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Veterans Day 2021: List of free meals & discounts

To thank veterans and current military members for their service, many businesses are offering free meals, restaurant deals, grocery store discounts and more for Veteran's Day this year!

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Flags in Wasington, DC (photo: F. Prosser)
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To thank veterans and current military members for their service, many businesses are offering free meals, restaurant deals, grocery store discounts and more for Veteran's Day this year!

The majority of these offers take place on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11, 2021 but some offers take place on other days. As always, with offers like these, they are valid at participating locations. Not every restaurant or retailer will be participating so you may want to call your local store before heading out.

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

Read on for the growing list of offers. We'll continue to update this list through November 11 as more restaurants and stores confirm their deals.

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

Restaurant Offers

Applebee's: All active military, veterans, Reserves and National Guard receive a full-size entrée from an exclusive menu on November 11 for dine-in only. They will also receive a $5 bounce back card to redeem for dine-in, To Go or delivery within three weeks. See the details on their website.
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: On 11/11, current and former military can enjoy a free entree from a select menu and a free Dr Pepper beverage. The offer is valid for dine-in only. Must present Military ID or other proof of service. See the details on their website. See the details on their website.
Bob Evans: On November 11, 2021, veterans and active-duty military. receive a free meal from a special menu of seven homestyle favorites at participating locations for dine-in only (beverage not included). Proof of military service required. See the details on their website.
Bonefish Grill: All service members, veterans and first responders’ receive 10% off every day with show of valid ID. See details on their website.
Boston Market: In honor of Verans Day, Boston Market is offering a coupon for a free Individual Meal when you buy an Individual Meal and a Drink on Nov. 11, 2021. The coupon is valid for anyone to use and can be found on the Boston Market website HERE.
Bruegger's Bagels: Veterans and Active Military will receive one free any sized iced or hot coffee with any purchase. Valid for In-Bakery only on Thursday, November 11th at participating Bruegger’s Bagels locations. The offer was sent to reward members on 11/10/21 via e-mail.
Buffalo Wild Wings: All past and present armed services members will receive a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries on November 11 at participating locations. The offer is available for dine-in or takeout (online ordering excluded). Proof of service must be shown for redemption. Limit of 1 per person. See the details on their website.
Burney’s Sweets & More of Raleigh: Veterans will be given a free glazed croissant and cup of coffee on Nov. 11. See the details on their Facebook page.
Carolina Ale House: Veterans & Active Duty military receive a free Ribeye Entree with 12 oz ribeye, grilled mushrooms, roasted vegetables, and mashed potatoes on Nov. 11 for dine in only with military ID. See the details on their Facebook page.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill: All service members, veterans and first responders will receive 10% off any visit to their Carrabba’s Italian Grill restaurant on Thursday, November 11 and year-round with valid ID.
Chicken Salad Chick: Veterans and active military will receive a free Chick Special and regular size drink on Thursday, November 11 in stores. Military ID/DD214 or wearing of uniform required to redeem. The offer is not available on online orders. See the details on their Facebook page.
Chili's: Veterans and active military members will receive a free meal on Nov. 11. The offer is valid at participating Chili's Grill & Bar restaurants for in-restaurant dining only.
Cicis Pizza: Veterans and Active-Duty Military receive a free buffet on Veterans Day, Thursday, 11/11/21 with the coupon on their website and military ID. Valid for dine-in only. See the details and coupon on their website.
