In a gesture of gratitude, numerous eateries, retailers, and recreational facilities are set to honor veterans and active service members with complimentary meals and exclusive deals this Veterans Day. Businesses are acknowledging the sacrifices made by vets with a variety of special offers, discounts, and freebies.

Eligibility requirements differ from one establishment to another, with some specifically mentioning “active duty.” However, some offers are intended for all currently serving individuals, including National Guard members in active drilling status. To get these Veterans Day offers, participants may need to present proof of service, such as a military ID or a driver’s license with a veteran designation. Many are limited to dine-in guests.

These offers are valid on Veterans Day — Saturday, November 11 — unless stated otherwise. Some are also valid on Friday, and others extend over the weekend. It is always advisable to confirm participation with your nearest location.

Here are some of the potential deals available for Central Valley veterans and active service members. Not all listed restaurants/stores are located in every community.

Restaurants

• Applebee’s: Complimentary meal from a special menu upon proof of service.
• Baker’s Square: Free 2-2-2 meal for veterans and active military members with proof of service. Available for dine-in and pick-up at participating locations.
• Buffalo Wild Wings: On Saturday, veterans and active members of the armed forces can receive a complimentary order of 10 boneless wings and fries upon presenting a valid ID. This offer is exclusive to dine-in patrons; however, at Buffalo Wild Wings Go locations, you can simply walk in and place your order at the counter to take advantage of this deal.
• California Pizza Kitchen: This Saturday, veterans and active-duty military members are welcomed to enjoy a complimentary entrée and beverage from a select menu when dining in at California Pizza Kitchen locations owned by the company. Just show proof of service to redeem this offer. Note that this excludes airport, casino, and stadium locations. Additionally, any veteran or active-duty service member purchasing a pizza, pasta, or salad can receive a second one of equal or lesser value for free, valid from November 12 to November 21.
• Charley’s Philly Steaks: Complimentary gourmet fries with a cheesesteak and drink purchase at AAFES locations. Veterans or active-duty military also receive free gourmet fries in-store with no purchase necessary.
• Chili’s: On Saturday, Chili’s is honoring veterans and active military personnel with a complimentary entrée. The available options for this generous offer include an Oldtimer burger with cheese, Chicken Crispers with a count of three, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, or a chili or soup accompanied by a side salad.
• Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: On Saturday, veterans who make an in-store purchase at Cracker Barrel will be treated to a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake. Additionally, all customers can enjoy a 25% discount on U.S. military-themed items, available both in-store and online.
• Dave & Buster’s: Complimentary entree (up to $20) and a $10 power card on Veterans Day with a valid veterans card.
• Dunkin’ Donuts: Dunkin’ is offering a free doughnut to all retired and active military members this Saturday. Please visit any participating Dunkin’ location across the country to enjoy this deal.
• Famous Dave’s: Famous Dave’s will give veterans and active military a free Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich with side dish on Veterans Day (available all day for dine-in, to go and for online ordering).
• Farmer Boys: A complimentary big cheeseburger for all veterans and active-duty military with proof of service, limited to one per service member. Valid at participating locations while supplies last.
• Golden Corral: On Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, from 5 p.m. to close, active and former military members are invited for Military Appreciation Night, where they can receive a complimentary meal.
• HomeTown Buffet: Complimentary meal for current and former military members.
• IHOP: Veterans and active-duty military members can enjoy a complimentary Red, White, & Blueberry Pancakes entrée or Pancake Combo at IHOP this Saturday. The offer is valid for dine-in from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at participating locations across the nation.
• Juice It Up!: Juice It Up!, which makes smoothies, bowls, and juices, is providing veterans and active-duty service members with a complimentary medium classic smoothie this Saturday. This offer is exclusive to in-store purchases and requires presentation of service proof.
• Krispy Kreme: Krispy Kreme is offering a special treat for veterans and active military personnel this Saturday. Visit any Krispy Kreme shop or drive-through to receive a complimentary doughnut of your choosing along with a free small hot or iced coffee. There is no purchase necessary, and the offer is limited to one per guest.
• Nekter Juice Bar: Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free 16 oz. juice or smoothie on Veterans Day all day long.
• Olive Garden: Complimentary entrée from a special menu. Entrées are served with unlimited soup or house salad and garlic breadsticks, with proof of service required.
• Outback Steakhouse: Complimentary bloomin’ onion and choice of any Coca-Cola® product. Offer available for dine-in or to-go (call-in orders only). Plus, a 10% off Heroes Discount is open all year with corresponding state or federal service ID.
• Peet’s Coffee: Veterans and active military can get a free small drip coffee or tea on Veterans Day. Must show proof of valid ID showing military status. Offer valid at participating Peet’s retail coffee bar locations.
• Red Lobster: Complimentary Walt’s favorite shrimp, fries, and coleslaw on Veterans Day for veterans, active-duty military, and reservists with proof of service.
• Red Robin: On Saturday, at participating Red Robin establishments, veterans and active duty service members are invited to enjoy a complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries. This offer is available for dine-in guests who present proof of service and is not applicable to online or to-go orders. Furthermore, veterans, active service members, and their immediate family, including parents and spouses, are encouraged to join Red Robin’s military rewards program to receive exclusive offers throughout the year.
• Round Table Pizza: Enjoy a 15% discount on your Round Table Pizza order this Veterans Day by applying the promo code VET15 at checkout.
• Sizzler Restaurants: Complimentary lunch served until 4 p.m. for veterans with proof of military service. Choose between 6 oz. steak, Malibu chicken, or jumbo crispy shrimp, dine-in only at participating locations.
• Smoothie King: Complimentary 20-ounce smoothie with a military ID on Veterans Day.
• Starbucks: Complimentary, tall (12 ounce) hot or iced coffee for veterans, active-duty service members, and spouses at participating U.S. stores on Nov. 11.
• T.G.I. Friday’s: Complimentary lunch for active-duty military and veterans on Veterans Day with proof of service required. Dine-in only at participating locations.
• Texas de Brazil: Twenty-five percent off the regular dinner price for veterans and active-duty military who dine in. Offer valid for up to six people per table/reservation. Restrictions apply; see websites for details.
• Texas Roadhouse: On Nov. 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., meal vouchers will be distributed. Vouchers can be redeemed for a dine-in or carry-out meal from a select menu. Contact your local Texas Roadhouse for details.
• Wendy’s: Complimentary breakfast combo for active military and veterans at participating locations with proof of service required. Offer valid in-restaurant or at the drive-thru.
• Wienerschnitzel: A complimentary chili dog, small fries, and small Pepsi for veterans and active-duty military with valid military ID or in uniform at participating locations.
• Yard House: Complimentary appetizer for active-duty military and veterans with valid ID on Veterans Day.
• Yogurtland: Take advantage of a $5 discount on Yogurtland online orders totaling $30 or more, before taxes and fees, from Friday to Sunday. Place your order through the Yogurtland app or website using the code FALL5 at checkout. Please note that this promotion is not valid for in-store purchases, gift cards, merchandise, orders through third-party delivery services, and cannot be combined with other offers or coupons.

