Crystal Coast Veterans Day 2025 Complete Guide To Free Meals Discounts And Events

Veterans Day 2025, falling on Monday, November 11, presents numerous opportunities for military personnel and veterans to receive free meals, discounts, and special recognition across the Crystal Coast. This guide compiles verified information about available freebies, events, and promotional offers specifically for active duty military, veterans, and their families. From restaurant specials to community ceremonies, the Crystal Coast area has numerous ways to honor and thank those who have served.

Veterans Day Ceremonies and Events on the Crystal Coast

The Crystal Coast will host several ceremonies and events specifically designed to honor veterans on November 11, 2025. A notable ceremony is being organized by the Committee to Honor America's Veterans, which will take place at Fire Station 1 located at 102 Shoreline Drive in Sunset Beach. The ceremony is scheduled for 1:00pm on Monday, November 11. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair and participate in this remembrance event.

Bass Pro Shops is also planning special recognition for veterans. While the exact location details are still being confirmed, the company has announced that it will be giving out special Bass Pro Shops Challenge Coins to veteran attendees at their 8181 Concord Mills Blvd location in Concord, NC. There's speculation that similar recognition might occur at their Fort Mill location as well, though this has not yet been confirmed.

In addition to these formal ceremonies, some businesses are planning special events. Carolina Ale House locations in North Carolina (along with Florida and Tennessee) are offering veterans a free half rack rib platter on November 11, 2025, available for dine-in customers only. Similarly, Chicken Salad Chick locations will provide a free meal with a side and drink for veterans and active duty military on Veterans Day.

Restaurant Free Meals and Discounts

Numerous restaurants across the Crystal Coast and surrounding areas will offer complimentary meals to veterans and active military personnel on November 11, 2025. These offers typically require valid military identification and may have specific limitations.

National restaurant chains with locations in the area include:

• Applebee's: Active-duty military, veterans, Reservists, and Guardsmen receive a free dine-in meal from a select menu on November 11, 2025.
• Bob Evans: Veterans and active-duty military members may receive a free, farm-fresh meal at Bob Evans on November 11, 2025. The Veterans Day menu features 10 hearty favorites, available for dine-in only.
• Denny's: Offering a free "Build Your Own Grand Slam" breakfast on Veterans Day (dine-in only).
• McDonald's: Providing a free breakfast combo with hash brown and choice of any size soft drink, coffee or tea for all active and retired military personnel, and military families, who are in uniform or present a military ID on Veterans Day during breakfast hours.
• Ruby Tuesday: Veterans and active military usually receive a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu.
• Roy Rogers (East Coast): Veterans get a free Uncle Ralph's brownie with any purchase on Veterans Day.
• Sheetz (Eastern U.S.): All veterans and active duty military personnel get a free half turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink at any of Sheetz's 800+ store locations, including extras and add-ons to the sub.

Regional and local restaurants offering free meals include:

• Carolina Ale House: Free half rack rib platter for veterans on November 11, 2025 (dine-in only).
• Chicken Salad Chick: Free meal with a side and drink for veterans and active duty military on November 11, 2025. The meal includes one scoop or sandwich, a side and a fountain drink. In-restaurant only, with Signature Sandwiches and 3-item meals not included.
• Cotton Patch Cafe (Texas): Free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken to veterans and active military personnel, plus Free Country Scramble for all veterans and active military. They're also offering a free Sunrise Pancake Breakfast for all veterans and active military with valid identification on 11/11.
• Delia's (Texas): Free dozen tamales and a drink or coffee, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 11 (dine-in only).
• Duffy's Sports Grill (Florida): Usually offers a free meal (up to $15) or 40% off for veterans and active military, depending on location (dine-in only).
• El Fenix (Texas): Free taco or enchilada plate.
• El Torito (California): Free dine-in meal for veterans and active military.
• Emmet's Social Table (North Carolina): Free dine-in meal for veterans and military.
• Farmer Boys (Southwest): Free Big Cheese sandwich for veterans and active military (dine-in only).
• Salvatore's Old Fashioned Pizzeria (New York): Free 12-inch ThinThin pizza (cheese and one topping) for veterans and active military (pick up or dine-in).

Many restaurants offer year-round discounts to military personnel in addition to their Veterans Day specials. For example, Cotton Patch Cafe provides a 25% discount year-round for military and first responders in uniform, while several other establishments offer 10-15% discounts throughout the year.

Non-Food Freebies and Discounts

Beyond complimentary meals, numerous businesses on the Crystal Coast and surrounding areas will offer various free items and discounts to veterans and active military personnel on November 11, 2025.

Hair and personal care services: - Great Clips: Offering free haircuts to veterans and active military service members on Veterans Day. Veterans and active military can visit any Great Clips salon in the United States to receive a free haircut or a card for a free haircut that can be redeemed during a future visit.