Denny's: All active, non-active and retired military personnel receive a free Build Your Own Grand Slam on 11/11 from 5 AM to noon at participating locations. Some locations may open after 5 a.m. so check your local Denny's for their hours. The offer is valid for dine in only with valid military ID or DD 214. See the details on their website.
Dunkin': On November 11, veterans and active duty military will receive a free donut of their choice, with no purchase necessary, at participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide.The offer is available in-store only and no id is required. See the details on their website.
Fox & Hound: Veterans receive a free entree and a $5 Bounceback Card on Nov. 11 for dine-in only. Valid on food purchases only. See the offer posted on their Facebook page.
Golden Corral: Military Appreciation Night will be held on Thursday, November 11, 2021 from 5pm – close. Any person who has served in the U.S. Military including retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard or Reserves, will receive a free “thank you” meal. The offer is valid for dine-in only. See the details on their website.
Hickory Tavern: Veterans and active military, enjoy a free meal up to $15 on Nov. 11 for dine-in with military ID. See the offer on their Facebook page.
Hooters: All active-duty and retired military will receive a free entrée from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu (available for dine-in only) on Thursday, November 11, when they present a military ID or proof of service and purchase a beverage. The offer is valid participating Hooters locations. See the details and menu on their website.
IHOP: Veterans and Active Duty Military can receive a free Red, White and Blueberry Pancakes on November 11. The offer is available for dine-in from 7 am to 7 pm at participating locations. Beverages and gratuity not included. Proof of military service will need to be shown and there is a limit of 1 per guest. See the details on their website.
Krispy Kreme: This Veterans Day (Thursday, 11/11), Krispy Kreme will honor and celebrate veterans with a special in-shop offer: a free doughnut of choice and small brewed coffee, no purchase necessary. Veterans can stop by Krispy Kreme shops or drive-thrus to redeem the offer (limit one per guest, must present ID).
Little Caesars: Veterans and active military will receive a free Lunch Combo on November 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at participating locations in-store only. The offer includes a 4-slice DEEP!DEEP! Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi product. See the details on their website.
Menchie's: Veterans and active military personnel get their first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt for free on November 11 at participating locations. Must present valid military ID or proof of service. See the details on their website.
Metro Diner: Active and retired military will receive 50% off with valid military ID on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11th. They also receive 10% off year round. To find your nearest diner or to place your online order for to-go, visit https://metrodiner.com.
MOD Pizza: All active-duty and retired military personnel can get a buy-one, get-one free MOD-size pizza or salad on 11/11 when you sign up by Nov. 8, 2021, while supplies last. They will send you a coupon via e-mail that you can redeem on Nov. 11 in-store, in-app or at www.modpizza.com. You can sign-up and see the details on their website.
O'Charley's: Veterans and Active Duty Personnel will receive a free entrée from a special menu on Nov. 11. Valid military or veteran ID required. Valid for dine-in at participating locations. The offer details were sent via e-mail to O'Club members on 11/7/21. Check their Facebook page later in the week for more details and the menu.
On The Border: Active and retired military receive a free Pick 2 Combo on November 11 for dine-in only. See the offer on their Facebook page.
Perry's Steakhouse & Grill: U.S. Veterans and active military will receive a free Perry’s Pork Chop when accompanied by a guest purchasing a dinner entrée on November 11 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.. Reservations and military id are required and can be made at PerrysSteakhouse.com. This offer is valid for dine-in only at the Crabtree Terrace location in Raleigh. See the details on their Facebook page.
