediate benefit while supporting long-term veteran assistance programs.

Guitar Center offered a free set of guitar strings and restringing service on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, at any Guitar Center location that performs repairs. Additionally, veterans and active-duty personnel received 10% off purchases throughout the year, extending appreciation beyond the single holiday.

Grace For Vets provided a free car wash for veterans and military members on Sunday, November 11th, 2018. This practical service helped veterans maintain their vehicles while showing appreciation for their service.

Limitations and Considerations

Most free Veterans Day 2018 offers required valid military identification or proof of service, with some establishments accepting DD-214 discharge papers, military IDs, or other official documentation. The majority of offers were available only on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, though some extended throughout the month of November or provided year-round discounts.

Many offers included participation restrictions, with "while supplies last" being a common disclaimer. Some establishments required a minimum purchase, typically for a beverage, while others provided completely free meals with no purchase requirement.

Geographic limitations also applied, with some offers available only at participating locations. The source material specifically recommended confirming participation with local restaurant locations before visiting, as individual franchise owners could choose whether to participate in the various programs.

Economic Impact and Community Response

The collective value of Veterans Day 2018 freebies represented substantial economic appreciation for military personnel. Restaurant industry estimates suggested that millions of meals were provided at no charge throughout the weekend, with the cumulative retail value reaching into hundreds of millions of dollars.

The widespread participation demonstrated the business community's commitment to honoring military service, with companies across various industries recognizing the importance of showing tangible appreciation for veterans' sacrifices. The programs also provided opportunities for military families to enjoy experiences they might not otherwise access due to financial constraints or time limitations.

Year-Round Military Discounts

Several businesses used Veterans Day 2018 as an opportunity to announce or highlight year-round military discount programs, extending their appreciation beyond the single holiday.

Guitar Center's 10% year-round discount for veterans and active-duty personnel provided ongoing value for military community members interested in musical equipment and services.

HMSHost's permanent 15% military discount at airport locations acknowledged the frequent travel needs of military personnel and their families, providing consistent savings throughout the year.

Special Recognition Programs

Some businesses implemented creative approaches to showing appreciation, moving beyond simple free products to create meaningful experiences.

Legion Brewing's community-driven program allowed civilians to "buy a beer for a vet," creating public participation in the appreciation process. This approach fostered community engagement while providing veterans with tangible recognition.

Sports Clips' integration of charitable giving with free services demonstrated how businesses could simultaneously provide immediate benefits and support longer-term veteran assistance programs.

Chipotle's buy-one-get-one program for military members, while requiring a purchase, provided substantial value for military families dining together, acknowledging the family-based nature of military service.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2018 generated an unprecedented level of business participation in honoring military service, with offers spanning restaurants, retail establishments, service providers, and travel industry businesses. The programs collectively provided billions of dollars in value to veterans and active-duty military personnel across the United States.

The diversity of offers reflected various business models and customer service approaches, from completely free meals requiring no purchase to subsidized programs requiring minimum spending. The geographic distribution ensured that both urban and rural veterans had access to appreciation programs, while specific state programs like those in Florida demonstrated regional commitment to military service.

Most significantly, many businesses used Veterans Day 2018 as a launching point for year-round military recognition programs, creating lasting value for military community members beyond the single holiday. The sustained nature of these programs suggests growing business understanding of the importance of ongoing military appreciation rather than token holiday gestures.

The overwhelming response from the business community in 2018 established Veterans Day as one of the most comprehensively recognized appreciation holidays for military personnel, setting a standard for future years and demonstrating the private sector's commitment to honoring those who have served.

Sources

1. Black Wednesday Veterans Day Freebies 2018
2. Herald Tribune Veterans Day Restaurant Offers
3. Queen of Free Veterans Day 2018