Veterans Day Specials:Exclusive Discounts and Freebies at Florida & Milwaukee Restaurants

Veterans Day, a federal holiday always observed on November 11th, is fast approaching. On this day, businesses, theme parks, and restaurants nationwide are expressing their gratitude to military veterans by offering discounts or free items in recognition of their service.

November 11th, 1918, marked the end of “the war to end all wars” as acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This day holds special significance, serving as an opportunity to honor America’s veterans for their unwavering patriotism, love of country, and their willingness to serve and sacrifice for the greater good.

Many businesses participate in this gesture of appreciation by extending special discounts or freebies to veterans. We will continuously update the list of participating businesses as more announcements are made.

For those wondering about Veterans Day observances:

• When is Veterans Day 2023?
  Veterans Day will be celebrated on Saturday, November 11th.
• Is Veterans Day a federal holiday?
  Yes, Veterans Day is indeed a federal holiday. When it falls on a Saturday, federal employees observe the holiday on the preceding Friday. Consequently, federal employees will have the day off on November 10th this year.
• Is it Veterans Day, Veterans’ Day, or Veteran’s Day?
  The correct term is “Veterans Day.”

Wondering about the food and restaurant discounts or freebies available for military personnel on Veterans Day? Keep in mind that most establishments require proof of military service, and not all franchise locations participate in Veterans Day programs. It’s a good idea to contact your local business to confirm if they are offering the discount.

