National Bbq Day 2025 Restaurant Promotions And Food Freebies

National Barbecue Day on May 16, 2025, presents an opportunity for BBQ enthusiasts to enjoy special promotions and free food offerings at participating restaurants. While many establishments may recognize this day with unique deals, verified information about specific promotions is limited. The most detailed account of National BBQ Day celebrations comes from City Barbeque, which has announced a series of giveaways and special offers to commemorate the occasion. Additionally, some BBQ restaurants participate in Veterans Day free meal programs on November 11, 2025, providing complimentary meals to veterans and active military personnel. This article examines the confirmed promotional offers and free food opportunities available on National BBQ Day and related BBQ restaurant specials.

City Barbeque National BBQ Day Promotions

City Barbeque, an Ohio-based BBQ chain, has announced significant giveaways to celebrate National Barbecue Day on May 16, 2025. The promotions are part of the chain's observance of National BBQ Month in May. According to verified information, the first 100 guests at each City Barbeque location will receive scratch-off cards with guaranteed prizes.

The scratch-off prizes available at City Barbeque locations include: - One $100 City Barbeque gift card (1 winner per location) - Two meat, two side sampler (10 winners) - $5 off a $25 purchase (25 winners) - Free shareable with purchase (25 winners) - Free Pepsi or fountain drink (39 winners)

These scratch-off cards provide multiple opportunities for customers to receive complimentary food items or discounts, with the most valuable prize being the $100 gift card. The distribution of these prizes appears to be structured to ensure that a significant portion of the first 100 guests will receive some form of benefit, ranging from a free drink to a substantial gift card.

Beyond the scratch-off card promotion, City Barbeque is offering additional deals throughout National BBQ Month. The chain is providing a $5 bonus card with the purchase of a $25 gift card through June 15, 2025. This promotion allows customers to receive additional value beyond their initial gift card purchase, effectively increasing the purchasing power of those who buy gift cards during this promotional period.

City Barbeque Locations in Kentucky

For customers interested in participating in City Barbeque's National BBQ Day promotions, several locations are available in Kentucky:

• 8026 Burlington Pike, Florence
• 2760 Alexandria Pike, Highland Heights
• 2187 Harrodsburg Road, Lexington
• 3292 Richmond Road, Lexington
• 4027 Poplar Level Road, Louisville
• 9429 Viking Center Drive, Louisville

These specific locations represent the City Barbeque establishments in Kentucky where customers can seek to be among the first 100 visitors on May 16, 2025, to receive scratch-off cards with guaranteed prizes. The availability of multiple locations in both Lexington and Louisville provides Kentucky residents with convenient options for participating in the National BBQ Day promotions.

Veterans Day BBQ Freebies

While National BBQ Day occurs in May, several BBQ restaurants offer complimentary meals to veterans and active military personnel on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025. These promotions provide an opportunity for military members to enjoy BBQ at no cost as a token of appreciation for their service.

Mission BBQ has announced that it will honor veterans and active-duty military with a free sandwich and a slice of cake at all nationwide locations on November 11, 2025. Participants must present valid proof of military service to be eligible for this offer. The celebration at Mission BBQ locations will also include a traditional, live performance of the National Anthem at noon, adding a ceremonial element to the free meal promotion.

Sonny's BBQ will be offering a "Pork Big Deal" to veterans and active military on November 11, 2025. To receive this complimentary meal, military personnel must verify their status on the Sonny's BBQ website and sign up for rewards by November 9, 2025. The offer is limited to one meal per check and is only available for orders placed on November 11, 2025. This advance requirement for registration and verification suggests that Sonny's BBQ is implementing a pre-screening process to facilitate efficient service on Veterans Day.

Other BBQ Restaurant Information

While specific freebies for National BBQ Day are primarily documented at City Barbeque, several other BBQ restaurants were mentioned in the source materials. However, these references do not confirm participation in National BBQ Day promotions or free food offerings.

In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, several BBQ establishments were listed, though no specific promotions for National BBQ Day were mentioned: - Pop Pop's Pit BBQ (Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm, Closed Sundays) - Old South BBQ (Sunday-Thursday: 11am-7pm, Friday-Saturday: 11am-8pm) - Brisket (Everyday: 11:30am-10pm) - Little Pigs Bar-B-Q (Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm, Closed Sundays) - Simply Southern Smokehouse (Tuesday-Saturday: 11am-8pm, Closed Sundays and Mondays) - True BBQ (Thursday-Saturday: 11am-8pm, Closed Sunday-Wednesday)

These restaurants represent local BBQ options in the Myrtle Beach area, but without confirmation of National BBQ Day promotions, customers interested in free food offers should contact these establishments directly or check their websites for any special announcements.

Veterans Day Free Meals at Non-BBQ Restaurants

While focusing on BBQ-related freebies, it's worth noting that numerous restaurants across various cuisines offer complimentary meals to veterans and active military on November 11, 2025. Some of these establishments include:

• Texas Roadhouse: Offering free meals to veterans and active military members across the country.
• Starbucks: Providing a free tall (12-ounce) brewed coffee (hot or iced) to veterans, military service members, and their spouses at participating U.S. stores.
• Chili's: Offering veterans and active military members with proof of service a free meal at participating locations, with menu options including Chicken Crispers, Quesadillas, and the Oldtimer Burger.
• Applebee's: Providing a free meal to veterans and active military members with valid military ID.
• Olive Garden: Offering a free entree to veterans and active military personnel with proof of service.
• Denny's: Serving free meals to veterans and active military members with valid military ID.

