Veterans Day Free Meals And Discounts Available In Virginia 2017

In November 2017, various businesses in Virginia offered free meals and discounts to honor military personnel in recognition of Veterans Day. These offers were available to active duty service members, veterans, and in some cases, their spouses. While not specifically tied to Election Day (which occurred on November 7, 2017), these promotions provided opportunities for military personnel to enjoy complimentary food items during the Veterans Day holiday period.

Overview of Veterans Day Offers in Virginia

Veterans Day 2017 saw multiple restaurant and food service establishments in Virginia participating in special promotions for military personnel. These offers ranged from complimentary beverages to complete meals. The majority of these promotions were available on November 11, 2017, which was the official Veterans Day holiday. Some establishments extended their offers beyond the single day, with certain promotions running through November 15, 2017.

Participation in these Veterans Day promotions was not universal across all locations of the same chain. Customers were advised to call ahead to confirm participation at their specific location. Additionally, most establishments required some form of identification to verify military service status. This could include a military ID, DD-214 form, or in some cases, being in uniform was sufficient.

Detailed Breakdown of Available Offers

Starbucks

Starbucks provided complimentary tall coffees to military personnel and their spouses on November 11, 2017. The offer was straightforward and did not require any purchase. In addition to the free coffee promotion, Starbucks implemented a charitable component to their Veterans Day observance. Through November 15, 2017, for every Veterans Day Starbucks Card purchased, the company donated $5 to three veteran support organizations: Team Rubicon, Team Red, White & Blue, and The Mission Continues. This dual approach provided both a direct benefit to military personnel and contributed to veteran support causes.

Mission BBQ

Mission BBQ offered free sandwiches to military members on Veterans Day. The establishment made it clear that both active service members and veterans were eligible for the complimentary sandwiches, which were typically paired with cake as part of their Veterans Day celebration. The promotion was available at participating Mission BBQ locations throughout Virginia, though customers were encouraged to verify participation at their local restaurant beforehand.

Carrabba's Italian Grill

Carrabba's Italian Grill provided a free appetizer for veterans and active military members on November 11, 2017. This offer required the purchase of an entree and a Coca-Cola beverage. To redeem the offer, customers needed to mention it to their server. The promotion was designed to provide a complimentary starter to accompany a full meal purchase, making it a more substantial offering than some other complimentary items available at other establishments.

Chevys Fresh Mex

Chevys Fresh Mex offered a free "build your own 3-item combo" to veterans and active military on November 11, 2017. This promotion required all persons in the party to have a military ID, indicating a stricter verification process compared to some other offers. The 3-item combo typically included a choice of protein, two sides, and possibly other components, making it a substantial complimentary meal option for military personnel.

Chipotle

Chipotle provided a buy-one-get-one-free offer on burritos, bowls, salads, or orders of tacos on November 11, 2017. This promotion allowed military personnel to bring a friend or family member to share a meal at no additional cost, or to enjoy two meals themselves. The offer applied to Chipotle's core menu items, providing flexibility in how customers could utilize the promotion.

Eligibility Requirements and Identification

Each establishment had specific requirements regarding eligibility and identification:

• Most offers were available to both active duty military personnel and veterans
• Some offers extended to spouses, though requirements varied
• Military ID was commonly required, though being in uniform was sometimes sufficient
• For group offers, all individuals typically needed to meet eligibility requirements

The documentation emphasizes that customers should verify requirements with each specific location, as policies could vary even within the same chain. Additionally, the source notes that not all locations participated in Veterans Day promotions, making it important for customers to call ahead to confirm participation.

Redemption Process

The redemption process for these Veterans Day offers was generally straightforward:

1. Visit participating location on November 11, 2017 (or during specified promotion period)
2. Present appropriate military identification or proof of service
3. Mention the Veterans Day promotion to staff
4. Follow any specific redemption instructions (such as purchasing an entree at Carrabba's)

For Chipotle's buy-one-get-one-free offer, customers needed to purchase one item at regular price to receive a second item of equal or lesser value for free. This required a single transaction to utilize the promotion.

Additional Context About Veterans Day Promotions

The source material indicates that Veterans Day promotions are a common way for businesses to recognize military service. These offers serve both as a gesture of appreciation and as a marketing strategy to attract military customers and their families. While many businesses participate in such promotions, the specific terms and conditions can vary significantly between establishments.

The documentation also notes that these promotions are typically time-sensitive, with most offers being available only on the actual Veterans Day holiday or during a limited promotional period. This creates a sense of urgency and encourages prompt redemption.

Conclusion

The Veterans Day 2017 promotions in Virginia provided military personnel and their families with opportunities to enjoy complimentary meals and discounts at various establishments. While the offers varied in terms of what was provided and the requirements for redemption, all were designed to recognize military service. Businesses ranging from coffee shops to full-service restaurants participated in these promotions, demonstrating a widespread appreciation for veterans and active duty personnel.

Customers interested in similar promotions for future Veterans Day observances should verify participation requirements with specific locations, as policies can vary even within the same chain. Additionally, proper identification is typically required to verify military service status.

Sources

1. Veterans Day Free Meals, Discounts In Virginia
2. 2017 Virginia House of Delegates election
3. With eyes of nation upon Virginia, a smooth showing, election commissioner says