Veterans Day is observed every year on November 11. The date never changes.
- What day is Veterans Day? November 11
- Is it Veterans Day today? Check today’s date. The holiday is November 11 each year.
- Why is Veterans Day on November 11? It marks the armistice that ended World War I on November 11, 1918.
- Is Veterans Day a federal holiday? Yes. Federal offices are closed.
- Who is Veterans Day for? All U.S. military veterans are honored; many offers extend to active-duty and reservists.
Each year on Veterans Day (observed Tuesday, November 11, 2025), numerous restaurants and food chains honour U.S. veterans and active-duty military by offering free meals, meal vouchers or special deals. This article outlines major national offers, explains eligibility and how to redeem them, and highlights key caveats you should know. The objective is to equip veterans, reservists and military family members with accurate information so they can take full advantage of these offers.
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Key Terms and Eligibility
“Free meal” refers to a full entrée or meal offered at no cost to a qualifying veteran or active-duty service member.
“Voucher” indicates a coupon or ticket distributed on Veterans Day which can be redeemed at a later date for a meal.
“Proof of service” typically means presenting a valid military ID, U.S. Uniformed Services Retired ID Card, DD-214 discharge papers, a veteran organisation card, or being in uniform.
Offers generally apply at participating locations only. Franchise ownership, regional and local policy variations apply; always verify with the specific outlet.
Quick Tips Before You Go
- Bring proof of service (military ID, VA card, DD-214, or uniform).
- Most offers are dine-in and at participating locations only.
- Menu items and hours vary by location; check ahead with your local restaurant.
- Gratuity, add-ons, and beverages are usually not included.
- Some chains give vouchers on November 11 for use at a later date.
Major Chains Offering Free Meals or Food Deals
Details can vary by franchise. Use this as a starting point and confirm locally.
American & Grill
- Applebee’s — Free Veterans Day meals from a special menu at many locations. Also listed as “applebee’s veterans day menu,” “applebee’s veterans day 2025,” and “applebee’s veterans day menu 2025.”
- Chili’s — “chilis veterans day” and “chilis veterans day 2025 menu” often include a free dine-in entrée from a limited menu.
- Texas Roadhouse — “texas roadhouse veterans day deal 2025” and “texas roadhouse veterans day vouchers 2025” frequently involve meal vouchers distributed on Veterans Day. See also “texas roadhouse veterans day special 2025 time,” “texas roadhouse veterans day voucher 2025,” and “texas roadhouse veterans day deals 2025.”
- Outback Steakhouse — “outback veterans day” and “outback veterans day 2025” typically include a free or discounted entrée for veterans and active-duty.
- LongHorn Steakhouse — Often listed as “longhorn veterans day 2025,” with select offers for veterans.
- Cracker Barrel — “cracker barrel veterans day” and “cracker barrel veterans day 2025” commonly feature a complimentary item for veterans.
- Buffalo Wild Wings — “buffalo wild wings veterans day 2025” frequently includes a free menu item at participating locations.
- Red Robin — “red robin veterans day 2025” is often a free burger from a special menu.
- Golden Corral — “golden corral veterans day” and “golden corral veterans day 2025” often feature a free meal during a designated appreciation event.
Fast Casual & Sandwiches
- Chipotle — “chipotle veterans day 2025” typically references a buy-one-get-one entrée for military with ID during specified hours.
- Panera Bread — “panera bread veterans day 2025” and “panera veterans day” sometimes include a free item or discount for veterans.
- Firehouse Subs — “firehouse subs veterans day” and “firehouse subs veterans day 2025” are frequently cited for Veterans Day specials.
- Jersey Mike’s — “jersey mike’s veterans day 2025” may include a free or discounted sub at participating locations.
- Shake Shack — “shake shack veterans day 2025” often includes a complimentary item or discount.
- Wawa — “wawa veterans day 2025” has historically offered a free coffee for veterans and active-duty.
