Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a dedicated time for businesses across the United States to express gratitude to those who have served in the military. In 2018, numerous restaurant chains, retailers, and service providers offered complimentary meals, discounts, and freebies to active-duty military personnel and veterans. These promotions typically required valid proof of service, such as a military ID, DD-214, or veterans organisation card. While the holiday fell on November 11, many businesses extended their offers to November 12, the federal observance date, providing a two-day window for service members to redeem benefits.
The following guide details the specific offers available during Veterans Day 2018, focusing primarily on restaurant meal offers. This information is compiled from verified lists and press releases circulated during that period. The majority of these offers required valid military identification and were valid for dine-in service on November 11 or the observed holiday on November 12. Consumers were advised to contact specific locations to confirm participation prior to visiting.
Restaurant Meal Offers
The restaurant sector is traditionally the most active in providing Veterans Day freebies. In 2018, major chains offered full-sized entrees, specific menu items, or discounts ranging from free meals to percentage-off deals. Most offers were valid for dine-in service only on November 11 or 12.
Major Chain Restaurants
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar maintained a long-standing tradition of offering free meals to veterans and active-duty military. In 2018, participants received a free full-sized entree from a specific eight-item menu on November 11.
Baker’s Square offered active duty military and veterans a free breakfast on Sunday, November 11, 2018. Veterans and active duty members could select from three Buttermilk Pancakes, three slices of French Toast, or one Belgian Waffle.
Bar Louie provided veterans with a free Flatbread or Burger, up to a $15 value, with ID on Sunday.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse offered veterans a free entree, up to a $12.95 value, plus a free Dr. Pepper beverage on Veterans Day. This offer was valid for all active duty military and veterans. An additional offer included a free Pizookie® for current or retired military from November 1 to November 30, 2018, while supplies lasted.
Bob Evans provided free select breakfast, lunch, and dinner items on Veterans Day. This was available to active duty military, retirees, and veterans with ID or proof of service.
Boston Market had an offer valid from November 11 to November 12, 2018: buy one individual meal with a drink and get a second free at all U.S. locations. A coupon was required, but no I.D. was needed for this particular deal.
Bruegger’s Bagels offered veterans and active military a free cup (any size) of coffee on Sunday.
Buffalo Wild Wings provided veterans and current military members with a free order of traditional or boneless wings and a side of fries on Veterans Day. This was dine-in only and required proof of military service.
Chili’s offered a free meal from a select menu on Veterans Day. The offer was valid for dine-in only at participating locations, and proof of military service was required.
Chipotle ran a buy-one/get-one free offer for burritos, bowls, salads, or orders of tacos on Sunday. This was valid for all U.S. military (active-duty, Guard/Reserve, and retired military), military spouses with ID, and veterans.
Cicis Pizza offered a free pizza buffet to active or retired military members with ID on November 10, 2018, all day.
City Barbeque provided a free sandwich platter on Veterans Day at participating locations, requiring proof of service.
Cracker Barrel offered a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake for dessert or a Crafted Coffee on Veterans Day.
Denny’s offered a free Build Your Own Grand Slam to inactive and retired military personnel from 5 a.m. to noon on November 12, 2018, at participating locations.
Gigi’s Cupcakes provided a free cupcake for veterans and first responders.
Granite City offered a free lunch combo from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Huddle House offered a free order of Sweet Cakes. This offer was available from November 9 to November 12, 2018, at all Huddle House locations nationwide.
IHOP offered a free stack of Red, White and Blueberry pancakes or a free Red, White and Blue Combo at select locations. The deal varied by location.
Olive Garden provided a free entree from a special menu on Veterans Day. Entrees were served with unlimited soup or house salad and garlic breadsticks. This offer was good for veterans and active duty military, with proof of service required.
Outback Steakhouse offered a free Bloomin’ Onion and a non-alcoholic beverage on Veterans Day to Military Personnel and veterans with ID. Additionally, a 10 percent OFF Heroes Discount was open to servicemen and women, police officers, firefighters, and first responders, with corresponding state or federal service ID through December 31, 2018.
Pilot Flying J offered free breakfast from November 10 to November 12, 2018, including a free Pilot Coffee of any size with a choice of a PJ Fresh breakfast sandwich, packaged pastry item, or a Cinnabon Center of the Roll.
Red Lobster provided a free Appetizer or Dessert with military ID or proof of service from November 11 to November 12, 2018. Veterans could choose from a select list of appetizers and desserts.
Red Robin offered a free Red’s Tavern Double and Bottomless Steak Fries for all Red Robin guests with a military ID or proof of service on Veterans Day.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill offered a free Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs & Spaghetti entree for current and former military with ID on Veterans Day.
Ruby Tuesday’s offered a free appetizer (up to $10) at participating locations on Veterans Day, with proof of service required.
Sheetz offered free lunch on Veterans Day at participating locations.
Shane’s Rib Shack offered a free sandwich combo from November 8 to November 10, 2018, at participating locations only.
General Rules and Considerations
According to information from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Experience Office, several general rules applied to many Veterans Day offers in 2018. Consumers were advised to call ahead to verify the offer, as some offers were only valid at participating locations. Many offers were only valid for dine-in meals, and beverages might not be included. Furthermore, it was recommended to tip wait-staff on the full meal price.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2018 featured a wide array of complimentary meal offers from numerous national restaurant chains across the United States. These offers were primarily available to active-duty military personnel and veterans upon presentation of valid proof of service. The promotions were largely valid for dine-in service on November 11, 2018, or the federal observance date of November 12. While the list provided here is extensive, it is not exhaustive, and the availability of offers at specific locations could vary. Consumers were consistently advised to confirm participation and terms directly with individual restaurant locations prior to visiting.