Michigan Veterans Day Free Meals And Discounts Complete Guide To 2023 Offers

Veterans Day in Michigan is marked by numerous businesses showing appreciation for military service members through complimentary meals, discounts, and special offers. Across the state, restaurants, coffee shops, and other establishments are providing free food items and services to veterans and active-duty military personnel as a token of gratitude for their service. This comprehensive guide outlines the available offers, eligibility requirements, and important details for those wishing to take advantage of these Veterans Day freebies in Michigan.

Free Breakfast Offers for Veterans

Several Michigan establishments are honoring veterans with complimentary breakfast items on Veterans Day, November 11. These breakfast offers range from complete meals to individual items, and most require proof of military service.

Bob Evans is offering veterans a free breakfast item from a special menu available all day. According to the company's statement, this offer is "a heartfelt tribute to the brave individuals who have served our nation" and includes ten breakfast options for veterans to choose from.

Cracker Barrel is participating with their complimentary Sunrise Pancake Breakfast, allowing veterans to enjoy a special pancake meal at no cost.

Denny's is providing veterans with a free Original Grand Slam breakfast starting from 5 a.m. on Veterans Day.

IHOP is offering veterans and active-duty military a free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo, a patriotic-themed meal option.

McDonald's is offering veterans and active-duty military a free breakfast meal with a choice of either an Egg McMuffin or Bacon Egg and Cheese Biscuit, along with a hash brown and any size fountain drink or coffee. This offer is confirmed for McDonald's locations in the Saginaw area, and is available through dine-in or drive-thru services until 10:30 a.m. The meals are not available through the McDonald's app.

Dunkin' Donuts is showing appreciation with a free donut for veterans on Veterans Day.

For coffee lovers, Bruegger's Bagels is offering free hot or iced coffee to veterans, while Biggby Coffee is providing free hot brewed coffee up to 24 ounces. Einstein Bros. Bagels is also participating with free hot or iced medium coffee when veterans identify themselves as such.

Lunch and Dinner Offers

Beyond breakfast, numerous Michigan restaurants are offering free lunch and dinner options to veterans on Veterans Day and surrounding days.

Applebee's is providing a free entree from a special menu for veterans and active-duty military personnel.

Benihana is offering a free entree worth up to $49 to veterans, demonstrating significant value in their appreciation gesture.

Blind Owl is participating with a free entree for veterans.

Bonefish Grill is offering free bang bang shrimp and a drink to veterans, while California Pizza Kitchen is providing a free entree and drink from their special menu.

Buffalo Wild Wings is giving veterans 10 free boneless wings and fries with their Veterans Day offer.

Chili's is offering a free meal from a special menu for veterans.

Dave & Buster's is providing veterans with a free entree and a $10 Power Card for gameplay, combining food with entertainment.

Denny's extends their breakfast offer with a free "Build Your Own Grand Slam" from 5 a.m. to noon on Veterans Day.

Famous Dave's is offering a free Lunch Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich with side for veterans.

Golden Corral is going beyond Veterans Day by handing out free meal and beverage cards to all active-duty military and veterans through November 30. These cards can be used once through May 31 for lunch or dinner Monday through Thursday.

Hooters is providing 10 free boneless wings with the purchase of 10 wings.

Iron Skillet is offering a free meal for veterans on Veterans Day.

Krispy Kreme is giving veterans a free doughnut of choice and small hot or iced coffee.

Little Caesars is offering a free lunch combo between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Veterans Day.

Logan's Roadhouse is providing a free meal between 3 to 6 p.m. from the American Roadhouse menu.

Macaroni Grill is offering free Mom's Ricotta Meatballs + Spaghetti to veterans.

Outback Steakhouse is providing a free Bloomin' Onion and Coke product on Veterans Day.

Papa Gino's is offering 50% off whole pizzas for walk-in and carry-out orders.

Red Lobster is giving veterans a free appetizer or dessert.

Qdoba is offering 50% off any entree on Veterans Day.

Regional and Local Michigan Offers

Several Michigan-based establishments are also showing their appreciation with special offers for veterans.

Sheetz, which has numerous locations throughout Michigan, is offering veterans and active-duty military a free half turkey sub and regular size fountain drink at any location. Extras and add-ons to the sub are included in the offer. Additionally, Sheetz is offering their $9 car wash option for free at locations that have car wash service. Military ID or proof of service must be presented to qualify.

