Updated Nov. 9.
From pancakes to pizza to pie, service members and other veterans might be able to eat for free all day on Veterans Day.
We’ve collected some of the military discounts available, including some retailers and vacation possibilities, and not limited to this weekend. We know discounts aren’t what Veterans Day is really about; most of these businesses say it’s just their way of offering a small token of their appreciation for your service.
We’ll update the list regularly throughout the week; if we’re missing your business, email kjowers@militarytimes.com with your discount details.
But before you head over to your favorite eatery expecting that freebie, remember:
- “Free” isn‘t always completely free. The free meal doesn’t always include a beverage, for instance, so be prepared to pay for that and other extras.
- Always call ahead to your local restaurant or business to make sure they’re participating in any national programs. Double-check what they’re offering, and ask if there are limited hours or quantities. Always confirm what proof of service they require.
- Most of these offers apply to service members past and present, not just those currently on active duty ... but not all offers. Be sure you are eligible and you have the appropriate ID/paperwork.
- Most restaurant deals are dine-in only. When you arrive, let your server or host know up front that you want the discount or deal.
- Many discounts don’t apply to the entire party. Be sure you’re clear whether family members or guests are covered.
FOOD AND DRINK
Applebee’s: Get one free meal from a choice of seven entrees at participating Applebee’s restaurants Nov. 11. Active-duty and other veterans are eligible with proof of service. Menu may vary by location.
Chipotle: Buy one, get one free on menu items of burritos, bowls, salads and taco orders from 5 p.m. to close on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at all Chipotle locations —– more than 2,300 eateries in the U.S. The BOGO is offered to active-duty military, reservists, National Guard members, military spouses, retired military and veterans with a valid U.S. military ID or proof of service. In store purchases only; limit to one free menu item per military ID. Purchased entrée must be of equal of greater value.
Denny’s: Get a free “Build Your Own Grand Slam” on Friday, Nov. 10 from 5 a.m. to noon. Includes a choice of breakfast items such as buttermilk or wheat pancakes, two eggs, bacon or hash browns. Active duty and other veterans are eligible with proof of service. Available at participating locations, so call ahead to your local Denny’s. Also check to see what proof of service you need if you’re a veteran.
Freebirds World Burrito: Buy one, get one free on menu items of burritos, bowls, tacos, nachos, quesadillas and salads on Nov. 11. Active-duty and retired military members are eligible, with military ID. There are 89 locations around the country.
Hooters: A free item from a selection of five menu items at participating locations, Nov. 11. Items may vary by location. Active duty and other veterans are eligible, with military ID or other proof of service.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar: A free burger ― any burger on the Hopdoddy menu ― on Nov. 11. Active-duty and retired military members are eligible, with military ID. There are 21 locations in Texas, Arizona, Colorado, California and Tennessee.
Little Caesars: Free “$5 Hot-N-Ready” lunch combo, featuring four slices of pizza and a 20-ounce soda, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (local time) Nov. 11. Active duty and other veterans are eligible with proof of service. Note: the offer is good only during that local time at participating restaurants.
Red Lobster: Free appetizer or dessert (from a special menu) on Nov. 11. Active duty and other veterans are eligible with proof of service.
Rib Crib: Free meal Nov. 11 from a menu that includes a choice of two meats and two sides. Open to active duty and other veterans.
Rock & Brews: Free meal at participating restaurants Nov. 11. Open to active duty and other veterans and first responders, with valid ID or proof of service. Options may vary at the different locations. There are 17 Rock & Brews eateries in the U.S. and Mexico.
Starbucks: Get a free tall coffee on Nov. 11. Open to veterans, active duty and military spouses. If you don’t have a military ID, check with your local Starbucks to see what proof of service is needed.
HOTELS/RESORTS
Westgate Resorts: Get a 25 percent discount for rooms across Westgate Resorts’ 27 resort properties. The discount is valid for travel by Nov. 10, 2018. All military and other veterans are eligible. Also, beginning at 9 a.m. Eastern on Nov. 10, the first 1,500 eligible active-duty service members to complete the online military appreciation form at www.WestgateSalutes.com and place a $100 deposit (fully refundable), can sign up for free vacations in either Las Vegas (Dec. 8-10), or Orlando (May 3-6, 2018). The free vacations are for current active-duty personnel who have served in combat and their families, as well as Gold Star families. Visit the website for more details.
RETAIL
Military exchanges: Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), Navy Exchange, Marine Corps Exchange: A variety of deals for the Veterans Day weekend. For more information on some of the deals in stores and online, visit here.
Black Rifle Coffee Company: Get a 20 percent discount at the entire online store using discount code: militarytimes20, through Nov. 11. The veteran-owned and -operated shop offers its own Freedom Blend as well as a variety of java containers.
Dollar General: Get an 11 percent discount on “qualifying purchases” both in stores and online, on Nov. 11. Those eligible are veterans, active duty and their immediate family members. Online, use the Promo Code VET17. Dollar General operates about 14,000 stores in 44 states. Find a store near you and call ahead to find out what proof of service they require.
Food Lion: Get a 10 percent discount on entire grocery bill Nov. 11 (with certain exceptions.). Open to active duty and retired military and their families, Show the Food Lion MVP savings card, along with military ID. Discount doesn’t apply to purchase of alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, lottery, postage stamps or services.
Govx.com: Get an additional 10 percent to 15 percent discount, in addition to current military discounts, at the entire online store, through Nov. 11.
Grand Trunk: Register online, with proof of service, and receive 30 percent discount off items on the entire website featuring adventure gear. This discount is available once you register, and is not limited to Veterans Day.
Seaside Coffee Company: Get a 20 discount at the entire online store, through Nov. 13. Use discount code HOOYAHVETERANS. Shipping is free, as always.
Target: Get full details on this one-time discount here.
Tractor Supply Company: Get 15 percent off entire purchase at all of this rural lifestyle retailer’s more than 1,600 stores nationwide Nov. 11. Active duty and other veterans are eligible, with proof of service.
SERVICES
Grace For Vets: Free car wash on Nov. 11, for active duty and other veterans, at one of several thousand independent car wash locations who have volunteered to be part of the initiative. Find a car wash near you, but be sure to call ahead and find out what proof of service they require.
Great Clips: Visit on Nov. 11 to get a free haircut, or to get a card good for a free haircut card that can be redeemed by Dec. 31. Active duty and other veterans are eligible. Find a salon near you and call ahead to find out what proof of service they require.
Guitar Center: Free 30-minute music lessons at participating locations for military members with a military ID; free re-strings on guitars; 15 percent discount in store on Nov. 11 during standard business hours. Register ahead; limited to instructor availability. For veterans without a military ID, contact your local store to find out what proof of service is needed.
Karen has covered military families, quality of life and consumer issues for Military Times for more than 30 years, and is co-author of a chapter on media coverage of military families in the book "A Battle Plan for Supporting Military Families." She previously worked for newspapers in Guam, Norfolk, Jacksonville, Fla., and Athens, Ga.
