Veterans and active-duty military members visiting participating Applebee’s restaurants on Wednesday, November 11, can receive a complimentary full-size entrée from a dedicated menu.
Restaurants Offer Free Meals to Veterans and Military Members
Restaurants across the United States are marking the occasion with special promotions for those who have served. Chili’s is offering a free meal from a select menu on Wednesday to veterans and active-duty military members, as reported by Newsweek.
Denny’s is giving eligible service members a free Original Grand Slam breakfast between 5 a.m. and noon on Wednesday, while IHOP provides a free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo at participating locations. Starbucks is handing out a free tall 12-ounce hot or iced coffee to veterans, active-duty personnel, and military spouses.
Golden Corral will hold its annual Military Appreciation Night starting at 4 p.m. on November 11. Friendly’s is serving a free burger meal with cheese, fries, and a beverage from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Applebee’s is marking its 19th consecutive year of honoring service members with complimentary meals on Veterans Day. John Peyton, president of Applebee’s and CEO of Dine Brands, stated, Veterans Day at Applebee's is one of our Team Members’ favorite days of the year because you truly see and feel neighborhoods come together to honor and thank our nation’s heroes.
The chain has served more than 12.7 million free meals since the tradition began, offering choices like the 6 oz.
Top Sirloin Classic, Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Platter, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad, and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. Additional nationwide chains joining the holiday include Outback Steakhouse with a free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage, Buffalo Wild Wings, California Pizza Kitchen, and Red Lobster.
Local Eateries Provide Regional Dining Discounts
In Massachusetts, local eateries have rolled out dedicated menus and discounts. Evviva Trattoria is offering $15 off meals for veterans and active-duty military, and Legal Sea Foods is providing a complimentary bowl of New England clam chowder.
Little Caesars is offering a free Hot-N-Ready lunch combo featuring four slices of deep-dish pizza and a 20-ounce drink between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. In North Texas, Pluckers Wing Bar is giving military members an entrée and side valued up to $17.
Additional local venues throughout the country provide specialized offerings. Aspen Creek Grill honors the day by setting a Fallen Soldiers table. Coffee and beverage stops include Aroma Joe’s offering free beverages up to 24 ounces, Circle K providing free medium hot or iced coffee without any purchase requirement, and 7 Brew granting 50% off any drink.
Cultural Institutions and Retailers Offer Free Admission or Discounts
Cultural institutions and retailers are also recognizing the holiday. Colonial Williamsburg offers free admission through November 11 to active-duty personnel, military retirees, veterans, Guard and Reserve members, and their dependents.
The Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee provides free admission on Wednesday to veterans and active-duty personnel plus one adult and up to four children, alongside a 10 percent discount at its shop and restaurant. The Aquarium of the Pacific is offering free admission with required advance reservations.
Retail stores and service providers also participate in the holiday. Rack Room Shoes extends a 20% discount on store purchases on November 11, which can be combined with existing buy-one-get-one promotions. Great Clips provides free haircuts or a card redeemable through December 4. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria offers a 25% discount to military members who present valid identification.