Pizza Hut: Veterans will receive a free 1-topping Personal Pan Pizza on Nov. 11 in store at participating Pizza Hut locations. Must present Service Card or Military ID. The offer is valid for carry out only and is not available online. No purchase necessary. The offer details were sent in an e-mail to Hut Rewards members on 11/9/21.
PRIME Barbecue in Knightdale, NC: Cape Fear Farm Credit and AgCarolina Farm Credit are partnering with PRIME Barbecue to host a lunch honoring veterans. Veterans will receive a complimentary lunch at PRIME Barbecue with proof of a Veteran I.D. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 11, 2021. In addition to providing lunch for veterans, representatives from Cape Fear Farm Credit and AgCarolina Farm Credit will be hosting a giveaway with a gift basket, featuring Farm Credit merchandise, a gift card to PRIME Barbecue and more. See the details on their press release. PRIME Barbecue is located at 403 Knightdale Station Run, Knightdale, NC 27545.
Red Lobster: Veterans, active duty military and reservists will receive a free appetizer or dessert from a special menu on November 11 when they dine in. Valid military ID or proof of service is needed to redeem this offer. See the details and menu on their website.
Red Robin: Active and retired military members who are also Red Robin Royalty® Program members will get a free Tavern burger served with Bottomless Steak Fries® at participating restaurants nationwide from Monday 11/1 - Sunday 11/14 for Dine-In or To-Go. You have to have been signed up as a reward member by Nov. 1 to get this offer. The offer will be loaded to your dashboard if your Military status is up-to-date on your account. See the details on their website.
Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits: Veterans & Active Military receive a free meal up to $15 on Veterans Day, November 11, 2021. Alcohol not included per NC Law.
Sheetz: Veterans and active duty military personnel can enjoy a free half turkey or ham sub and a regular size fountain drink at any of Sheetz’s 635 store locations on November 11, 2021. Sheetz locations that offer car washes will also provide a free car wash to veterans and active duty military. Military ID or proof of service must be presented in order to redeem these offers. To locate your nearest Sheetz location, visit www.sheetz.com.
Shoney's: Veterans and active-duty U.S. military get a free all you care to eat breakfast bar on Thursday, November 11th from open to 11:00 A.M. In this general area, there is 1 location near Fayetteville at 3400 North Elm St, Lumberton, NC. See the details on their website.
Smoothie King: On Veterans Day, Smoothie King is offering a free 20 oz. smoothie for all veterans and active-duty military personnel (offer excludes smoothie extras and enhancers). Details coming soon for this offer.
Smashburger: On November 11, Smashburger is offering all veterans a FREE Single Classic Burger.
Starbucks: On Veterans Day, November 11, Starbucks is offering a free tall (12-oz) hot brewed coffee to veterans, military service members and military spouses at participating U.S. Starbucks stores.  Starbucks is also donating 25 cents for every cup of hot brewed coffee sold nationwide on November 11 to military nonprofits Team Red, White & Blue.
Tijuana Flats: Veterans and active-duty military get 50% off your entree with military ID on Nov. 11. Valid for in-store and take out orders. See the details on their Facebook page.
Wendy's: Veterans and active military receive a free small breakfast combo with military ID on Nov. 11 No purchase necessary. Valid at participating locations. See the offer on their website.
9BAR Coffeehouse: 9BAR Coffeehouse in Clayton, NC is offering a free 16 oz cup of house coffee to all veterans on Veterans Day. Proof of military service required. They are located at 411 Athletic Club Blvd, Clayton, NC.
15 Select McDonald's Locations in the area: Select McDonald's locations in the area are offering veterans and active duty service members (with ID) a FREE small McCafe beverage on Thursday, November 11th. This offer will be available at the following McDonald’s restaurants only:
Durham Locations: 1010 N. Miami Blvd., 4717 Apex Hwy., 3117 Tower Blvd., 17-8 New Raleigh Hwy., 3533 Hillsborough Rd., 3844 S. Roxboro St.
Fayetteville Locations: 1903 Owen Dr., 4115 Raeford Rd., 3075 Legion Rd., 2066 Cedar Creek Rd., 542 Grove St.
Spring Lake Locations: 6851 Overhills Rd. and 207 Murchison Rd.
Louisburg: US 401 Beckett Blvd.
Hope Mills: 3000 North Main St.

