Veterans Day Freebies And Promotional Offers A Comprehensive Guide To No-Cost Meals Services And Discounts

Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a national holiday in the United States dedicated to honoring military veterans. During this time, numerous businesses across various sectors participate in showing appreciation by offering free products, services, and discounts to active duty military personnel, veterans, and sometimes their families. These promotional offers span categories including dining, beverages, automotive care, grooming services, and entertainment. The availability and specifics of these offers can vary by location, franchise ownership, and participating establishment. Consumers are advised to verify details with local providers prior to visiting.

Restaurant and Dining Offers

A significant portion of Veterans Day promotions focuses on complimentary meals and dining discounts. These offers are predominantly available for dine-in service on November 11, though some establishments extend promotions throughout the weekend or offer vouchers for future use.

Major Restaurant Chains

Many national and regional restaurant chains participate in Veterans Day promotions. Participation is often confirmed for the 2024 holiday year.

• Applebee’s: Veterans can receive a choice of one of eight free special Veterans Day meals. A $5 Bounce Back Card is included with the meal. This offer requires dine-in service and proof of military service on November 11, 2024.
• Another Broken Egg Café: Veterans are eligible for a free Patriot French Toast Combo and coffee with a dine-in visit and valid ID on November 11, 2024.
• Bar Louie: Veterans receive a free burger with a dine-in visit and valid ID on November 11, 2024.
• BJ’s Restaurants: Veterans can obtain a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie with a dine-in purchase and proof of service on November 11, 2024. Additionally, veterans dining on this date will receive a free appetizer coupon valid for the next visit through December 31, 2024.
• Bob Evans: Veterans receive a free choice of meal from a Veterans Day menu with a dine-in visit and proof of service on November 11, 2024.
• Buca Di Beppo: Veterans are eligible for a free lunch entree with a dine-in visit, military ID, and code 37362-5605-3730 on November 11, 2024.
• California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans can receive a free entrée and beverage from a Veterans Day Menu with a dine-in visit and proof of service on November 11, 2024.
• Carrabba’s: Veterans receive a discount of 10% off with a dine-in visit and proof of service. This is an ongoing offer.
• Chevys: Veterans receive a free 2-item Combo with a dine-in visit, service ID, and code VET 2-ITEM on November 11, 2024.
• City Barbeque: Veterans receive a free sandwich, one side, and a drink with an in-store visit (for dine-in or carryout) and proof of service on November 11, 2024.
• Red Lobster: While specific details were not fully listed in the provided text, the source indicates a Red Lobster Veterans Day special is available.
• Ruby Tuesday: Veterans and active military usually receive a free meal from a special Ruby Tuesday Veterans Day menu.
• Sheetz: All veterans and active duty military personnel receive a free half turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink at any of Sheetz’s 800+ store locations. The offer includes extras and add-ons to the sub.

Regional and Local Dining Options

Various regional chains and local establishments also offer specific promotions.

• Long Doggers (Florida): Veterans receive a $20 voucher on Veterans Day. Additionally, there is a 10% off meal offer for veterans and active military, plus a free appetizer or dessert for their table, applicable to dine-in and call-in orders.
• Lucille’s Smokehouse (California): Veterans receive a free meal plus a $10 bonus card for future use. There is also a 25% off discount for the entire table for veterans and active military on Veterans Day.
• Margaritas Mexican Restaurant (Northeast): Veterans receive 50% off an entree.
• Max & Erma’s (Midwest): Veterans receive 25% off on Veterans Day, though this may vary by location. Additionally, veterans, active military, Gold Star spouses, and Gold Star parents can get a half-priced entree on Sunday, November 9.
• McGrath’s Fish House (Pacific Northwest): Veterans and active military receive a free meal on Veterans Day.
• Mighty Fine Burger (Texas): Veterans and active military receive a buy one, get one free burger, tender, or sandwich (dine-in only).
• Native Grill and Wings (Arizona): Veterans can dine big and select a ½ LB Stripper Combo, ½ LB Boneless Combo, Native Chicken Sandwich with fries, or #MyNative Burger with fries.
• Roy Rogers (East Coast): Veterans receive a free Uncle Ralph’s brownie with any purchase on Veterans Day.
• Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria (New York): Veterans and active military receive a free 12-inch ThinThin pizza (cheese and one topping) for pick up or dine-in.
• Seven Doors Kitchen & Cocktails (The Colony, Texas): Generally offers a free meal for veterans and active-duty military.
• Shane’s Rib Shack (Southeast, New York, Arizona): 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).

Franchise Variability

Certain franchises operate with significant local autonomy regarding Veterans Day promotions.

• McDonald’s: There is no official company-wide promotion for Veterans Day; offers are determined by local franchise owners. However, it is common for franchises to offer free breakfast combos or coffee to veterans and active military on Veterans Day. Consumers are advised to contact their local McDonald’s for specific offer information.

Coffee and Beverage Offers

Several coffee chains and beverage providers offer free drinks to veterans and active military personnel on Veterans Day.

