24 Veterans Day Freebies and Deals on Dining, Shopping

Veterans Day is a time to honor veterans past and present who serve in the U.S. armed forces.

This Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, many businesses and restaurants are saying "thank you" in their own way by offering free meals or discounts to veterans.

Established as Armistice Day more than 100 years ago, the first reference to "Veterans Day" came in 1947 as Raymond Weeks organized a parade and festivities in Birmingham, Alabama.

Nationally, the veteran population includes 18.8 million men and women who have served in active duty, according to the U.S. Census.

Military.com maintains long lists of businesses participating in Veterans Day deals. We plucked 24 deals to highlight, but check out the entire lists at the bottom of this post.

Restaurant Deals

Applebee’s -- Veterans and active duty military receive a free meal from a limited menu on Nov. 11.

Bob Evans -- Veterans and active military personnel receive a free meal from a select menu on Nov. 11.

Buffalo Wild Wings -- Veterans and active duty military personnel receive one small order of wings and a side of fries for free on Nov. 11 all day.

Chili’s -- Veterans and active military service members get a free meal from a limited menu on Nov. 11.

Chipotle-- Active duty military, Reserves, National Guard, veterans and spouses get a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deal from 3 p.m. to close on Nov. 11.

Chuck E. Cheese’s -- Active and retired military members can enjoy a free individual 1-topping pizza on Nov. 11.

Cracker Barrel -- Veterans get a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake on Nov. 11.

Denny’s -- Active, inactive and retired military personnel get a free Build Your Own Grand Slam on Nov. 11, from 5 a.m. to noon.

Hooters -- Veterans and active duty military get a free meal from a select menu at participating locations on Nov. 11.

IHOP-- On Nov. 11, participating IHOP Restaurants offer veterans and active duty military free Red, White and Blue pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

IKEA -- Veterans get a free entrée from Nov. 7 through 11.

LongHorn Steakhouse -- Active duty military, veterans and their families get a complimentary appetizer or dessert on Nov. 11. Guests that dine with a veteran will also receive 10 percent off their meal.

O’Charley’s – Veterans and active duty service members get a free meal on Nov. 11.

Outback Steakhouse – All active and retired service members receive a free Bloomin’ Onion and a beverage on Nov. 11. Outback is also offering active and former service members 15 percent off their meals Nov. 12 through Dec. 31.

Red Lobster -- Veterans, reserve and active-duty military personnel receive a free appetizer or dessert from a limited menu on Nov. 10 and 11.

Red Robin – Veterans and active duty military get a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries on Nov. 11.

Starbucks -- Veterans, reservists, active duty service members and spouses get a free tall coffee on Nov. 11 at participating locations.

SweetFrog -- All service members, past and present, get a free 12-ounce cup of frozen yogurt on Nov. 11.

More restaurant deals

Shopping Deals

Bed Bath and Beyond -- Veterans, active duty, Reserves, Guard and spouses get 25 percent off their entire purchase Nov. 10 through 13.

Home Depot -- Home Depot offers a 10 percent discount to all veterans on Nov. 11. Home Depot offers the 10 percent discount year-round to for active duty and retirees.

Lowe's -- All veterans receive a 10 percent discount on Nov. 11. The offer is available in stores only.

Meineke -- On Nov. 11, all veterans will receive a free Basic Oil Change at participating locations.

Sheetz -- Veterans and active duty military personnel get a free 6-inch turkey sub, regular size fountain drink and a car wash at all Sheetz locations on Nov. 11.

World Market – Active Duty, Veterans, Reserve and Military Spouses get 25 percent off their entire purchase in stores Nov. 10 through 13.

More shopping deals