Beverage offerings: - Scooter's Coffee: Providing a special thank-you to veterans and active-duty military members with a free medium drink at any of their 825+ locations nationwide on November 11, 2025. Valid Military ID is required. - Aroma Joe's: Veterans receive a free 24-ounce drink of their choice on November 11. - BIGGBY Coffee: Veterans receive any 16-ounce beverage for $1.99 on November 11. - Biscuit Belly: Free biscuit sandwich from a select menu and a drip coffee or fountain drink for veterans on November 11. All Biscuit Belly locations are participating, with dine-in only service.

Retail discounts: - Kohl's: Veterans and active-duty military will receive 30% off their purchase, in-store only, on November 11, 2025.

Other services: - ZIPS Car Wash: Veterans and active military receive a free top car wash when using code VETS at check-out. - Barbeque at Home by Dickey's: Veterans receive a 15% discount on all orders (code: VETERAN15), November 11 through December 31. - Bar Louie: Veterans and active-duty service members who are dining in receive a free burger (excluding the Big Louie) on November 10 and 11. - D'Angelo's Sandwiches (Northeast): 50% off orders for veterans and active duty; dine-in or carry-out; not valid on lobster or gift cards.

Some establishments offer additional benefits beyond Veterans Day. For example, veterans at Shane's Rib Shack (Southeast, New York, Arizona) can expect a free BBQ Pork or Chopped BBQ Chicken Plate (half-pound meat and two sides) for all active, inactive, and retired military personnel (in-store only, may vary by location).

Eligibility Requirements and Participation Details

Most Veterans Day freebies and discounts have specific eligibility requirements and participation details that veterans and active military personnel should be aware of before taking advantage of these offers.

Identification requirements: - The vast majority of offers require proof of military service or active duty status - Acceptable forms of identification typically include military ID cards, DD214 papers, or other official documentation - Some businesses may accept Veterans Administration cards or other proof of service - Family members of military personnel may be included in some offers, particularly at family-oriented establishments like McDonald's

Date and time restrictions: - Most offers are specifically for Monday, November 11, 2025 (Veterans Day) - Some offers have specific time limitations: - McDonald's free breakfast is available only during breakfast hours - Delia's free tamales are available 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 11 - Bad Daddy's Burger Bar offer is valid until 4 PM on November 11 - A few offers extend beyond Veterans Day: - Ruby Tuesday's offer is valid November 7 through November 14 - Barbeque at Home by Dickey's discount is valid November 11 through December 31

Service limitations: - Many restaurant offers are for dine-in customers only - Some offers specify that they're not valid for delivery or carryout - Certain menu items may be excluded from free offers (e.g., Signature Sandwiches at Chicken Salad Chick, lobster at D'Angelo's) - Some offers have value limitations (e.g., Duffy's Sports Grill free meals up to $15)

Location variations: - Participation may vary by location, even within the same chain - Some offers are region-specific (e.g., certain restaurants only available on the East Coast, Southwest, etc.) - Businesses in the Cape Fear area and Crystal Coast may have different participation levels - It's recommended to call ahead to confirm participation at specific locations

Tips for Veterans to Maximize Benefits

Veterans and active military personnel can maximize their Veterans Day benefits by planning ahead and understanding the available options.

Planning ahead: - Review this guide and other available resources before November 11 - Make a list of desired freebies and prioritize them based on location and timing - Consider bringing a companion to help manage multiple offers in one day - Keep all military identification easily accessible

Checking with local locations: - Call ahead to confirm participation, especially for smaller local businesses - Verify current offers as details may change closer to Veterans Day - Ask about any restrictions or limitations not mentioned in promotional materials - Inquire about whether family members can participate in offers

Combining offers where possible: - Some businesses may allow multiple free items per family - Consider combining a free meal with other freebies (like a free haircut or coffee) - Take advantage of both free items and year-round discounts at the same establishment

Community participation: - Attend local ceremonies like the one in Sunset Beach to show community support - Share information with fellow veterans who may not be aware of available offers - Consider patronizing businesses beyond Veterans Day to thank them for their support

The Crystal Coast area has numerous opportunities for veterans to receive recognition and appreciation on November 11, 2025. From complimentary meals at local restaurants to free haircuts and coffee, businesses throughout the region are showing their gratitude for military service.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2025 on the Crystal Coast offers numerous opportunities for active duty military, veterans, and their families to receive complimentary meals, discounts, and special recognition. From formal ceremonies at Sunset Beach to free meals at dozens of restaurants and various non-food freebies, the community has multiple ways to honor those who have served.

When taking advantage of these offers, veterans should remember to bring appropriate identification, be aware of time and location restrictions, and check with specific businesses to confirm participation. By planning ahead and being prepared, veterans can maximize their benefits while enjoying the community's appreciation for their service.

As Veterans Day approaches, it's important to share this information with fellow veterans and military families to ensure everyone can take advantage of these well-deserved benefits. The businesses participating in these programs demonstrate their commitment to supporting our military personnel, and veterans are encouraged to patronize them beyond Veterans Day whenever possible.

Sources

1. Best Veterans Day Freebies
2. Veterans Day Events Around the Cape Fear
3. Our Huge List of Veterans Day 2025 Freebies, Discounts and Deals
4. Veterans Day Freebies, Deals, Events