Veterans Day 2016: FREE meals & discounts

On Veterans Day, Friday, November 11, many area businesses are thanking veterans by offering free meals, haircuts, oil changes, doughnuts, grocery store discounts and more! Some locations are also extending the offers to those currently in the military.

Posted 5:00 p.m. Nov 11, 2016 — Updated 6:44 p.m. Nov 11, 2016

Read on for the long list of over 45 offers. This list will continue to grow until November 11 as more stores confirm their offers.

My deepest thanks to all who have served and who are currently serving, including my dad!

As always, with offers like these, they are available at participating locations. Not every store will be participating so you may want to call ahead to verify your store is taking part in the promotion.

Most of the stores and restaurants require that you present some form of military ID or proof of service. Most restaurants require that you dine-in to get the free offers.

Feel free to post any other offers for veterans that you hear about in the comments section. If you own or work for a business and would like your Veterans Day offer included on this list, send me an e-mail at saving@smartspendingresources.com.

FREE AND DISCOUNT RESTAURANT OFFERS

Applebee’s: On 11/11, Veterans and active duty military will receive a free entrée from a select menu. Beverage and tip not included. ID required. See the details and menu on their website.

Bob Evans: Veterans and active duty members can enjoy free breakfast from 5 choices all day long on 11/11. ID required. Beverage and tip not included. Dine-in only. Bob Evans is also offering a 10 percent discount to all veterans and active duty military from November 12 through December 31, 2016, for dine-in and carryout purchases. See the details on their website.

Bonefish Grill: On November 11th, all active and retired service members with a valid military ID will receive a Complimentary Bang Bang Shrimp at all Bonefish Grill locations.

Boston Market: Veterans, current service members, and their families receive a free cookie or brownie with any purchase on 11/11.

California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active military receive an entrée from the select menu, dine-in only. No substitutions. Must be in uniform or show your military ID or other proof of service. See the details on their website.

Carrabba's Italian Grill: Veterans and active duty members of the U.S. Military will receive a free appetizer 11/7 - 11/17/16. You will need to show military ID. Mention the offer to redeem it.

Chipotle: Veterans, active military, reserves, National Guard, retired military, military spouses with ID receive a Buy Get One Free offer on 11/11 from 3 pm - close. BOGO offer valid on burrito, bowl, salad or order of tacos. Must show military ID.

Chili’s: Veterans and and active military receive a free lunch combo or dinner meal from a select menu on November 11. Dine-in only. Drink and tip not included. Military ID required.

Chronic Tacos Mexican Grill in Chapel Hill: For Veterans Day, 11/11, they are offering Veterans with ID a Buy 1 Get 1 Free burrito, tacos (limit 4 tacos), bowl, or any other menu item all day.

City Barbeque: On 11/11, Vets and Troops get a free sandwich platter. See the details on their Facebook page.

Cracker Barrel: Veterans receive a free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake on 11/11.

Denny’s: Those with a valid military ID will receive a free Build Your Own Grand Slam on Nov. 11, from 5 a.m. to noon at participating locations. See more information on their website.

Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse: All military veterans and active duty personnel with valid military ID will receive 50% off their meal on Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11); up to three additional guests will receive 10% off their meals, as well. Offer is valid at all U.S. locations. Beverages, dessert, tax and gratuity not included.

Golden Corral: At all of its restaurants nationwide, Golden Corral will serve free dinner buffets with beverage from 5PM to 9PM on Monday, November 14 (NOT November 11 on Veterans Day) to any person who is serving or has served in a United States Military branch, including the National Guard and Reserves. Identification is not required. Dine-in only. See all the details on their website.

Greek Fiesta: If you are signed up to receive e-mail offers from Greek Fiesta, check your e-mail for a coupon for 50% off any platter or pita when a second equal or higher priced item is purchased at regular price. You can only get the offer with the coupon they e-mail to you.

Hooters: All active-duty and retired military nationwide receive a free entree on November 11. Veterans that present proof of service can choose from a select menu with purchase of drink. No coupon required. See more details on their website.

IHOP: On 11/11, all Veteran's and active duty military will receive one free stack of Red, White & Blue Pancakes (3 pancakes) from 7 am - 7 pm. Offer only valid for Veterans and Active Duty Military. Available at participating restaurants only. Military ID or proof of service is required. Some restrictions apply; see restaurant for details.

Krispy Kreme: On 11/11, anyone who identifies themselves as a Veteran or active duty personnel will receive a free doughnut and small coffee. No purchase necessary. Limit 1. In stores only. Customer pays tax.

Longhorn Steakhouse: LongHorn Steakhouse will offer a free appetizer or dessert (no purchase required, no restrictions) to anyone showing proof of military service. In addition, LongHorn Steakhouse will offer 10% off for guests that dine with Veterans on November 11.

McCormick & Schmick’s: On Sunday, November 6, 2016 (NOT on 11/11), Veteran’s are invited to enjoy a free meal from a set menu found on their website. Reservations required. Military ID required. Only available for dine-in.

Menchie’s: Veteran’s and active duty members receive a free 6 oz frozen yogurt all day on 11/11.