• 7-Eleven: Veterans and military members can enjoy free coffee or a Big Gulp when they sign up or register with 7Rewards. Military members also receive discounts on gas through the program year-round.
• 151 Coffee (Texas, Kansas): Offers free coffee or drink for veterans and family.
• Acola Coffee Company (Columbia, MO): Usually offers a free house drip to veterans.
• Aroma Joe’s (New England, Florida): Usually offers a free hot or iced 24-ounce drink.
• Free Medium Cup of Brewed Coffee: A generic offer listed, likely referring to a participating chain or local provider.
• Free Hot Brewed Coffee: Noted as being available at locations that are independently owned and operated. Consumers are advised to call ahead to verify any deals.

Automotive and Car Wash Services

Automotive service providers and car washes participate in Veterans Day by offering free or discounted services.

• Grace for Vets Car Wash Program: Participating locations nationwide provide a free car wash. Consumers can find a location near them.
• Meineke: Offers a free oil change at select locations.
• Jiffy Lube: Usually offers a 50% discount on oil changes on Veterans Day. A 15% military discount is available year-round, though this varies by location.
• Valvoline Instant Oil Change: Usually offers a free oil change on Veterans Day. A 15% military discount is available year-round.

Grooming Services

Personal care services, specifically haircuts, are commonly offered to veterans on this holiday.

• Great Clips: Provides a free haircut on Veterans Day. Alternatively, veterans can redeem a haircut card for use at a later date.
• Local Barber Shops & Salons: Many local establishments may offer free or discounted haircuts or other services. Consumers are encouraged to check websites, social media pages, or call ahead to find out about specific deals.

Entertainment, Attractions, and Other Freebies

Various attractions and venues offer free admission or special discounts to veterans and active military personnel.

• Amusement Parks and Zoos:
  • Cincinnati Zoo (Ohio): Free admission for veterans on the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day. Discounted tickets are available for family members.
  • Colonial Williamsburg (Virginia): Free admission during Veterans Day weekend, from Friday, November 7, through Tuesday, November 11. This offer is available to all active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, National Guardsmen, and their immediate dependents.
  • Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta): Free admission for active military and veterans, plus a 30% discount in the gift shop, on November 10-11 and other “Military Mondays.”
  • Knott’s Berry Farm (California): Discounted tickets for veterans, military members, and family during Military Tribute Days, Monday through Thursday, November 3–20 and December 1–18.

Important Considerations for Consumers

When seeking Veterans Day freebies and promotional offers, consumers should be aware of several factors that influence availability and redemption.

Verification and Proof of Service

Most businesses require proof of military service to redeem Veterans Day offers. Acceptable forms of identification typically include a Military ID, VA Card, or other official documentation. Some offers may specify "valid ID" without detailing the exact requirements, so veterans should carry appropriate documentation.

Geographic and Location Variability

Many offers, particularly those from regional chains or independent franchises, may vary by location. For example, Max & Erma's notes that the 25% discount may vary by location, and McDonald's offers are determined by individual franchise owners. Shane's Rib Shack notes that offers may vary by location. Consumers are strongly advised to contact their local establishment or check the local website before visiting to confirm participation and offer details.

Timing and Validity

While Veterans Day is November 11, some offers extend through the weekend or specific date ranges. For instance, Colonial Williamsburg offers free admission from November 7 through November 11. Knott's Berry Farm's Military Tribute Days span dates in November and December. Other offers, such as the free appetizer coupon from BJ's Restaurants, are valid for future use through the end of December.

Dine-In vs. Carryout/Delivery

Many restaurant offers are restricted to dine-in service only. Examples include Applebee's, Bar Louie, Bob Evans, Buca Di Beppo, California Pizza Kitchen, Lucille's Smokehouse, Mighty Fine Burger, and Native Grill and Wings. However, some exceptions exist. City Barbeque allows the offer for in-store visits for dine-in or carryout. Sheetz offers are available at store locations. Seven Doors Kitchen & Cocktails generally offers a free meal, though the specific service method is not detailed in the source text. Consumers should verify the service method for each specific offer.

Year-Round Discounts

In addition to Veterans Day specific offers, some businesses provide ongoing military discounts. For example, Long Doggers offers a 10% military discount year-round. Carrabba's offers a 10% off discount ongoing. Jiffy Lube and Valvoline Instant Oil Change offer 15% military discounts year-round. 7-Eleven offers gas discounts year-round through the 7Rewards program.

Unverified Information

The source text mentions that "usually offers" or "expect" are used for some promotions. These indicate that while the offer is likely based on past patterns, it is not explicitly confirmed for the current year. Examples include Acola Coffee Company, Aroma Joe’s, Free Medium Cup of Brewed Coffee, Free Hot Brewed Coffee, Shane's Rib Shack, and Jiffy Lube's Veterans Day discount. Consumers should treat these as probable but not guaranteed.

Conclusion

Veterans Day provides a wide array of freebies and discounts across dining, beverages, automotive care, grooming, and entertainment sectors. The offers are designed to honor active duty military and veterans. Key takeaways for consumers include the prevalence of free meals at major chains like Applebee's and Bob Evans, free coffee at various providers, and free car washes through programs like Grace for Vets. A critical factor in successfully redeeming these offers is verification of participation by local franchises, adherence to specific service requirements such as dine-in only policies, and presentation of valid military identification. While many offers are confirmed for November 11, 2024, others follow historical patterns and should be verified locally.

Sources

1. Best Veterans Day Freebies
2. Veterans Day Freebies 2024