Many members of the military feel a little embarrassed to flash their ID in exchange for a small discount, but on Veterans’ Day, area businesses want to thank those of us who served in a myriad of ways. Allow this appreciation by indulging in a few of these offerings (not that a discount in any way compensates for the blood, sweat, and tears you may have put into our country). Here’s a list of where to score discounts and freebies this Veterans’ Day.
Dining
Applebee’s: Get a free meal for all veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veteran’s Day.
Bob Evans: Get free select menu items on Veterans Day (active-duty and veterans). In addition to the meal, Bob Evans will offer a 10 percent discount from November 12th through December 31st for both dine-in and carryout meals.
Chili’s: Get a free meal from a special menu of five choices. (This promotion is available to veterans and active-duty members only.)
Chuck E. Cheese: Get special deals on pizza and tokens. Read the details here.
Cracker Barrel: Get a free piece of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake on November 11th. They will also be accepting donations for Operation Homefront.
Back Yard Burgers: Get a free Back Yard Classic Burger (available to active-duty service members and veterans who show their military ID or are in uniform) on November 11th.
Billy Sims Barbecue: Get free pulled pork, a regular side, and a collector’s cup. (The promotion is available to active-duty members and veterans who show ID or are in uniform.)
Chipotle: Buy one item, get one free on entrée items of burritos, bowls, salads and taco orders from 3:00 p.m. until close on November 11th at all Chipotle locations. (The promotion is available to active-duty, reservists, National Guard members, military spouses, and retired military with a valid U.S. military ID or veterans ID card. In-store only, limited to one free menu item. Purchased entrée must be of equal or greater value.
Denny’s: Get a free “Build Your Own Grand Slam” on November 11th from 5:00 a.m. until noon for active duty, retired and other veterans. Not all locations are participating, so call ahead. You’ll need to show a military ID.
ESquared Hospitality restaurants in New York City: 50 percent off for parties of two or less, and 25 percent off for parties of three or more, on November 11th. (All veterans and active-duty personnel are eligible.) The restaurants participating in this promotion are BLT Prime, BLT Steak, Casa Nonna, Horchata, Tavern 62 by David Burke, and The Wayfarer.
Friendly’s: Get a free meal on November 11th. The meals included are the “Big-Two-Do” with coffee or an All-American Burger with fries and a beverage. (This offer is open to active-duty and other veterans. Dine-in only, one meal per person. )
Golden Corral: Get a free dinner buffet, including a beverage, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on November 14th. (This promotion is open to anyone who is serving or has served in the U.S. military, including National Guard and reserves.)
IHOP: Get a free stack of Red, White & Blue pancakes between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Nov. 11th, at participating locations. (The offer is open to active-duty military and veterans with proof of service, such as military ID card, retired military ID card, current Leave and Earnings Statement, veteran’s organization card, a photograph of self in U.S. military uniform, wearing a uniform, DD 214, military dog tags, and citation or commendation.)
Famous Dave’s: Get a free Two Meat BBQ Salute on November 11th.
Hooters: Get a free meal on November 11th (open to active-duty and retired military.)
Krispy Kreme: Get a free doughnut and a small coffee.
LongHorn Steakhouse: Get a free appetizer or dessert. (This promotion is open to anyone showing proof of military service.) In addition, LongHorn Steakhouse will offer 10 percent off for guests who dine with Veterans on November 11th.
Max & Erma’s: Get a free burger, fries, and a drink at participating locations on November 11th.
On the Border: Active-military and former military members get a free lunch.
Outback Steakhouse: Get a free Bloomin’ Onion and a beverage. All military members and their families also get 15% off their entire check from November 12th through December 31st.
Perkins: Get a free Magnificent 7 breakfast.
Red Robin: Get a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries.
Red Lobster: Get a free appetizer or dessert on November 10th and 11th. (This is open to active-duty and other veterans.)
RibCrib: Get a free meal on November 11th from the Menu of Honor, which includes a choice of two meats and two sides. (Active-duty and other veterans are eligible.)
Ruby Tuesday: Get a free appetizer, up to $10. (This promotion is for veterans, active-duty, and reserves.)
Texas Roadhouse: Get a free lunch on November 11th.
TGI Fridays: Get a free lunch between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on November 11th.
Twin Peaks: Get a free menu item on November 11th.
Uncle Maddio’s Pizza: Get a free 9-inch, three-topping pizza on November 11th. (Veterans and active-duty members are eligible for the deal, but must be in uniform or show a military ID.)
Lodging
Westgate Resorts: Get a 25 percent discount on November 11th on your hotel room. (All U.S. military veterans are eligible.) The first 1,000 people registering online, who are active-duty military personnel who have served in combat and/or members of Gold Star families, will receive a free three-day, two-night vacation for up to four people at Westgate Town Center in Kissimmee, Florida, from May 5th through May 7th, 2017. The registration requires a $75 deposit, which is fully refundable, and candidates must complete the military appreciation form at www.WestgateSalutes.com.
Shopping
Army and Air Force Exchange Service: Take advantage of big sales from November 11th through the 17th.
Atkins Nutritionals: Get 15 percent off Atkins bars, shakes, and other products starting November 7th. (Service members must provide verification through SheerID. Visit www.atkins.com for details.)
Cabela’s: Get an increased discount. (Open to military personnel, as well as law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical service personnel.)
Home Depot: Get 10 percent off year-round purchases. (Discount open to all veterans, active-duty, and retirees.)
Lowe’s: All veterans receive a 10 percent discount on Veterans Day, in stores only.
Men’s Warehouse: Get $25 off any purchase of $100 or more, starting November 11th. (Again, verification is through SheerID. Visit https://menswearhouse.sheerid.com for details.)
National Parks: On Veterans Day, veterans will have free access to over 100 national parks that require entrance fees.
Omron Healthcare: Get 10 percent off already discounted prices on blood pressure monitors, pedometers, activity trackers, and other items. (Verification of service members, retirees, and veterans through SheerID. Visit www.OmronHealthcare.com/veterans.)
Rack Room Shoes: Military personnel and their dependents get a 10 percent discount off their entire purchase on November 11th.
Services
American Family Care: Get a free flu shot on November 11th.
Great Clips: Get a free haircut on November 11th, or a “free haircut card” to redeem at any time through December 31st. (This promotion is for military members and veterans with proof of military service.)
Meineke: Get a free basic oil change on November 11th. (Promotion open to active-duty and retirees.)
NY Waterway: Free ferry/bus service for active-duty and retired military personnel with a valid ID on November 11th.
Park ‘N Fly: Get 15 percent off as a member of the Frequent Parker program. (Verification through SheerID for active-duty and veterans. Visit www.pnf.com/frequent-parker-program)
Sport Clips: Participating locations are offering veterans and active duty service members free haircuts on November 11th.
Suburban Propane: Current customers can get $20 off their next delivery of 100 gallons or more of fuel if someone in the household is a veteran or on active duty. Proof of military service may be required.