Bubba's 33, with locations in Sterling Heights and Taylor, is offering all veterans (including active, retired, or former U.S. military) a free meal from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 11. Veterans can choose from six entrees: a classic Cheeseburger, Bubba's bacon burger, bacon chicken mac-n-cheese, grilled chicken salad, chicken tender salad, or any 12-inch pizza, along with a choice of any Coca-Cola product, sweet tea/ice tea, or coffee. Proof of service including military or VA card, or discharge papers is required.

Saroki's Crispy Chicken and Pizza is offering veterans and active military a choice of free three-piece chicken tenders or slice of pizza. Military ID proof of service is required for this offer.

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is offering veterans 25 percent off all Gyros and Gyro Combo Meals on Veterans Day.

Love's Travel Stops and Country Stores is offering veterans the opportunity to purchase one roller grill item and get a second free, along with a fountain drink or coffee of any size for free.

Pilot Flying J is providing a free breakfast combo, which includes coffee, for veterans and military through the Pilot Flying J app through November 15.

Captain D's is offering 10% off meals for veterans.

Dickey's Barbecue Pit is providing a free Pulled Pork Classic Sandwich to veterans.

Community Events and Additional Benefits

Beyond restaurant offers, there are community events and additional benefits available to veterans in Michigan.

The Delta-Waverly Rotary Club is hosting a "Salute to Service" event on Veterans Day, November 11, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 5001 W. Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917. This community-wide gathering is free for veterans, active military members, and a guest when pre-registered. The event features a 45-minute ceremony with live musical performances, complimentary food and beverages provided by One North Kitchen & Bar, inspirational speeches, and a free brunch served immediately following the program.

7-Eleven is offering veterans with a Veterans Advantage account the opportunity to link their account to the 7Rewards loyalty program to receive special offers, including a free cup of coffee on Veterans Day.

Carrabba's Italian Grill is extending their appreciation by offering a free order of calamari with any purchase to all veterans, active military, police officers, and firefighters with valid ID through Veterans Day. The chain also has an ongoing 10% discount for active and retired service members.

Bonefish Grill offers an ongoing 10% discount daily for veterans.

How to Access These Offers

To take advantage of these Veterans Day offers, veterans and active-duty military personnel should:

1. Bring proof of service: Most establishments require military ID, VA card, discharge papers, or other documentation verifying military service.

2. Check location participation: While these offers are available at many locations, participation may vary. It's advisable to call ahead or check the establishment's website to confirm local participation.

3. Note time restrictions: Many offers have specific time windows (e.g., breakfast offers may only be available until 10:30 a.m.).

4. Consider dine-in vs. other service methods: Some offers are only valid for dine-in service, while others may be available through drive-thru or mobile apps.

5. Be aware of purchase requirements: Some offers require the purchase of an item to receive the freebie (e.g., buy one, get one free offers).

Important Considerations

When planning to take advantage of Veterans Day free meals and discounts in Michigan, veterans should keep several considerations in mind:

1. Proof of service is required at most establishments, so bringing appropriate documentation is essential.

2. Participation may vary by location, even within the same chain restaurant.

3. Some offers may be available only on the specific day (November 11), while others may be valid for a limited period before or after.

4. Mobile apps may be required for certain offers, so downloading these apps in advance may be necessary.

5. Some establishments may have limited quantities or specific menu items for these offers.

6. Veterans should be prepared for potential crowds, as popular restaurants may be busier than usual on Veterans Day.

7. Some offers are only available for dine-in service, not for takeout or delivery.

Conclusion

Veterans Day in Michigan is marked by numerous businesses showing appreciation for military service members through complimentary meals, discounts, and special offers. From breakfast chains to full-service restaurants, coffee shops to community events, there are numerous opportunities for veterans to receive free food and other benefits as a token of gratitude for their service.

While the offers vary by establishment and location, most require proof of military service and may have specific time restrictions or participation requirements. Veterans are encouraged to check with local establishments regarding their specific offers and to bring appropriate documentation to verify their service status.

These Veterans Day freebies not only provide tangible benefits to veterans but also serve as a meaningful acknowledgment of their sacrifice and service to the country. As businesses across Michigan participate in this tradition of appreciation, veterans have numerous opportunities to enjoy complimentary meals and discounts on November 11 and surrounding days.

Sources

1. Veterans Day: Free Breakfast Options for Michigan Vets
2. Free Veterans Day Food in Michigan: Restaurants, Coffee Shops & More Celebrating Military on Nov. 11
3. Restaurants in Mid-Michigan Offering Free Meals to Veterans
4. Veterans and Active Military: Veterans Day Freebies and Discounts Offered Around Macomb
5. Veterans Day Freebies