Key Highlights
- Multiple major restaurant chains are offering free meals and drinks to veterans and active duty military members on Veterans Day.
- The initiative spans across various popular brands including Applebee’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Starbucks.
- This year marks the 18th consecutive year that Applebee’s is providing Veterans Day deals.
- Several chains are also offering buy-one-get-one-free deals for veterans on this special day.
Veterans Day: Restaurants Rally to Honor Military Service
The spirit of gratitude and honor towards America’s heroes is alive in the restaurant industry, as multiple major chains are stepping up to offer free meals and drinks exclusively for veterans and active duty military members on Veterans Day.
Chain-Wide Freebies
American diners can look forward to a range of complimentary offerings from well-known restaurant brands. For instance, Applebee’s is providing select entrées for free throughout the day at participating locations across the country. This marks the 18th consecutive year that Applebee’s has offered Veterans Day deals, underscoring the longstanding tradition and commitment of the brand to military service.
Buffalo Wild Wings offers a special deal where past and present military members can enjoy 10 free boneless wings and an order of regular fries when dining in. The offer is limited to locations with “Go” signage, making it accessible for those visiting the chain’s various outlets.
Drink Deals and Complimentary Meals
Chipotle Mexican Grill has extended its gratitude by inviting veterans and active duty military members to share a meal with someone they care about. From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., diners can buy an entrée and receive a second one of equal or lesser value for free. This gesture reflects the brand’s commitment to serving those who serve our country, with the company’s president and chief brand officer, Chris Brandt, emphasizing their appreciation in a news release.
Starbucks is another notable participant, offering veterans, military service members, and their spouses a complimentary tall (12-ounce) hot or iced coffee at participating locations nationwide. The initiative underscores Starbucks’ long-standing tradition of supporting the military community, making it easier for service members to grab a quick caffeine boost.
Breakfast Buffets and Pancake Specials
Certain chains are focusing on breakfast to show their support. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is providing a complimentary Sunrise Pancake Special to all veterans and active duty military, available throughout the day at participating locations. The special includes two buttermilk pancakes and a choice of eggs or a savory breakfast meat.
Denny’s is also joining in with a free Original Grand Slam breakfast for veterans during morning hours, making it convenient for those who prefer to start their day early.
Year-Round Support and Beyond
In addition to the one-day offers on Veterans Day, some chains like Golden Corral are extending their support year-round. The restaurant chain is honoring veterans, current service members, and National Guard members with a free buffet dinner from 4 p.m. until close. This initiative has been ongoing for 25 years, having served nearly 6.7 million meals since its inception in 2001.
Whataburger’s commitment to supporting veterans extends beyond Veterans Day, as the chain is giving away a free Taquito every Tuesday through the end of the year and continuing to offer a free 16-ounce hot or iced coffee for service members and veterans on a daily basis.
The diverse range of offers from various restaurant chains highlights the industry’s collective effort to honor and support America’s heroes. These initiatives not only provide practical assistance but also serve as a reminder of the broader community’s appreciation for their service and sacrifice.
