Virginia Lunch Freebies And Veterans Day Offers For Military Personnel

Across Virginia, numerous businesses extend appreciation to veterans and active-duty military personnel through special offers, free meals, and discounts. Many of these opportunities are specifically timed for Veterans Day, November 11, though some may be available year-round or during specific periods. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the free lunch options and other benefits available to veterans and military personnel throughout Virginia, along with important details about participation requirements and restrictions.

Virginia Restaurant Lunch Offers for Veterans

Several Virginia-based restaurants and chains provide complimentary meals or discounts to honor military service on Veterans Day and during other times of the year. These offers typically require proof of military service or veteran status.

Food City

Food City, with locations in Virginia and Kentucky, offers veterans and active military personnel a free meal from the deli hot bar. This offer is subject to a price limit, though the specific maximum value is not specified in the source material. The free meal option would be applicable for lunch hours, though the exact times when the deli hot bar is operational may vary by location.

Applebee's

Applebee's restaurants in Virginia provide all active-duty military, veterans, reserves, and National Guard members with a free, full-sized entrée from an exclusive menu. While the source material does not specify this offer as being limited to Veterans Day, it does note that a military ID or proof of veteran status is required to claim the offer. The free entrée could be used for lunch during regular restaurant hours.

El Fresco Tex-Mex Grill

El Fresco Tex-Mex Grill operates four locations in Northern Virginia and offers free meals to all veterans on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This timeframe would include typical lunch hours. The specific menu items included in the free meal offer are not detailed in the source material, but veterans with valid identification would be able to select from the restaurant's offerings during this period.

Sheetz

Sheetz locations in the Mid-Atlantic region, including Virginia, provide active-duty military and veterans with a free half turkey sub and regular fountain drink on November 11. This offer would be available during regular business hours, making it suitable for lunch. Additionally, participating Sheetz locations offer a free $9 car wash with this meal offer, though car wash availability may vary by location.

Other Virginia Restaurants with Veterans Offers

Several other Virginia-based restaurants offer Veterans Day discounts or free items, though some may not be specifically designated as lunch offers:

• Hello Sweetie Cheesecakes in Portsmouth provides 10% off all items on November 11.
• Gelati Celesti offers a free scoop to all active-duty military and veterans at every location, though the specific timing is not mentioned.
• The Starving Artist Café on Colley Avenue in Norfolk gives free drip coffee on Tuesday (Veterans Day). Additionally, the café offers 10% off to military members with valid ID every day.
• The Casual Pint of Virginia Beach sells tickets that are given out to veterans for a complimentary beer, though the specific hours and terms are not detailed.

Non-Restaurant Virginia Offers for Veterans

Beyond restaurant meals, Virginia businesses provide various other free items and discounts to veterans and military personnel.

Pawsnickity Pets

In Norfolk's Ghent neighborhood, Pawsnickity Pets offers free bags of select pet food for military members. Notably, this offer also extends to government workers who are furloughed and not receiving pay. The specific pet food brands and quantities available are not detailed in the source material.

Grafik Trenz

Grafik Trenz, a sign and screen-printing shop in Smithfield, provides a 20% discount on in-stock items and custom orders for veterans and service members. This discount would be applicable year-round and could be used for various business or personal needs.

Williamsburg Salt Spa

Williamsburg Salt Spa offers veterans a free travel bag of salt with valid identification. Salt therapy has various purported health benefits, and this complimentary item allows veterans to experience potential benefits at home.

Nunez Fine Jewelers

Nunez Fine Jewelers in Virginia Beach absorbs sales tax for all veterans on November 11. This offer could provide significant savings on jewelry purchases, though the specific terms and any minimum purchase requirements are not specified.

Mr. Wash Car Wash

Mr. Wash Car Wash offers free exterior washes to military members and spouses on November 10 and 11. This two-day offer provides convenience and savings for vehicle maintenance.

General Information for Veterans Participating in Offers

Proof of Service Requirements

To participate in virtually all veterans and military offers, proper identification is required. Typically, this includes:

• Military ID card for active-duty personnel
• DD-214 discharge papers for veterans
• Veterans organization card
• Driver's license with veteran designation (where available)

The source material specifically notes that "A military ID or proof of veteran status is required to claim the offers" at participating businesses.

Ensuring Participation

Since many offers are provided by individual franchise locations rather than corporate mandates, participation can vary. The source material advises: "As always, it's a good idea to call ahead to make sure local franchises are participating." This is particularly important for chain restaurants and businesses where individual locations may have different policies or may choose not to participate.

Veterans Day Timing

Most offers are specifically timed for Veterans Day, which falls on November 11 each year. Some offers, like those at Sheetz and Mr. Wash Car Wash, may extend to November 10 as well. The specific hours of operation vary by business, with some offers available all day and others limited to specific timeframes, such as El Fresco Tex-Mex Grill's 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. window.

Conclusion

Virginia offers numerous lunch freebies and other benefits for veterans and active-duty military personnel, particularly around Veterans Day. From complimentary meals at restaurants like Food City, Applebee's, and El Fresco Tex-Mex Grill to discounts on various goods and services, businesses throughout the state demonstrate appreciation for military service. Veterans should remember to bring proper identification, verify participation with specific locations, and take advantage of these opportunities to enjoy savings and complimentary items. These offers not only provide tangible benefits but also serve as meaningful acknowledgments of the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military.

Sources

1. Military Money Veterans Day Deals
2. Patch Virginia Veterans Day Deals
3. WTKR Local Businesses Honor Veterans
4. Veteran.com Veterans Day Discounts
5. WTOP Veterans Day 2025 Free Activities