Retail

• 5.11 Tactical: Military, veterans, and first responders get 25% off products for Veterans Day.
• Ashley Furniture: An exclusive 10% off the purchase for active military and veterans.
• Big Lots!: Year-round 10% discount for active military personnel and veterans who are part of the Big Rewards program.
• Black Rifle Coffee: Special discount for current and former military members.
• Brides Across America: Complimentary wedding gowns in July and November for military and first responders.
• Cabela’s: Year-round 5% off, with a Veterans Day increase to 10% from Nov. 10-13.
• Carter’s: Complimentary standard shipping for orders over $35 to APO and FPO addresses.
• Diamondback: A 10% discount for active, reserve, veteran, and retired U.S. military personnel.
• FOX Nation: A complimentary year of FOX Nation for all active military and veterans.
• Goodyear Auto Service: 10% off instantly for veterans, active military, and first responders, along with the “free car care for vets” promotion from Nov. 10-14.
• Helix: Veterans, active-duty military, spouses, and families get 25% off on premium mattresses.
• Hyatt: Save 10-15% off stays for military personnel at participating hotels and resorts.
• iRobot: Military members, veterans, and families receive 15% off select robots and free shipping.
• JOANN Fabrics: A 15% discount for veterans, military members, and their families.
• John Deere: Savings on equipment, parts, and merchandise through an enhanced rewards membership.
• La Quinta by Wyndham: A 12% off military discount for current or retired personnel and families, plus bonus rewards points.
• L.L. Bean: A 10% off order discount for military personnel.
• Lowe’s: This Saturday, the first 150 veteran customers at each Lowe’s store will receive a complimentary collectible pin. Additionally, Lowe’s extends a 10% military discount to active-duty and veteran military service members along with their families on eligible purchases every day, without any annual limit. Furthermore, dedicated parking spots for veterans are available at each of Lowe’s stores.
• Mattress Firm: Offers range from 10-20% off for military members, veterans’ families, and first responders.
• Maytag: A 15% discount for all military personnel.
• Meineke: Varies by location, but deals include complimentary basic or 50% off synthetic oil changes on Veterans Day.
• Michaels: A 15% discount for active-duty service members, veterans, and family members.
• Musician’s Friend: 10% off an item of $199 value or more daily for veterans, reservists, National Guard, active duty, and immediate family.
• Oakley: Special Membership pricing for U.S. military and government personnel on high-quality Oakley products.
• Office Depot and OfficeMax: Starting Saturday and continuing through Monday, Office Depot and OfficeMax are offering a 25% discount on eligible items sold at regular and sale prices to veterans, those on active duty, reservists, and their dependents. It’s important to note, however, that this discount cannot be combined with other discounts, such as those for Rewards Members or Business Select Members. Additionally, all year round, veterans can enjoy a 20% discount on in-store purchases of regularly-priced items that qualify at Office Depot and OfficeMax.
• Omaha Steaks: A $10 discount for active-duty military, retirees, veterans, spouses, and dependents.
• Pandora Music: Active military and veterans receive a 20% discount on Pandora Premium.
• Princess Cruises: Up to $250 complimentary onboard spending money for veterans and active, retired or disabled military personnel.
• Purple: 10% off on any order after verifying military eligibility.
• Sherwin-Williams: A special 15% discount on paints, stains, and painting supplies for veterans and the military.
• Sleep Number: A 20% discount for all active, veteran, retired, and reservist personnel.
• Sport Clips: Participating locations provide complimentary haircuts to veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day.
• Staples: A 25% discount for veterans and active military on in-store purchases.
• Super 8: Military members save 15% on the best available rate at participating hotels.
• Tractor Supply Company: A 15% in-store discount on Veterans Day for all service members, veterans, and their dependents.
• UGG: A 10% off the purchase for all military personnel.
• Under Armour: A 20% off all purchases for active-duty service members, veterans, and first responders online and in UA Brand House stores.
• USA Today: Three months of digital access subscription for military personnel at $1/month.
• Verizon Wireless: A monthly discount of up to $25 on unlimited plans.
• Walgreens: A 20% discount on eligible regular-price items with myWalgreens® in-store for veterans, military, and families.
• Whirlpool – KitchenAid: Military personnel receive a 15% off discount.

Read more at the NGAUS.