On Veterans Day, Check Out Free Food And More In Toms River

(Photo credit Edward N. Johnson USARAF Public Affairs)

There will be parades and ceremonies throughout the area on Wednesday as we take time out to honor our veterans and our active-duty military on Veterans Day.

A number of national chains are offering freebies to those veterans and military to mark the day. From free drinks to full meals for those who present a military ID, check out these offers in the Toms River area. There may be others as well; be sure to inquire. Most of these offers are good only on Nov. 11. Closest location in parentheses; check with the location to confirm they are offering the deal.

Great Clips has the following offer at participating locations: get a haircut, and receive a card for that can be given to a veteran or active-duty service member for a free haircut at a later date, good through Dec. 31, at participating locations. (Tri-City Plaza, 2360 Lakewood Road Unit #10, Toms River)

Meineke offers free oil changes with military ID at participating locations. (350 Route 166, Toms River)

Starbucks is giving a traditional free tall-brewed coffee for active duty service members, veterans and military spouses and will donate $5 to the USO Transition 360 Alliance with every purchase in select stores. (Ocean County Mall)

Applebee’s, at participating locations, has a special menu of free entrees that includes three-cheese chicken penne, 7-oz. sirloin, and double crunch shrimp. Beverages and tip are not included. (Ocean County Mall)

Bonefish Grill, at participating locations, will give customers with military ID a free order of Bang Bang Shrimp. (179 Van Zile Road, Brick)

Chili’s, at participating locations, is offering any lunch combo, or a dinner meal from a select menu, including any full-size flatbread; beverages and gratuity not included. (1315 Hooper Ave., Toms River)

Friendly’s, at participating locations, has a free Big-Two-Do combo meal for breakfast, or free All American Burger with fries and a drink for lunch or dinner. (1210 Hooper Ave., across from Ocean County Mall, and 981 Route 37 West)

IHOP, at participating locations, is offering one free order of Red, White & Blue Pancakes, which come with glazed strawberries (red), blueberry compote (blue), and whipped cream (white), from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Two locations on Route 37 in Toms River)

Little Caesars has a free, $5 Hot-N-Ready lunch combo, including four pizza slices and a 20-ounce beverage, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at participating locations. (Route 9, Bayville, across from Auto Zone)

LongHorn Steakhouse has a free Texas Tonion and non-alcoholic beverage at participating locations. (1895 Route 70, Lakewood)

Olive Garden, at participating locations, will give a free entree such as chicken parmigiana, lasagna, or cheese ravioli, with unlimited soup or salad and breadsticks, to customers with military ID, and family members joining them at the table get 10 percent off. (1277 Hooper Ave., Toms River)

Outback Steakhouse, at participating locations, is giving a free Blooming Onion appetizer and free beverages on Veterans Day; additionally, all military and their families get 15 percent off from Nov. 12 to Dec. 31. (Kennedy Mall, 2770 Hooper Ave., Brick)

Red Lobster, at participating locations, is giving a free appetizer or dessert during the week of Veterans Day, through Thursday, from a select list of appetizers and desserts. (1298 Hooper Ave., Toms River)

Red Robin, at participating locations, offers a free Red’s Tavern double burger and bottomless steak fries for veterans and current service members. (1054 Cedar Bridge Ave., Brick)

Ruby Tuesday, at participating locations, offers a free appetizer. (1131 Route 37 East, Toms River)

T.G.I. Friday’s has free lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., dine-on only at participating locations. (1279 Hooper Ave., Toms River)

List compiled from listings by Time, USA Today, and The Military Wallet.