Grocery Discounts

Dollar General: Veterans, Active Duty Military and their families save 20% 11/11-11/14/21. For information on how to verify your military credentials to gain access to your discount, see their website.
Food Lion: Veterans and active duty military personnel can save 10% off their total purchase (before taxes) on Nov. 11 when you show your Military ID and MVP Card at checkout. There are exclusions including alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, lottery, pharmacy, postage stamps and services. See ad or store for details.
Harris Teeter: Active duty military or veterans will receive 11% off their purchase on 11/11/21 with VIC card and military ID. Discount applies after all coupons and Vic discounts have been deducted. The offer excludes pharmacy, alcohol, fuel, tobacco, tickets and gift cards.
Lowes Foods: Veterans will receive 11% off their purchase on 11/11/21 with military ID in store only.
Publix: Veterans, active military personnel, and their families save 10% on groceries on Thursday, November 11, 2021. The offer is valid for in-store purchases only and excludes prescriptions, alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, lottery tickets, postage stamps, and money services. Present one of the following forms of ID at checkout to receive the discount: veteran ID card, military ID card, discharge document, or a driver’s license with veteran designation. See the details on their website.
Target: Veterans, active-duty military and their families receive a 10% discount through Nov. 13, 2021 with the new Target Circle offer. The discount is valid with the Target Circle offer for 10% off two separate purchases when you verify your military status. To get the discount, you'll need to visit target.com/circle/military, sign in to your Target Circle account and then verify your military status.

Retail Discounts

95 Vinyl and Craft Supply in Dunn and Fayetteville, NC: They are offering 11% off to all Veterans and active duty military on 11/11 at both the Dunn and Fayetteville locations. See the details on their website.
Crocs: Military personnel can receive 15% off full-priced styles with their new online Military Discount program at Crocs.com HERE. The company also shared: "In honor of this Veteran's Day, Crocs is proud to further provide comfort to our service men, women and families through its support of Hope For The Warriors, a national organization that provides life-transforming services to the post-9/11 warrior community — active duty and veterans, military families and caregivers, and families of the fallen.​ Crocs' donation of shoes and funds will be used to benefit the many comprehensive support programs provided through Hope For The Warriors that focus on transition, health and wellness, peer engagement, and connections to community resources. "
Dollar General: Veterans, Active Duty Military and their families save 20% 11/11-11/14/21. For information on how to verify your military credentials to gain access to your discount, see their website.
Dollar Tree: All active- duty & retired military, first responders, and their families receive 10% off purchases of $10 or more in participating stores. See the offer on their Facebook page.
Gabe's: Members of the military and veterans get 10% off with military ID from Nov. 11-14. Members of the military and their families receive 10% off every Tuesday with ID. See the details on their website.
Staples: Staples will offer 25% off all in-store purchases to active-duty personnel, reservists, retired or disabled veterans, and their immediate families at all U.S. locations from November 7 through 13 with a valid military ID. Some exclusions apply. See the locations on their website.
Target: Veterans, active-duty military and their families receive a 10% discount through Nov. 13, 2021 with the new Target Circle offer. The discount is valid with the Target Circle offer for 10% off two separate purchases when you verify your military status. To get the discount, you'll need to visit target.com/circle/military, sign in to your Target Circle account and then verify your military status.
Walgreens: Military and Veterans get 20% off eligible regular price merchandise in store with myWalgreens Nov. 11-14, 2021. See the ad or your local store for details.

Additional Offers

Float Spa Holly Springs: The Float Spa Holly Springs is offering FREE floats to Veterans all day on 11 November. They are also offering 50% off 60 and 90 minute floats to active duty service members and veterans from 10 November through 14 November, 2021 using code VETERANSDAY. To book your service, just call or text The Float Spa Holly Springs at 910-891-4060, or book online at www.floatspahollysprings.com.
Great Clips: Active or veteran military service members will receive a free haircut on Nov 11 or they can pick up a free haircut card to use on a later date. If you are a non-military customer and you get a haircut at a U.S. Great Clips salon on Veterans Day, they will give you a free haircut card to give to a military service member you know. See the offer on their website.
Lion and the Rose Bed and Breakfast in Asheville, NC: The Lion and the Rose Bed and Breakfast is a participant of the BnBs for Vets program again this year. They are offering: Buy one night, get one half off for all active military and veterans during November 7-11, 2021. Must call and book direct (828) 255-7673. See the details on their website.
There are a number of additional businesses that offer discounts to active duty military and veterans every day. See a long list of offers at military.com HERE.

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