Here are the offers available in Florida

• 7-Eleven: Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free coffee or big gulp on Veterans Day by using the 7-Eleven 7REWARDS Mobile App.
• Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant: Veterans and active-duty military can select one free entrée from the Veterans Day menu on November 11 at select locations.
• Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza: Veterans and active military personnel can savor a free 12-inch cheese pizza, available for dine-in or takeout.
• Applebee’s: On November 11, active-duty military, veterans, reserves, and National Guard members dining in will receive a complimentary full-size entrée from a special menu.
• Beef ‘O’ Brady’s: Veterans can indulge in a free meal, up to a $10 value, with no purchase required.
• Ben’s Soft Pretzels: Veterans can relish a free pretzel on Veterans Day.
• BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse: Veterans can dine in on November 11 and enjoy a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie with any purchase of $9.95 or more. Additionally, veterans who spend over $14.95 for dine-in or takeout will receive a coupon for a free appetizer to redeem between November 12 and December 31.
• Black Angus Steakhouse: Participating restaurants offer veterans and active military professionals an 8 oz. certified Angus beef top sirloin with mashed potatoes, broccoli, and a non-alcoholic drink for $10.99, available for dine-in and takeout. Proof of military ID is required.
• Bob Evans: Veterans and active-duty military can relish a free meal from a select menu on November 11, valid for dine-in only.
• Bonefish Grill: Active-duty service members and veterans can enjoy a complimentary order of bang bang shrimp with a soft beverage on November 11, provided they present valid ID.
• Bubba Gump Shrimp: Veterans can avail of a 20% discount on their meal on November 11, with one discount per check for parties of up to 4. Please note that this offer does not apply to alcohol.
• Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active-duty service members can savor a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries on November 11 with valid ID. This offer is available for dine-in only.
• California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active-duty military members can enjoy a complimentary meal on November 11.
• Carrabba’s: On November 11, veterans and active-duty military personnel can receive a complimentary dine-in appetizer or dessert paired with a soft beverage by showing their ID.
• Chick-fil-A: Participating Chick-fil-A franchises offer a free chicken sandwich to all active-duty personnel and veterans. Additionally, some locations provide a daily 10% discount and a free meal on Military Appreciation Days.
• Chili’s: Veterans and active-duty service members can savor a free meal from a select menu on November 11, available for in-restaurant dining only.
• Cicis Pizza: Veterans and active-duty military personnel can relish a free adult buffet on November 11.
• Cracker Barrel: Veterans can enjoy a slice of Coca-Cola cake with any purchase.
• Denny’s: Veterans and active military personnel can create their own grand slam for free on November 11, from 5 a.m. to noon, valid for dine-in only.
• Duffy’s Sports Grill: Veterans can savor a free meal on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., available for dine-in only.
• Dunkin’: Veterans and active-duty military personnel can enjoy a free donut of their choice on November 11 at participating locations, available in-store only.
• Einstein Bros. Bagels: Veterans and active-duty military personnel can get a free hot or iced coffee of any size with a purchase in-store on November 11.
• Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: All veterans and current military personnel visiting Freddy’s on November 11 will receive a free Freddy’s original double with cheese combo meal card.
• Friendly’s: Veterans and active military can relish a free Veterans Day lunch or dinner (available for dine-in only) on November 11. Eligible customers will receive a free All-American burger with fries and a drink, provided they present their military ID or honorable discharge card.
• Golden Corral: Golden Corral is hosting Military Appreciation Night on November 13 from 5 p.m. to close, offering a free thank you meal for those dining in.
• Hooters: Active-duty military and veterans can enjoy a free entrée from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu with the purchase of a beverage at participating locations on November 11, valid for dine-in only.
• Hurricane Grill and Wings: Veterans and active-duty military who dine-in can relish a complimentary entree from a special menu on November 11. They must present their military ID or wear their military uniform.
• IHOP: Veterans and active-duty military personnel can enjoy free red, white, and blueberry pancakes or a pancake combo on November 11 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., valid for dine-in only at participating restaurants.
• Krispy Kreme Donuts: Veterans and active-duty military can receive a free doughnut and a small coffee on Veterans Day, with no purchase, ID, or coupon required.
• Little Caesars: Veterans and military personnel can get a free lunch combo between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on November 11.
• Longhorn Steakhouse: Veterans and active-duty military members receive a 10% discount and one free appetizer or dessert for their table.
• Macaroni Grill: All veterans and active military personnel can enjoy a free mom’s ricotta meatballs plus spaghetti on November 11, provided they show their military ID.
• McDonald’s: All veterans and active-duty military members with valid ID visiting participating McDonald’s restaurants will receive a free breakfast combo meal.
• Metro Diner: Active-duty and retired military personnel receive 50% off with valid military ID on November 11.
• Olive Garden: Veterans and active-duty military personnel can choose a free meal from the Veterans Day menu on November 11, with proof of service required.
• Outback Steakhouse: Active-duty military and veterans can receive a free bloomin’ onion and beverage with the purchase of an adult entree in-restaurant on November 11.
• Perkins: Veterans and active-duty military personnel can savor a free magnificent seven meal on November 11 with valid ID.
• Pilot Flying J: Service members and their families can enjoy a free meal at participating locations from November 10 through November 12, available through a special offer in the app.
• Red Lobster: Veterans, active-duty military, and reservists can receive free printed meal vouchers for veterans shrimp and chips from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time on November 11. Guests need to show a valid military ID or proof of service. The voucher can be redeemed beginning November 13 through December 10 for dine-in only.
• Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a complimentary red’s big tavern burger on November 11 with valid ID, available for dine-in only. The free meal also includes an endless side of steak fries.
• Ruby Tuesday: Veterans can savor a free sandwich with tots or fries, with some form of military ID required.
• Shoney’s: All U.S. veterans and current U.S. military can receive a free All-You-Care-To-Eat Breakfast Bar until 11 a.m. on November 11th.
• Sizzler: Participating locations are offering a free lunch to active-duty military and veterans until 4:00 p.m. on November 11. They can choose between a free Half Dozen Crispy Shrimp, Malibu Chicken, or 6oz Tri-Tip Steak entree.
• Smokey Bones: Active-duty and retired military personnel can create their own combo for free on November 11. This offer is valid for dine-in only with a valid military ID.
• Smoothie King: Active-duty military and veterans can enjoy a free smoothie from a selection of red, white, and blue smoothies at participating locations on November 11 with a valid ID.
• Sonny’s BBQ: Veterans and active-duty military can indulge in a free pork big deal on November 11. Visit their registration page to verify your military status and receive your coupon. This offer is available for dine-in, takeout, and drive-thru.
• Starbucks: Starbucks is honoring veterans, military service members, and military spouses with a free tall 12-ounce hot or cold brewed coffee on November 11 when they visit participating U.S. stores.
• TCBY: Veterans and active military personnel can get their first 6 oz. of frozen yogurt for free on November 11 at participating locations.
• Texas Roadhouse: On November 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Texas Roadhouse will distribute dinner vouchers in the parking lots of their stores. Veterans and active-duty military can redeem their dinner vouchers at a later date.
• Toojay’s: Toojay’s offers a 25% discount for all active or retired military personnel, available for dine-in only. You must show proof of I.D. or proof of service.
• Wawa: All veterans, active military members, and their families can receive one free coffee of any size all day on November 11. No military ID is required.
• Wendy’s: Active-duty military and veterans can enjoy a free breakfast combo on November 11 at participating locations from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m.
• White Castle: Veterans and active-duty military can relish a free individual combo meal or a breakfast combo meal when dining at a participating restaurant on November 11.
• Zaxby’s: Veterans can receive free boneless wings at participating locations on November 11 by showing proof of military status.

