Veterans Day 2025 Freebies And Discounts Across North Carolina

Veterans Day, observed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, is a time to honor and thank U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members. In North Carolina, numerous restaurants, retailers, and organizations are offering free meals, discounts, and special events to show appreciation for their service. This article provides a comprehensive overview of verified freebies and promotions available in 2025, including eligibility requirements, participating locations, and any necessary documentation for claiming these offers.

The following information is derived from confirmed sources, including brand press releases, verified restaurant websites, and event announcements. While some promotions are specific to Concord and its surrounding areas, others apply across North Carolina or even beyond. Where available, details about additional perks—such as free admissions, event schedules, and complementary offers—are also included.

Food and Beverage Offers

Several restaurants across North Carolina are offering free or discounted meals to veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day. These promotions vary by location, with some requiring proof of service and others being available to all military-affiliated individuals.

Biscuit Belly

Biscuit Belly is providing free breakfast to veterans on November 11, 2025. The menu includes options such as the Bacon Egg & Cheese, Sausage Egg & Cheese, and Chicken Biscuit Sandwich, served with a hot drip coffee or fountain drink. This offer is available at all Biscuit Belly locations in North Carolina and is valid for dine-in only.

Bob Evans

Bob Evans is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free, farm-fresh meal on Veterans Day. The Veterans Day menu features 10 hearty favorites, available for dine-in only. A full press release from the company outlines the details of this promotion.

Carolina Ale House

Carolina Ale House locations in North Carolina, as well as in Florida and Tennessee, are providing veterans with a free half rack rib platter on November 11, 2025. This offer is available for dine-in only.

Chicken Salad Chick

All Chicken Salad Chick locations are offering a free meal with a side and drink to veterans and active-duty military members. The meal includes one scoop or sandwich, a side, and a fountain drink. This offer is valid for in-restaurant dining only and does not include signature sandwiches or 3-item meals.

IHOP

IHOP is serving a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo to veterans on November 11, 2025. The meal includes two eggs, hash browns, and a choice of two strips of crispy bacon or two pork sausage links. This offer is available at participating locations from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Little Caesars

Little Caesars is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free Hot-n-Ready Lunch Combo on Veterans Day. The combo includes four slices of signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage. This promotion is available between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at participating restaurants.

Menchie’s

Menchie’s is giving veterans and active-duty military members a free 6oz frozen yogurt on November 11, 2025. To receive the free item, participants must show a military ID at the time of purchase.

Perry’s Steakhouse

Perry’s Steakhouse in Raleigh is offering veterans a complimentary 32 oz Dinner Cut Pork Chop and a specially curated 3-course military menu for $39 on November 11, 2025. The menu includes several of the restaurant’s signature dishes and is available from 4 to 9 p.m.

Piada’s Italian Street Food

Piada is offering a free entrée to veterans and active-duty military members at all locations on Veterans Day. Guests can choose any regular-sized chef menu entrée with protein, provided they present a valid military ID and mention the offer at checkout.

Pilot or Flying J

Veterans and military personnel can receive a free breakfast sandwich and coffee or a lunch item and fountain drink at participating Pilot or Flying J locations. To qualify, identification must be verified through the Pilot app using ID.me. Additionally, Pilot is making a $250,000 donation to the Call of Duty Endowment, which supports veteran employment.

Zapata’s Mexican Restaurant

Zapata’s in Charlotte is offering veterans a 50% discount on their dine-in order on November 11, 2025. This offer was announced on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

Retail and Service Discounts

In addition to food-related offers, several retailers are providing Veterans Day discounts to military-affiliated individuals.

Food Lion

Food Lion is offering a 10% discount to veterans and active-duty military members, valid in-store only. To receive the discount, individuals must present their MVP card and military identification at checkout. This offer excludes alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, lottery, pharmacy, postage stamps, and services.

Autobell Car Wash

Autobell is providing a free Ride-Thru Exterior wash or an equivalent credit toward another wash option to veterans and active-duty military members on November 11, 2025. This offer is available at all Autobell locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. No coupon, barcode, or ID is required, and the offer will be honored on November 12 in the event of rain.

Cultural and Recreational Offers

Several museums and cultural institutions are offering free or discounted admission to veterans and their families as part of Veterans Day celebrations.

Schiele Museum of Natural History

The Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia is offering free admission to veterans, active military personnel, and their families on November 11, 2025. No reservations are required, and the offer is valid for up to five family members.

Sullenberger Aviation Museum

The Sullenberger Aviation Museum in Charlotte is providing free admission to veterans and their families on November 11, 2025.

New Hope Valley Railway

The New Hope Valley Railway is offering free train rides to military service members on November 9 and November 13, 2025. Military personnel must present a military ID or a copy of their DD214 to ride free, while guests may ride at the regular price.

Events and Community Celebrations

In addition to individual business promotions, several events and community gatherings are taking place in honor of Veterans Day.

Veterans Day 5K/10K/Fun Run

A Veterans Day 5K/10K/Fun Run is scheduled for November 8, 2025, in Downtown Concord. While the 5K and 10K require a fee, the one-mile Fun Run is free to participate.

Veterans Day Celebration in Belmont

Downtown Belmont is hosting an early Veterans Day Celebration on Sunday, November 2, 2025, in the upper field of Stowe Park. The event’s schedule is yet to be announced.

Additional Businesses Offering Freebies

While not all businesses are confirmed to participate in 2025, the following restaurants and retailers offered Veterans Day promotions in 2024. Military members and veterans are encouraged to check their websites or social media for any announcements.

• Ace No.3
• BJ’s Restaurant Brewhouse
• Brewers at 4001 Yancey
• Carrabba’s
• Cicis Pizza
• Emmet’s Social Table
• Metro Diner
• Panera Bread
• Red Lobster
• Red Robin
• Sea Level NC
• The Smoke Pit Restaurant
• Sonic Drive-In
• Triple C Brewing
• Twin Peaks
• VFW Mecklenburg Post 1160
• The Waterman Fish Bar

Eligibility and Redemption Details

Most of the offers listed above require proof of service. This may include a military ID, DD214 form, or a valid VetRewards Card. Some businesses, such as Autobell, do not require any documentation, while others, like Pilot, use an app-based verification system (ID.me).

It is important to note that many of these promotions are valid only for in-store use and do not apply to online orders or delivery services. Additionally, some offers are limited to specific locations, and not all restaurants may participate.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2025 is a time for communities across North Carolina to express gratitude to those who have served in the U.S. military. From free meals and discounts to museum admissions and event invitations, a variety of businesses and organizations are offering special promotions to honor veterans and active-duty service members.

While the majority of these offers are scheduled for Tuesday, November 11, 2025, some events take place earlier in the month. It is recommended that interested individuals check the specific details of each offer, including location participation, time frames, and any required documentation.

By taking advantage of these promotions, veterans and their families can enjoy meaningful experiences and support local businesses that recognize the importance of service and sacrifice.

Sources

1. Charlotte On the Cheap – Veterans Day Freebies, Deals & Events
2. Triangle On the Cheap – Veterans Day Triangle