- Smoothie King — “smoothie king veterans day 2025” often features a complimentary smoothie for veterans.
Coffee, Donuts & Breakfast
- Starbucks — “starbucks veterans day 2025” and “starbucks veterans day free coffee” typically offer a free brewed coffee for veterans and active-duty.
- Dunkin’ — “dunkin donuts veterans day” and “dunkin veterans day 2025” often include a free donut for veterans; sometimes no purchase required.
- Krispy Kreme — “krispy kreme veterans day 2025” generally features a free donut or coffee for veterans and active-duty.
- Denny’s — “denny’s veterans day 2025” and “free breakfast veterans day” frequently include a complimentary breakfast entrée during set hours.
- IHOP — “ihop veterans day 2025” and “veterans day breakfast 2025” often include a free stack or breakfast item.
- Free breakfast veterans day 2025 — Many chains post dedicated breakfast-only offers; check local listings.
Burgers & Quick Service
- McDonald’s — “mcdonald’s veterans day 2025” and “mcdonald’s veterans day” may include a free breakfast combo for veterans at participating locations.
- Wendy’s — “wendy’s veterans day 2025” and “wendy’s veterans day” typically mention a free breakfast combo during breakfast hours.
- Arby’s — “arby’s veterans day 2025” sometimes includes a free menu item or sandwich at participating locations.
- Red Robin — Also listed under burgers with free entrée offers at many locations.
Italian & Casual Dining
- Olive Garden — “olive garden veterans day,” “olive garden veterans day menu,” and “olive garden veterans day 2025” often include a free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu.
- Applebee’s — Also appears as “applebees,” “applebee’s veterans day 2025,” and “applebee’s veterans day menu 2025.”
- Chili’s — Appears as “chilis veterans day,” “chilis veterans day special,” and “chili’s veterans day 2025.”
- Outback Steakhouse — Appears again here due to frequent search variations: “outback veterans day 2025.”
Regional & Other Mentions
- Golden Corral — Large participation nationwide; check event timing locally.
- Bob Evans — “bob evans veterans day 2025” frequently offers a free meal from a special menu.
- Sheetz — “sheetz veterans day 2025” commonly lists a free item for veterans and active-duty.
Chick-fil-A on Veterans Day
“chick fil a veterans day,” “chick fil a veterans day 2025,” and “is chick fil a open on veterans day” are common searches. Chick-fil-A locations are franchise-owned, so participation and specific offers vary widely.
- Some locations provide a free entrée or sandwich to veterans and active-duty with ID.
- Other locations may offer a free beverage or dessert instead.
- Hours and availability can differ; confirm locally before visiting.
“Near Me” Searches to Try
Use your favorite maps app or search engine with these phrases to find local options.
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Texas Roadhouse: What to Know
Texas Roadhouse is one of the most searched chains on Veterans Day.
- texas roadhouse
- texas roadhouse near me
- texas roadhouse veterans day deal 2025
- texas roadhouse veterans day voucher 2025
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Many locations distribute meal vouchers on November 11 that can be redeemed later. Timing and redemption windows vary by location.
FAQs
- Do I need to be in uniform? Uniform is rarely required. Bring proof of service.
- Can my family use the offer? Usually the free item is for the veteran or active-duty member only. Some chains extend discounts to family members; ask locally.
- Are beverages included? Often not. Most offers cover a specific menu item only.
- Can I get takeout? Many Veterans Day offers are dine-in only. Policies vary by chain and franchise.
- What if my local store isn’t participating? Participation is voluntary for franchises. Try another nearby location or choose a different chain.
One-Page Checklist
- Government-issued proof of service (ID, VA card, DD-214)
- Know the offer’s hours and whether it’s dine-in only
- Expect limited menus or special Veterans Day menus
- Plan for busy periods; arrive early if possible
- Budget for beverages, tax, and tip
- If vouchers are offered, note redemption deadlines
Common Search Phrases (for reference)
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Thank you for your service.