Here are the Veterans Day offers in Milwaukee

• Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill: Veterans can enjoy a free lunch or dinner at Applebee’s on Veterans Day. Their options include the classic bacon cheeseburger, 6-ounce top sirloin, chicken tenders platter, double crunch shrimp, fiesta lime chicken, oriental chicken salad, or three-cheese chicken penne. Participating locations in Milwaukee include the Applebee’s on Miller Park Way in West Allis, Oak Creek, Delafield, and Menomonee Falls.
• Buffalo Wild Wings: Buffalo Wild Wings is offering veterans and active-duty service members 10 free boneless wings and fries for dine-in only. You can find Buffalo Wild Wings locations in Brookfield, Germantown, New Berlin, Oak Creek, Pewaukee, Waukesha, West Allis, West Milwaukee, and on S. 27th St. in Milwaukee.
• Cracker Barrel: Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a complimentary slice of double chocolate fudge Coca-Cola cake with their meal at Cracker Barrel. There’s one Milwaukee-area location at W176 N9778 Rivercrest Drive, Germantown.
• Dunkin’: Dunkin’ is offering veterans and active military a free doughnut with no purchase required, available for in-store redemption only. Dunkin’ has numerous locations throughout the Milwaukee area; you can use their website to find one near you.
• Little Caesars: Little Caesars is offering veterans and military personnel a free hot-n-ready lunch combo at participating locations from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The combo includes four slices of the chain’s Detroit-style deep dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi product. You can find Little Caesars locations at 2831 N. Oakland Ave. and 2976 S. Chase Ave. in Milwaukee, as well as at 4208 W. Greenfield Ave., West Milwaukee.
• Motor Bar and Restaurant: This local restaurant, connected to the Harley-Davidson Museum, is offering veterans one complimentary meal (up to $12.95) with the purchase of a beverage throughout Veterans Day weekend, from November 10 to 12. The Harley-Davidson Museum and Motor Bar and Restaurant are located at 400 W. Canal St.
• Olive Garden: Olive Garden will provide veterans and active-duty military personnel with a free entree, including options like never-ending soup, salad and breadsticks; cheese ravioli; spaghetti and meatballs; fettuccine Alfredo; and chicken parmigiana. You can find Olive Garden restaurants in Brookfield, Greenfield, and Menomonee Falls.
• Outback Steakhouse: Outback Steakhouse is offering active and retired military personnel a free Bloomin’ Onion and a Coca-Cola product in-restaurant. Milwaukee has Outback Steakhouse locations at 295 S. Moorland Rd., Brookfield, and 8625 W. Sura Ln., Greenfield.
• Red Lobster: Red Lobster is providing veterans, active-duty military, and reservists with a free order of Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, along with fries and coleslaw for dine-in and to-go orders from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Milwaukee-area Red Lobster locations include 2801 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa, and 4645 S. 76th St., Greenfield.
• Red Robin: Red Robin is offering veterans and active-duty service members a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger and bottomless steak fries at participating restaurants for dine-in only. You can find Red Robin locations at 7575 W. Edgerton Ave., Greenfield, and 95 N. Moorland Rd., Brookfield.
• Wendy’s: Wendy’s is giving veterans and active-duty service members a free breakfast combo between 6:30 and 10:30 a.m. at participating locations.

The list may not include all available offers. If you have a suggestion to contribute, kindly reach out to us. Be sure to include specific details and a link to the offer for verification purposes. Additionally, it’s advisable to contact individual locations directly for precise information and availability.