The nation will pause on Tuesday, Nov. 11, to honor and remember the men and women who have served and sacrificed in the United States armed forces.
Across the Southern Tier, many restaurants, businesses and stores will mark the day and say thank you to veterans and active-duty military personnel by providing special deals and free offerings for breakfast, meals, entrées, drinks and more.
Veterans and current service members are encouraged to bring their military ID cards to receive the special offers.
Here’s a rundown of what some national business and restaurant chains are providing the nation’s military heroes on Nov. 11.
Applebee’s
Veterans dining in at Applebee’s on Nov. 11 receive one free entrée from a special menu that includes the Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, six-ounce Top Sirloin, Chicken Tenders, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad or Three‑Cheese Chicken Penne.
Since 2008, the restaurant has served some 11 million free meals to the nation’s military heroes.
Bob Evans
Honoring those who’ve served, Bob Evans invites veterans and active-duty troops to enjoy a free dine-in meal from a special menu on Nov. 11.
Chick-Fil-A
Veterans are invited to enjoy a Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit for breakfast or an Original Chicken Sandwich for lunch or dinner, free of charge, on Nov. 11.
Chili’s
Veterans and active-duty military members get a free meal on Nov. 11 at all participating Chili’s restaurants. Available in-restaurant only for select items.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
On Nov. 11, veterans and active-duty service members with valid ID receive a free Sunrise Pancake Special at Cracker Barrel.
Denny’s
Veterans and active-duty military personnel receive a free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. until noon, on Nov. 11 at Denny’s.
Dunkin’
Dunkin’ is offering all active and retired military members a free doughnut on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
IHOP
On Nov. 11, veterans receive a free IHOP red, white and blueberry pancake combo, served with two eggs, hash browns, and your choice of hickory smoked bacon or pork sausage links.
Olive Garden
On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, Olive Garden will offer each veteran and current member of the military who dines in a free entrée from a special menu.
Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse offers veterans and active service members a free Aussie 3-course meal, Nov. 10-11. The offer is good for dining-in.
Red Robin
On Veterans Day, Red Robin grants veterans and active-duty military a free Red’s Big Tavern Double Burger. This popular burger also comes with endless refills of Bottomless Steak Fries. Experience a fun dining occasion at one of their 546 locations in 44 states at no cost.
Starbucks
On Nov. 11, veterans, military members, and spouses can enjoy one free Starbucks tall (12 fl. oz) hot or iced brewed coffee at participating U.S. stores for café or drive-thru orders.
Sheetz
On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, Sheetz provides a free meal and car wash to veterans and active military personnel. Receive a half turkey sub, a regular fountain drink, and a car wash. Check with your local Sheetz for participation and specific details.
Texas Roadhouse
On Nov. 11, veterans and military can receive a free Texas Roadhouse meal voucher, valid for dine-in or carry-out until May 30, 2026.
Email Neal Simon at nsimon@gannett.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today
This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Free meals and deals for veterans, active-duty military on Veterans Day 2025
Reporting by Neal Simon, Elmira Star-Gazette / Elmira Star-Gazette
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
