Perkins And Other Restaurant Chains Offering Free Meals On Veterans Day 2025

Veterans Day 2025, falling on Tuesday, November 11th, presents numerous opportunities for military personnel and veterans to receive complimentary meals and discounts at restaurants across the United States. Among the establishments participating in these tributes, Perkins has established itself as a consistent provider of appreciation offers, joining numerous other chains in thanking those who have served their country.

Perkins Veterans Day Free Meal Offer

Perkins has become known for its annual tribute to military personnel on Veterans Day, offering a complimentary Great American Trio Meal to veterans and active-duty military members. This offer has been verified across multiple sources for 2025, demonstrating the restaurant chain's commitment to honoring those who have served.

The specifics of Perkins' Veterans Day offering include:

  • A free Great American Trio Meal
  • Available on November 11, 2025 (Veterans Day)
  • Valid military ID required for redemption
  • Offer available at participating Perkins locations
  • No mention of purchase requirements in the provided sources
  • No specific details regarding whether the offer is dine-in only, available for takeout, or through delivery services

The Great American Trio Meal typically includes a combination of Perkins' popular menu items, though the exact components of the meal are not specified in the provided source materials. Veterans and active-duty military members planning to take advantage of this offer should remember to bring their military identification for verification purposes.

Other Restaurant Offers on Veterans Day 2025

Beyond Perkins, numerous restaurant chains and local establishments have announced special offers for Veterans Day 2025. These free meals and discounts represent a significant opportunity for military personnel and veterans to enjoy dining experiences at no cost or reduced price.

Fast Food and Casual Dining Chains

Several fast food and casual dining chains have announced Veterans Day offers:

  • Applebee's: Offering free meals to veterans and active-duty military. Additionally, guests can purchase a prepaid pint of beer for a veteran through the "Buy a Vet a Beer" promotion, with unclaimed donations benefiting local veterans charities.

  • Arby's: While not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources, Arby's has previously participated in Veterans Day free meal programs and may continue this tradition.

  • Bandana's Bar-B-Q: Providing veterans and active-duty military with a free budget-buster meal on Veterans Day.

  • Bob Evans: Offering a free meal from a select menu on November 11. Dine-in only.

  • Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active-duty military who dine in or order takeout can receive a free order of boneless wings and a side of fries.

  • Caribou Coffee: Veterans, active military members, and their spouses receive a free hot brewed coffee on November 11.

  • Chili's: Veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from a select menu on November 11. Available for in-restaurant only.

  • Chick-fil-A: Veterans and active-duty personnel will receive either free 8-piece chicken nuggets or a Chick-fil-A sandwich when they present their military ID.

  • Cracker Barrel: Veterans get a free slice of double chocolate fudge Coca-Cola cake in-store or online on November 11.

  • Denny's: Veterans or active-duty military with a valid ID get a free Build-Your-Own Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon.

  • Dunkin' Donuts: Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free donut at Dunkin' restaurants nationwide. No purchase necessary.

  • Einstein Bros. Bagels: All veterans and active-duty service members get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) on Veterans Day; offer is good in stores, on the mobile app, or online using code FREECOFFEE. No purchase is required.

  • Famous Dave's: Military personnel and veterans can get a free Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich Lunch with a choice of side on Veterans Day (use code VETERAN25 at checkout).

  • Firehouse Subs: Veterans and active duty members will have access to a buy 1, get 1 free regular sandwich on November 11.

  • Golden Corral: Veterans get a free "thank you" meal during military appreciation night on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 4:00pm – close. The free meal offer is valid for dine-in only and does not extend to spouses, family members, or friends.

  • Hard Rock Cafe: All active and retired military members can get a free Classic Smash Burger all day long on Veterans Day (valid ID required).

  • Little Caesars: Veterans and military members can get a free HOT-N-READY lunch combo on November 11.

  • Outback Steakhouse: Offering a free Bloomin' Onion and beverage with the purchase of an adult entree on November 11. Dine-in only. Military ID required. Some sources also indicate a free 3-course meal available on November 10-11.

  • Pick Me Up: Veterans receive a free 24-ounce drink (excludes energy drinks). Must present military ID.

  • Red Lobster: Offering a free Shrimp and Chips to veterans and active-duty military members with proof of service. Meal includes six Walt's Shrimp, fries and coleslaw plus a beverage. Tax and gratuity are not included. No substitutions or modifications permitted.

  • Red Robin: Giving veterans and active-duty military a complimentary Red's Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Side at participating restaurants on November 11. Dine-in only. Proof of service required.

  • Ruby Tuesday: Providing active-duty military and veterans a free Garden Bar entrée, American Smashed Burger or Ruby's Cheeseburger on November 11 using code HERO24. Military ID required.

  • Sonic: Offering guests half price milkshakes on November 11.

