Free Veterans Day meals, discounts and special menus across different States
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Restaurants, stores, and other businesses honour service personnel on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, with special discounts and freebies from a variety of local and national eateries.
We recommend calling ahead to ensure that your local restaurant is giving a deal at their location. Remember to bring your valid military ID or honourable discharge card as proof of service.
Here are a few eateries and shops where veterans and active-duty military people can have a bite to eat:
WICHITA –
We compiled a list of events commemorating the day. We’ve also included businesses showing their gratitude by offering special deals to veterans and active duty members of the military.
7-10 a.m. – Veterans Day Breakfast – All area veterans, spouses and surviving spouses are invited for a complimentary come-and-go pancake breakfast. Newton Presbyterian Manor, Newton, Kan.
7:00 a.m. – American Legion Riders (ALR) to put up flags at the Robert Dole VA Center, 5500 E. Kellogg, Wichita, Ks. NOTE: If it is raining or snowing, the group will not put out flags.
7:40 a.m. – American Legion Riders 408 Veterans Day Celebration – Meet at Timbuktu (1251 N Andover Rd) at 7:40 a.m. to flag up and ride to Andover Middle School at 8:10 a.m. then ride over to Andover Central Middle School (903 Central Ave, Andover, Kan.)
8:30 a.m. – Veterans Day Breakfast – Sojourner’s Coffee House, 7130 W. Maple, Wichita, KS. Sojourner’s Coffee House has a mission to help military, veterans and families in the community as they navigate life and integration by providing resources for healing and a safe place to gather.
10:00 a.m. – Veterans Day Parade – Salina, Kan. Parade route is from Elm to Prescott.
10 a.m.-2p.m. – Kansas Veterans & Second Chance Job Fair – HealthCore Clinic, 2707 E. 21st St. N., Wichita, KS. The job fair will offer exciting employment opportunities and resources will be available for Kansas Veterans, those looking for a second chance, and anyone seeking employment.
11:00 a.m. – Cars for Heroes – 92.3 ESPN Wichita (275 S Mclean Blvd Wichita, KS 67213) will award a vehicle to a hero!
11:00 a.m. – The Veterans Memorial Park Board – Wichita announces will hold a program at Veterans Memorial Park on Friday, 11 November 2022 at 11:00 am, at the John S. Stevens Flag Pavilion. The public is invited to attend, but since seating will be very limited, attendees should bring their own chairs if they do not want to stand.
11:00 a.m. – Veterans Day Giveback – Flag raising ceremony at Chicken-N-Pickle, 13th and Webb Road, Wichita, KS.
11:11 a.m. – Washburn University’s 35th annual Veterans Day ceremony – in the Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center. The theme for this year’s ceremony is “Reminder of our Desire for Peace.” This event is free and the public is welcome.
2 p.m. – Derby’s Veteran’s Day Ceremony – moved to inside St. Andrew’s, 1062 E Chet Smith, Derby, Kan.
4 p.m. – Derby’s Purple Heart Ceremony – Purple heart sign unveiling at Warren River Park, 321 W. Market St. Doors open at 3 p.m. Ceremony begins at 4 p.m. Everyone is asked to wear purple. The American Legion Riders 408 will ride to unveil the purple heart city signs around the city of Derby.
5-7 p.m. – Veteran’s Day Soup & Sandwich Dinner – American Legion Family Post 408, 120 E. Washington, Derby, Kan. Homemade soups, sandwiches, desserts and drinks will be available. All donations are very appreciated. Profits Benefit American Legion Family Post 408 Building.
6 p.m. – Veterans Appreciation Party – Midian Shrine Center, 130 N Topeka St, Wichita, KS 67202, United States
Applebees: Applebee’s will be offering veterans and active-duty military personnel a free meal from a select menu, plus a $5 bounce-back card to redeem for a future dine-in, to-go or delivery order within the next three weeks.
Arby’s: Free classic roast beef sandwich. Active military members and veterans can redeem this offer by visiting their nearest FRG owned Arby’s location in their uniform or with proof of U.S. Military Service.
Ashley Furniture: Giving away FREE BEDGEAR Pillows to veterans and active duty personnel. No purchase necessary. Plus, one lucky Veteran will win a FREE Mattress ($2,449 Value – winner’s choice of Tempur-Pedic, Purple, Stearns & Foster or Sealy). Enter to win in-store Friday, Nov. 11th & Saturday, Nov. 12th. The winner will be randomly selected on Saturday, Nov. 12th at 7 p.m. No purchase necessary.
Bricktown Brewery: Offering one select free entrée to veterans and active military guests. Additionally, veterans and active military guests will receive a commemorative “Thank You For Your Service” pint glass and a $10 off certificate to be used at a future Bricktown Brewery visit.
