Veterans Day falls on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, prompting numerous restaurants and businesses to express gratitude to those who served through special promotions, discounts and complimentary meals.
The annual observance, which honours military veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces, has become an occasion for corporate America to demonstrate appreciation through tangible benefits for the military community.
Major restaurant chains across the country are participating in Veterans Day promotions, offering everything from free entrées to complimentary desserts for veterans and active-duty service members who present valid military identification.
Applebee’s is providing veterans dining in with one free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu, continuing the chain’s tradition of honoring military service through complimentary meals.
Bob Evans is offering a complimentary meal for veterans and active-duty military members, though specific menu details vary by location.
Buffalo Wild Wings is providing a free order of 10 boneless wings and regular fries for dine-in or walk-in customers who present valid military identification.
Chipotle is running a buy-one-get-one-free promotion for military members from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., requiring valid identification for the offer.
Chili’s has announced that all veterans and active military members can receive a free meal at participating locations.
Dunkin’ Donuts is offering a free doughnut for all active and retired military members who visit stores on Veterans Day.
IHOP is providing a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo, which includes pancakes, eggs, hash browns, and bacon or sausage for qualifying veterans.
Insomnia Cookies is extending its promotion from 9 November through 11 November, offering a free Deluxe cookie with a $5 purchase for military members who show identification.
Mission BBQ is providing free sandwiches for veterans on Veterans Day, continuing the chain’s military-focused mission and branding.
Dairy Queen is offering a complimentary Medium Blizzard to veterans and active-duty service members.
Firehouse Subs, a chain with strong connections to first responders and military communities, is providing a free combo meal to veterans.
Olive Garden is offering complimentary entrées from a special menu for veterans and active-duty military members at participating locations.
Starbucks is providing all veterans, military members, and spouses with one free tall (12 fluid ounce) hot or iced brewed coffee at participating U.S. stores.
Wawa is offering free coffee to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families throughout Veterans Day.
Krispy Kreme is providing both a free small hot or iced coffee and any doughnut to veterans and service members.
Individual locations may have specific participation rules, so veterans and service members should verify availability with their local restaurants before visiting.
The widespread participation in Veterans Day promotions reflects both genuine corporate gratitude and savvy marketing strategies that recognize the goodwill generated by honouring military service. For restaurants, these promotions create foot traffic, potentially bringing in family members and friends who will purchase meals, and generate positive brand associations with patriotism and community support.
For veterans and active-duty service members, these promotions provide tangible recognition of their service whilst offering financial relief, particularly valuable for younger veterans and active-duty personnel who may face economic challenges during military service or transition to civilian life.
The requirement for military identification at most participating restaurants serves dual purposes: it ensures benefits reach intended recipients whilst preventing promotion abuse. Valid military identification includes active-duty military ID cards, Veterans Affairs ID cards, discharge papers, or veterans organization membership cards, though specific requirements vary by establishment.
The timing of promotions varies, with some restaurants offering benefits throughout the day whilst others limit availability to specific hours. Chipotle’s 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. window, for example, targets dinner service when restaurants typically see higher traffic and can more easily absorb the cost of complimentary meals within overall revenue.
The extension of benefits to spouses at some establishments, such as Starbucks, acknowledges that military service affects entire families, not just those who wear uniforms. Military spouses face unique challenges including frequent relocations, extended separations during deployments, and difficulties maintaining careers due to constant moves.