These promotions, while not BBQ-specific, demonstrate the broader trend of restaurants honoring military personnel on Veterans Day with complimentary food items.

Additional Restaurant Veterans Day Offers

Several other restaurants have announced Veterans Day free meal deals for 2025:

• TGI Fridays: Offering a complimentary meal from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on November 11, with menu options including the Cheeseburger with fries, Chicken Fingers with fries and coleslaw, Chicken Caesar Salad, a Half Rack of Ribs with choice of side, or a half portion of the Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Pasta.
• Bubba's 33: Serving veterans and active military lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 11. Those unable to dine at that time can pick up raincheck vouchers from 9 a.m. to noon on November 11, which are good through May 31, 2026.
• Buffalo Wild Wings: Offering a free 10-piece Boneless Wings and Fries to all veterans and active military with valid military ID.
• Sullivan's Steakhouse: Providing a complimentary entrée, valued up to $69, to veterans and active-duty military personnel.
• STK Steakhouse: Offering a complimentary entrée to veterans and active-duty military personnel.
• Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom: Providing a free meal from a Veterans Day menu at participating locations.
• Casey's: Offering a complimentary coffee or fountain drink to all military service members at any Casey's location.
• Chicken Salad Chick: Providing a free Chick Meal and regular-size drink with valid military ID.
• Cici's Pizza: Offering a free adult buffet for veterans and active-duty military with ID at all locations.
• Buca di Beppo: Offering a free lunch entrée to veterans and active military with military ID, with a choice of any pasta from the lunch specials menu.
• Shoney's: Providing free access to the breakfast fresh food bar from open until 11 a.m. on November 11.
• Viva Chicken: Offering free meals to veterans and active-duty military every day of the year, with special recognition on Veterans Day.

These offers span a wide range of restaurant types and cuisines, providing numerous options for military personnel to enjoy complimentary meals on Veterans Day.

Other Veterans Day Free Food and Drink Offers

Beyond full meal promotions, several restaurants are offering complimentary beverages or smaller food items to veterans and active military personnel on November 11, 2025:

• Menchie's Frozen Yogurt: Giving veterans and active military their first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt free with valid military ID.
• TCBY: Treating all veterans and active military with valid ID to their first 6 oz. of frozen yogurt free.
• Bruegger's Bagels: Offering a free hot or iced coffee (any size) to veterans and active-duty military. Guests can order the complimentary coffee in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online using code FREECOFFEE. No purchase is required.
• Pilot/Flying J: Providing veterans, military personnel and their families with a free breakfast sandwich and coffee or lunch item and fountain drink. Identification must be verified with ID.me in the Pilot app to be eligible.

These smaller complimentary items provide additional ways for restaurants to show appreciation to military personnel, particularly for those who may not have time for a full meal or who prefer lighter options on Veterans Day.

Military ID Requirements and Participation Details

For veterans and active military personnel interested in taking advantage of these promotional offers, several common requirements and details should be noted:

1. Valid Military ID: Most restaurants require proof of military service, which typically means presenting a valid military identification card, DD-214 discharge papers, or other official documentation. Some establishments may also accept veteran organization cards or other forms of verification.

2. Dine-in vs. Other Service Methods: Many offers are specifically for dine-in service only, while others may be available through drive-thru, takeout, or mobile ordering. For example:

   • Starbucks' free coffee offer applies to café and drive-thru stores only
   • Bruegger's Bagels allows ordering in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online
   • Some restaurants specify "dine-in only" for their offers

3. Time Restrictions: Many offers are available only on November 11, 2025, during specific hours. For instance:

   • TGI Fridays' offer is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
   • Bubba's 33 offers lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
   • Shoney's breakfast offer is from open until 11 a.m.
   • Some restaurants may have limited time slots within the day

4. Advance Requirements: Some restaurants require advance registration or verification:

   • Sonny's BBQ requires status verification on their website and rewards signup by November 9
   • Pilot/Flying J requires ID verification through the Pilot app

5. Limitations: Most offers have a one-per-customer limit and cannot be combined with other promotions. Some may also have restrictions on menu choices or value limits.

Conclusion

National BBQ Day 2025 offers BBQ enthusiasts several opportunities to enjoy free food and special promotions, primarily through City Barbeque's scratch-off card giveaway for the first 100 guests at each location. The chain's celebration of National BBQ Month also includes a $5 bonus card with the purchase of a $25 gift card through June 15, 2025. Additionally, several BBQ restaurants participate in Veterans Day free meal programs on November 11, 2025, including Mission BBQ and Sonny's BBQ, which offer complimentary meals to veterans and active military personnel with valid ID.

While the information about National BBQ Day freebies is primarily focused on City Barbeque's promotions, numerous other restaurants across various cuisines offer complimentary meals, beverages, or food items to military personnel on Veterans Day. These offers provide numerous options for showing appreciation to those who have served in the military.

For those interested in participating in these promotions, it's important to note the specific requirements, including valid military ID, participation methods (dine-in, drive-thru, etc.), time restrictions, and any advance registration needed. Checking with individual restaurants directly or visiting their websites is recommended to confirm participation details and any potential changes to the offers.

Sources

1. Veterans Day Meals 2025: Freebies, Deals and Discounts
2. How to Score Free Food on National Barbecue Day
3. Where to Eat on National BBQ Day
4. Veterans Day 2025 Freebies and Discounts