Bubba’s 33: Free lunch for veterans and active U.S. military on Friday, November 11. For veterans and active military unable to attend this year’s event, the restaurant will distribute raincheck vouchers on Veterans Day, good through May 30, 2023.
Buffalo Wild Wings: 10 free boneless wings and fries for veterans and active-duty service members with valid ID. For dine-in only.
Casey’s: Offering a free coffee to active service members and military veterans as a small token of gratitude.
Chicken-N-Pickle: In honor of Veterans Day, 10% of all food and beverage sales from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. will go back to Honor Flight.
Denny’s: Complimentary Grand Slam to all active, non-active and retired military personnel at participating locations from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. For dine-in only.
Dunkin Donuts: On Veterans Day (Nov. 11), participating Dunkin’ restaurants throughout Wichita will salute those who dedicate themselves to protecting our country. That’s why we’re honoring the devoted members of the military with a free donut on us for Veterans Day.
IHOP: Free red, white and blue pancakes topped with glazed strawberries, blueberry compote and whipped topping – at participating locations from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For dine-in only.
Krispy Kreme: Offering a free doughnut and a small hot or iced brewed coffee to veterans.
Maddocks: Fundraiser for American Legion Post 408. 15% of the entire day’s sales will be donated to the post to assist with their mission to enhance the lives of our Veterans.
Olive Garden: Free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu. Meals include never-ending soup, salad and breadsticks, cheese ravioli, spaghetti and meatballs, fettuccini alfredo and chicken parmigiana.
Outback Steakhouse: All active and retired military personnel will receive a free Bloomin’ Onion and a Coca-Cola product in the restaurant. The chain is also offering its “daily heroes discount” with 10% off entire checks for nurses, doctors, medical staff, military veterans, police, firefighters and first responders.
Panera: Free pastry or bakery item & cup of coffee. Active military members and veterans can redeem this offer by visiting their nearest Pan American Panera Bread location in their uniform or with proof of U.S. Military Service.
QuikTrip: To show appreciation this Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, QT is offering one free small self-serve hot drink or Big Q® to any active or former military members by showing a military ID at checkout.
Sedgwick County Zoo: Honoring Veterans Day by offering FREE admission for veterans and military personnel and their families Nov. 11 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sport Clips Haircuts: On Friday, November 11 (Veterans Day), participating, locally-owned Sport Clips Haircuts franchise locations will donate an additional $2 per haircare service nationwide to support “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarships” for service members and veterans.
Starbucks: Offering a free tall (12-ounce) hot or iced coffee for veterans, military service members and military spouses at participating U.S. Starbucks stores (one per person). Starbucks is also donating $100,000 each to military nonprofits Team Red, White & Blue and Team Rubicon.
Des Moines –
Here are some of the restaurants and stores where veterans and active-duty military members can grab a bite:
- 7-Eleven: Get a free coffee or Big Gulp on Veterans Day.
- Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill: Veterans and active-duty military eat for free from a limited Veterans Day menu.
- Bar Louie: Active military members, retired veterans, reserves and National Guard members can get any craft burger for free when dining in.
- Bruegger’s Bagels: Veterans get a free medium hot or iced coffee with purchase.
- Caribou Coffee: Veterans, active military members and their spouses receive a free hot brewed coffee on Veterans Day.
- Casey’s General Store: Get a free coffee from participating Casey’s stores. Customers can round up their next in-store purchase, and all proceeds will be donated to the non-profit veteran organization partners, Hope For The Warriors and Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation.
- Chili’s Grill & Bar: Veterans and active-duty military eat for free from a limited Veterans Day menu.
- Chuck E. Cheese: On Nov. 11, active-duty military, National Guard and veterans get a free personal one-topping pizza with valid military ID or proof of military service.
- Circle K: Veterans and active-duty service members get a free medium coffee all day at every location that serves coffee.
- Country Kitchen: Active and retired military get a free Country Scramble at participating locations.
- Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: Veterans can satisfy their sweet tooth with a complimentary slice of double fudge Coca-Cola cake with their meal. Use code VETSDAY22 at checkout.
- Denny’s: From 5 a.m. to noon, active, non-active and retired military personnel can get a free build-your-own Grand Slam breakfast.
- Dunkin’: Veterans and active-duty military can get a free doughnut with no purchase necessary.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced medium coffee.
- Famous Dave’s: All former and current military personnel can get a free Georgia chopped pork sandwich with a side for dine in or takeout.
- Fareway: Veterans, active-duty, reserve or guard military receive a 15% discount on their in-store purchases, excluding tobacco, lottery tickets and gift cards.
- Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: Active-duty military and veterans eat for free.
- Hy-Vee: From 6 to 10 a.m., veterans and active-duty military can pick up a free breakfast curbside. Hy-Vee also offers a 15% discount off groceries when shopping in stores or with Aisles Online.
- IHOP: From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., all active-duty military and veterans get red, white and blueberry pancakes on the house.
