In recent years many businesses and restaurants have begun to recognize U.S. veterans for their service by offering a free meal, a free cup of coffee or some other gratis item on the day that is set aside to honor their service each year: Nov. 11.
There are now so many companies offering freebies, that a blog called The Military Wallet has created a list of free meals and discounts available to both vets and active-duty members of the military on Veterans Day.
The Military Wallet recommends that veterans who would like to take advantage of this year’s many offers call ahead to ensure that restaurants or stores in their area are participating, and if so, when the discount will be valid. It also recommends they bring a form of identification that establishes proof of military service. Typical forms of acceptable identification include military ID cards, driver’s licenses with a veterans designation, discharge paperwork or a photo in uniform.
Here’s a brief list of chains in our area that typically offer Veterans Day freebies or discounts. For more listings, visit The Military Wallet.
Applebee’s – Applebee’s will again offer a free meal to U.S. veterans and active servicemembers on Veterans Day. There will be a limited menu to choose from, and beverages and gratuities are not included in the offer. Proof of service or a military ID is required.
Carraba’s – Carraba’s will offer a free appetizer to active-duty military and veterans (IDs or proof of service is required) on Veterans Day.
Chili’s – Chili’s will offer a free meal to both active-duty servicemembers and veterans with proof of service/ID (beverages and gratuities not included) on Veterans Day. There will be limited lunch and dinner menus.
Red Lobster – From Nov. 10 to Nov. 13 Red Lobster will offer veterans a free appetizer from a select list of appetizers.
Starbucks – Starbucks will serve up a free tall (small size) brewed coffee to active military, veterans and their spouses on Veterans Day at participating stores. Be sure to call ahead to confirm that your local Starbucks is participating.
Some other chains with local stores that will have special offers on or around Veterans Day, according to the Military Wallet, include Texas Roadhouse, Perkins, Outback Steakhouse, Menchie’s, Longhorn Steakhouse, Lone Star Steakhouse, Golden Corral, Friendly’s and Denny’s.
