Who says there's no such thing as a free lunch? Okay, it's true that there's ALWAYS a catch - except on Veterans Day.
Many businesses honor Veterans and Servicemembers by offering Veterans Day discounts on goods, services and dining. Most businesses require some proof of military service, this includes a VA Universal Access Card, Military I.D., DD-214 (Discharge Papers) or in some cases a picture of the veteran in uniform.
Be aware that not all franchise locations participate in their national chain's Veterans Day programs, be sure contact your nearest establishment to be sure they are participating.
The following islist of current veteran and military discounts, Buy One Get One (BOGO) offerings, and even includes some honest-to-goodness free meals:
Veterans Day Restaurant Offerings:
Abuelo's Mexican Food - Abuelo's offerings vary by region, be sure to call ahead to see what the discounts or freebies are included.
Applebees - All veterans and active duty military eat free from a limited menu at Applebee's on Veterans Day (Nov. 11).
Chili's - Veterans and active duty dine for free from a special limited six item menu on Veterans Day.
Golden Corral - Golden Corral Restaurants' Military Appreciation Monday free dinner will be available on November 15, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves are all welcome.
Hooters - All Veterans and active duty eat free. The free entrees must be selected from a special Veterans Day menu.
Krispy Kreme – All active-duty, retirees & veterans get a free doughnut on Veterans Day. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is participating.
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants - Participating McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants restaurants offer a complimentary entree to vets from a special menu on a space available basis, online reservations are highly recommended.
Outback Steakhouse - Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary Bloomin' Onion and non-alcoholic beverage on Veterans Day.
UNO Chicago Grill - UNO is offering a Buy One Get One free offer to Servicemembers or Veterans with a military or veteran I.D. or in uniform or with a photo of themselves in uniform. The Veterans Day BOGO offer includes a free entree or individual pizza, with the purchase of an entree or pizza of equal or greater value.
Texas Roadhouse – Free meal from opening until 4pm. on Veterans Day. Call ahead to your local restaurant for more information.
T.G.I. Friday’s – Veterans and Servicemembers Buy one get one free from Nov 11-14. Contact your nearest location for more details on their Veterans Day BOGO offer.
Veterans Day Retailer Offerings:
The Dollar General - Veterans, Servicemembers (Active, Guard, and Reserve), and their immediate families will receive a 10-percent discount with a Veterans Day coupon. The coupon may be found in store circular ads or by asking a sales associate.
Home Depot - Offers a 10 percent discount to all Veterans during Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day.
Lowe's - All veterans receive the 10-percent discount on Veteran's Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The offer is available in stores only and is limited to in-stock and special-order purchases of up to $5,000.
Sam's Club - Sam's give away 36,000 collapsible Hugo Canes on Veterans Day to military veterans in need of mobility assistance. Sam’s Club will require membership for this offer, but proof of service may be necessary.
Year-Round Veterans Discounts:
Foot Locker - Veterans, Servicemembers (Active, Guard, and Reserve), and their immediate families with a Foot Locker Veterans Advantage Card receive a 20 percent discount every day of the year. That offer is good both online and at any store location, including Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Footaction and Champs Sports -- even on sale items. Learn more about the Foot Locker Veterans Advantage offer.
Home Depot - Offers a 10 percent discount (up to a $500 maximum) to all active military, reserve, retired or disabled veterans and their family members with a valid military ID. All other veterans qualify for a 10 percent discount during Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day. Learn more about the Home Depot Military Discount program.
Lowe's - Lowe’s offers a year-round 10 percent discount offer for all active duty, National Guard and Reserve, retirees and disabled Servicemembers and their immediate families. All other veterans receive the 10-percent discount on Veteran's Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The discount is available on in-stock and special-order purchases of up to $5,000. The offer can't be used on sales at Lowes.com, on previous sales or on sales of services or gift cards. You must present a valid military I.D. card to receive the discount.
Sports Clips Haircuts - The men's hair salon chain is offering a free haircut to active military and veterans on Veterans Day.