O’Charley’s: On 11/11. they will offer Veterans and active military a free entrée from their $9.99er menu.

Olive Garden: On November 11, Olive Garden restaurants will offer a free entrée from a special menu to active-duty military and military veterans. The special menu features six of Olive Garden's most popular items. Entrées are served with unlimited homemade soup or famous house salad and warm, garlic breadsticks.

On the Border: Veteran’s and active duty members can enjoy a free Create Your Own Combo Meal on 11/11.

Outback Steakhouse: Veterans and active military receive a free Bloomin’ Onion and drink (non-alcoholic) on November 11. ID required. They also receive 15% off a purchase from November 12 through December 31, 2016.

Red Hot and Blue: Veterans and active, inactive or retired military receive a free entrée with coupon and the purchase of two drinks and a second entrée of equal or greater value (up to a maximum value of $10), and proof of military service. Offer valid 11/9 – 11/11. Get the coupon from www.redhotandblue.com/0/456Coupon.html. This offer is only available in NC at the Raleigh and Winston-Salem locations.

Red Lobster: Veterans, reserve and active-duty military will receive a free appetizer from a specific menu from November 10 until November 11.

Red Robin: Those with military ID get a free Red’s Tavern Double and Bottomless Steak Fries on November 11. Dine-in only. Valid for all veterans and active-duty service members. Proof of service required.

Ruby Tuesday: All veterans, active duty and reserve military service members with valid military ID can enjoy one free appetizer (up to a $10 value) on Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11). Offer is valid at all Ruby Tuesday locations, excluding those in Guam, Hawaii, Manhattan, airports or outside of the United States.

Sheetz: Free 6 inch turkey sub (with Regular or Premium Turkey) and fountain drink for Veterans on 11/11. Military ID required. Proof of service includes the following: U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans Organization Card, photograph in uniform, DD214, Citation or Commendation.

Shoney’s: Veterans and current military receive a free All-American burger on November 11 with coupon found on their website. Valid at participating restaurants while supplies last. There is a limit of one per day per military service member. Proof of military service required. Offer is valid for Dine-in only. Beverage, taxes and tip are not included.

Sweet Frog: On 11/11, Veterans can receive a small cup of yogurt for free when they bring in their military ID.

Texas Roadhouse: Veterans and active duty members of the United States military are invited to enjoy a free lunch at Texas Roadhouse on Friday, November 11. This offer includes an entree, 2 sides and a drink.

Valid on 11/11 from 11 am - 2 pm at participating locations. Must show military ID.

T.G.I. Friday’s: Veterans and current military receive a free lunch from 11 am – 2 pm on November 11. ID or proof of service required. Dine-in only. Participating locations only.

Tijuana Flats: Veterans and active military receive a free entree on 11/11.

Waffle House: Veterans get a free waffle with the printable coupon valid through 11/24/16. Dine-in only.

Wild Wing Cafe: The locations in Brier Creek and Cary will be offering a free Awesome Salad, Wild Wrap, Beefy Burger or Chicken Sandwich with military ID on 11/11. Beverages and gratuity not included.

GROCERY & MISC. DISCOUNTS

In 2015, multiple grocery stores and retailers also offered a discount to military. Once they announce the offers for 2016, we'll update this list. Here are the offers that have already been announced.

Dollar General: On 11/11, Veterans and active duty and their immediate family members receive 11% off their purchase. See their website for restrictions.

Food Lion: 10% off with MVP card on 11/11/16 for active, retire, honorably discharged military personnel. See store for additional details.

Great Clips: Veterans can visit any U.S. Great Clips salon on 11/11 for either a free haircut that day or a free haircut card to use at a later date. Stop in for a haircut at any Great Clips in the U.S. on Friday, November 11, and you’ll receive a free haircut card to gift to a veteran. See the details at www.greatclips.com

Harris Teeter: On 11/11, Veterans receive 11% off their grocery purchase. See store for details.

JCPenney: From 11/10 - 11/13, current and former military personnel and their immediate family members receive a 5 percent discount with valid military or VA identification provided in-store. The discount can be combined with additional coupons and special offers including a $10 off $25 coupon with any form of payment or 20 percent off coupon when paying with a JCPenney credit card. You can get the coupon and see more details at www.jcpenney.com.

Lowes Foods: On 11/11, Veterans receive 10% off their grocery purchase. See store for details.

Meineke: On November 11, all veterans and active duty receive a FREE Basic Oil Change. Military ID required. Offer valid at participating locations.

N.C. Zoo: On Friday, 11/11, the N.C. Zoo will be free to veterans and active duty military service members with valid military ID. Up to six of their guests will receive $2 off the standard price of admission to the zoo.

Publix: 10% off on 11/11/16 for veterans, military personnel, and their families. This offer does not include prescriptions, alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, lottery tickets, postage stamps, and money services. You will need to present a Veteran ID card, military ID card, discharge document, or a driver’s license with veteran designation to receive the 10% discount.

Walgreens: Get 20% off regular priced items with military ID on 11/11. Offer valid for Veterans, active duty and immediate family. See store for details.

For additional offers and information on national events, see themilitarywallet.com.

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