  • Taco John's: Get a free small beef Crispy or Softshell Taco Combo on November 11th by presenting a military ID or proof of service. Available in-store or at the drive-thru.

  • TCBY: Veterans and active military receive their first 6 oz free on November 11th with proof of service.

  • Texas Roadhouse: Free lunch on Veterans Day from 11:00am – 2:00pm. Choose from 10 entrees as a thank you for service.

Regional and Local Restaurant Offers

Several regional and local restaurants have also announced Veterans Day specials:

  • Sammy's Pizza & Restaurant: Offering a free lunch buffet for veterans and active duty service members on November 11 at Elk River and Coon Rapids locations.

  • Granite City Food & Brewery: Veterans and military personnel can get a free entrée from the restaurant's Veterans Day lunch menu along with a free non-alcoholic beverage, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time. Offer is good for dine-in, to go and online ordering (use code VETERANS25; not good for delivery).

  • Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream: All retired and active military members can get a certificate for a free meal – either a free smorgasboard buffet or small pizza – anytime through the end of November.

  • Broulim's: The grocery store is giving away 6-packs of glazed doughnuts to veterans on November 11.

Brewery and Taproom Offers

Several breweries and taprooms are also participating in Veterans Day celebrations:

  • Crooked Pint (various locations): Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a FREE meal on November 11, choosing from a Classic Lucy, Cluckin' Good Platter, Crispy Chicken Salad, or Apple Pecan Chicken Salad. Proof of military ID required. Restrictions apply. Dine-in only.

  • Trove Brewing (Burnsville): Offering a free pint for veterans.

Non-Food Veterans Day Offers

In addition to restaurant offers, several businesses are providing non-food freebies and discounts for Veterans Day:

  • Free Book: Operation Money – A Financial Guide for Military Service Members and Families [Kindle Edition With Audio/Video] – Kindle version is free.

  • Free Car Washes: Available for Veterans on November 11.

  • Discounted Admission: Discounted admission to several Anheuser Busch Parks (Sea World, Busch Gardens, and more) for military personnel.

  • Hotel Discounts:

    • Red Roof Inn: Offering 15% off the room rate at any Red Roof nationwide for all government, military, vets, and retirees.
    • Super 8: Eligible military members can save 15% on their Best Available Rate at participating Super 8 by Wyndham hotels in the U.S. and Canada.
  • Dollar General: Veterans, active-duty military, National Guard, Reserve, and their immediate family members save 20 percent November 10-13 on in-store purchases.

General Information for Veterans Day Freebies

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

Proof of Service Requirements

Most restaurant offers require proof of military service or status. This typically takes the form of: - Military ID card - DD-214 discharge papers - Veterans organization card - Driver's license with veteran designation (where available)

Some establishments may accept alternative forms of proof, but military ID is universally accepted and recommended.

Participation Restrictions

  • Many offers are limited to dine-in service only
  • Some offers may be restricted to specific menu items
  • Certain promotions may require online ordering with special codes
  • Participation may vary by location, even within the same chain

Timing Considerations

  • Many offers are specifically for Veterans Day (November 11)
  • Some promotions may extend over multiple days
  • Several restaurants have specific time windows for their offers (e.g., breakfast-only offers, lunch-only offers)
  • Golden Corral's offer runs from 4 p.m. to close on November 11
  • Denny's offer is available from 5 a.m. to noon

Family Members

Most offers are specifically for veterans and active-duty military personnel only. Some establishments extend benefits to spouses, but this is not common. Golden Corral specifically notes that their offer does not extend to spouses, family members, or friends.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2025 presents numerous opportunities for military personnel and veterans to enjoy complimentary meals and discounts at restaurants across the country. Perkins' annual offering of a free Great American Trio Meal represents one of the consistent tributes available on November 11. Beyond Perkins, a wide range of restaurant chains, regional establishments, and local venues are participating in these appreciation events, offering everything from full meals to complimentary beverages and desserts.

For military personnel and veterans planning to take advantage of these offers, preparation is key. Bringing proper identification, verifying specific location participation, and noting any time restrictions will ensure a smooth experience. While these offers represent a token of appreciation for service, they also provide an opportunity for communities to come together in gratitude and recognition.

As Veterans Day approaches, both veterans and active-duty military members are encouraged to research offers in their area, make reservations where necessary, and take advantage of these well-deserved tributes. The combination of national chains and local establishments participating demonstrates the broad appreciation for military service across the United States.

Sources

  1. Commercial Appeal - Veterans Day Free Meals Discounts Memphis

  2. Twin Cities Frugal Mom - Veterans Day Freebies Deals 2025

  3. Patch Orland Park - Where to Find Veterans Day Deals Freebies Near Orland Park

  4. MNGEA - Veterans Day Deals 2025

  5. Military.com - Perkins Veterans Day Military Discount

  6. East Idaho News - Veterans Day 2025 Free Food and Discount Deal