- Krispy Kreme: Stop in for a free coffee and doughnut.
- Little Caesars Pizza: From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., veterans and active-duty military can get a free lunch combo meal with four slices of Detroit-style pizza and a 20-ounce soft drink.
- Menchie’s: Veterans and active-duty military get their first 6-ounces of froyo free with proof of service.
- Mullets: Veterans receive 50% off their meal.
- Outback Steakhouse: Veterans, active-duty service members and spouses get a free Bloomin’ Onion with any Coca-Cola beverage for dine-in.
- Perkins: Veterans and active-duty military get a free Magnificent Seven Meal with valid ID.
- Pilot Flying J: Veterans get a free meal at participating locations through a special offer in the app.
- QuikTrip: Current and former military can get a free Big Q or coffee.
- Red Lobster: Veterans, active-duty military and reservists get a free Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, fries, and coleslaw from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty military who sign up for Red Robin Royalty accounts can get a free tavern double burger with steak fries.
- Ruby Tuesday: Active-duty and retired military get a free Garden Bar.
- Scooter’s Coffee: Veterans and active-duty military can get a free drink of any size.
- Smashburger: Veterans and active-duty military are eligible for a free burger or sandwich.
- Smokey D’s BBQ: Active and retired military members can order a free lunch platter.
- Starbucks: Active-duty military, reservists, veterans and military spouses can get a free 12-ounce hot coffee.
- Taco John’s: Active, reserve, retired and honorably discharged military members who use the Taco John’s app get a free small beef #1 combo meal.
- Texas Roadhouse: From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Texas Roadhouse locations will distribute meal vouchers in their parking lots that are valid through May 30, 2023.
- Twisted Vine Brewery: Veterans can get one free beer.
- Village Inn: Veterans and active-duty military get a free VIB breakfast available for dine-in or takeout.
- Wendy’s: Enjoy a free small breakfast combo with valid ID from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m.
- Ziggi’s Coffee: Veterans get a free 16-ounce drink.
Houston –
Pizza 7Pie
On Friday, veterans and active-duty military personnel may get a free loaded cheese pizza at any of 7Pie Pizza’s five Houston-area locations. There is no need to make any extra purchases. When redeeming this deal, service members must produce their ID.
Half Shells and Fish City Grill
On Friday, Fish City Grill and Half Shells will give veterans and active-duty military personnel one complimentary entrée worth up to $25. The promotion is valid for both dine-in and take-out orders.
The Kolache Factory
On Friday, all veterans and active military with a government-issued military photo ID or DD 214 can get a free kolache and a cup of freshly brewed Katz coffee.
The US Marine Corps founded Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG).
On November 12, the golf club manufacturer, Bob Parsons, a Vietnam War veteran and Purple Heart recipient, will host a special celebration at its Westheimer store. The company is inviting all active duty and military veterans to a holiday celebration that will include the following activities:
•Free All-American BBQ with Beer and Wine
• Free On-site Club Customization – Stamping & Painting
• Special appearance with Clyde Drexler
• Unveiling and first chance to purchase PXG x USMC hat (Available in all locations starting Nov 14)
• PXG Heroes discount on any purchases
• Raffle Prizes: Stars & Stripes Wedge, Stars & Stripes Head Covers and PXG x USMC hat
Applebee’s
On Friday, all Veterans and active duty military members receive a free entrée from a special menu. A Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Platter, Fiesta Lime Chicken, and other dishes are available. A complete list can be found by clicking here. The promotion is only applicable for dine-in. Please provide documentation of military service.
Denny’s
With a valid military ID or DD 214, all active, non-active, and retired military personnel can get a free Grand Slam on Friday. From 5 a.m. to noon, the promotion is valid for dine-in only at participating locations.
Little Caesars Pizza
Veterans and active military members can get a free HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo at participating locations on Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Four slices of Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi drink are included in the meal. To get the offer, you must show evidence of service.
Wendy’s
Those who have served or are currently serving can get a free breakfast combo at participating restaurants on Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A coffee or soft drink, a breakfast sandwich, and seasoned potatoes are included in the meal. In-store or at the drive-thru, you must have a valid military ID or a Veterans Advantage card.
Red Robin
On Friday, Veterans and Active-Duty Military can receive a complimentary Red’s Tavern burger with Bottomless Steak Fries at participating locations. The promotion is only applicable for dine-in.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas & Six Flags Over Texas
Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Over Texas II Fiesta On November 12 and 13, Texas will provide veterans, retired and active military with free entrance, parking, a lunch, a water bottle, and other benefits. A current military ID is necessary. Admission is discounted for family members. More information can be found by clicking here.
Main Event
By displaying their Military ID, all active and former military can receive one classic double cheeseburger and 30 minutes of free game play at Main Event. By displaying their Military ID, members can receive 10% off food, beverages, activities, and bowling shoes any day of the week. More information and a location near you can be found by clicking here.