Rhode Island veterans and active-duty military members can take advantage of free meals, discounted groceries, complimentary haircuts and other deals as businesses across the country prepare to honor their service on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11.
National chains including Applebee's, Chili's, Golden Corral, Starbucks, Kohl's and Walgreens are among the businesses offering special deals. Some promotions extend to military spouses and families, while others are reserved for veterans and active-duty service members.
The offers range from free restaurant meals to 30% discounts at certain retailers, according to a 2026 roundup of Veterans Day deals published by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Veterans Day, observed every Nov. 11, honors everyone who has served in the U.S. armed forces. Originally known as Armistice Day, it commemorated the end of fighting in World War I on Nov. 11, 1918. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name to Veterans Day to recognize veterans of all wars. Unlike Memorial Day, which specifically honors military personnel who died while serving, Veterans Day recognizes all who have served, living or deceased.
Not all offers are available at every location, and many require military identification or other proof of service. Some are dine-in only, and gratuities, beverages or other purchases may not be included. Veterans should check with participating Rhode Island locations before visiting.
Here are some of the Veterans Day deals announced for 2026.
Applebee's: Veterans, active-duty military members, reservists and National Guard members can receive a free full-size entrée from a special seven-item menu on Nov. 11. Eligible customers who dine in also receive a $5 card for a future visit. Beverages and gratuities are not included. Applebee's announcement.
Chili's: Veterans and active-duty service members can choose a free entrée from a limited Veterans Day menu at participating restaurants. The offer is dine-in only, and beverages and gratuities are excluded. Chili's Veterans Day offer.
Golden Corral: Veterans and active-duty military members can enjoy a free buffet during the chain's annual Military Appreciation Night on Nov. 11. The offer is for dine-in customers.
Denny's: Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free Original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon Nov. 11. Military identification is required, and the offer is dine-in only.
Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty service members can receive a free Red's Big Tavern Burger with bottomless fries on Nov. 11. The offer is dine-in only.
Starbucks: Veterans, military service members and military spouses can receive a free 12-ounce hot or iced brewed coffee Nov. 11 at participating stores.
Smashburger: Veterans can receive a free All-American Smashburger on Nov. 11 at participating restaurants with proof of service.
Yard House: Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free appetizer Nov. 11.
Other announced restaurant promotions include a free burger at Bar Louie on Nov. 10-11, a free taco and drink at Torchy's Tacos on Nov. 11, and a free burger with fries at participating WOB Bar & Kitchen locations.
Kohl's: Veterans, military members and eligible family members can receive 30% off qualifying in-store purchases Nov. 10-11. Military identification is required, and exclusions apply.
Walgreens: Veterans, active-duty military members and their immediate families can receive 20% off eligible regularly priced merchandise in stores. Restrictions and exclusions apply.
Rack Room Shoes: Veterans, active-duty military members and dependents can receive 20% off in-store purchases on Veterans Day with military identification.
Tractor Supply: Eligible military customers verified through the Hometown Heroes program can receive 10% off on Veterans Day.
Army & Air Force Exchange Service: Military shoppers can find discounts on electronics, clothing, shoes and other merchandise Nov. 6-12, with additional savings available on select items for MILITARY STAR cardholders.
Great Clips will offer free haircuts Nov. 11 to veterans and active-duty military members at its U.S. salons. Eligible customers can get a haircut that day or receive a card for a future haircut. Other customers can obtain a free haircut card to give to a veteran or active-duty service member. The cards are redeemable through Dec. 4. Great Clips announcement.
Sport Clips will offer free or discounted haircuts to veterans and service members with valid military identification at participating locations Nov. 11.
Veterans Day also brings complimentary admission to parks, museums and other attractions.
National parks: The National Park Service is offering free entrance to all visitors Nov. 11. Veterans and eligible military members also qualify for separate annual or lifetime park passes.
Most Veterans Day promotions require proof of military service, such as a military identification card, veteran identification card, Department of Veterans Affairs identification or other accepted documentation. Individual businesses determine which forms of identification qualify.
Offers may be limited to participating locations, specific hours or select menu items. Some require customers to dine in, and additional purchases, taxes and gratuities may not be covered.
The VA will update its national list of Veterans Day discounts and free offers as additional businesses announce promotions.
Veterans and military families in YOURSTATE should check with local businesses for participation, restrictions and additional Veterans Day offers.
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