Veterans Day 2019: Lake Norman Deals For Military

CORNELIUS, NC — Restaurants, fast food joints and coffeehouses across the Lake Norman region are offering a variety of Veterans Day deals in 2019 for retired and active duty military personnel.

Veterans Day is Monday, Nov. 11, and some of the special deals for military personnel are already in place during the year. In most cases, a form of military identification or proof of service is required.

If you know a great discount that isn’t on the list, add it in the comments section below. And, veterans and active military, thank you for your service.

Here are some of the best local deals we could find:

• Cracker Barrel — all U.S. Military veterans and active duty military receive a free pumpkin pie latte or a slice of double chocolate fudge Coca-Cola cake. 123 Regency Center Drive, Mooresville.
• Smoothie King — Veterans and active duty military can get a free 20-ounce smoothie of their choice with proof of military ID. 16933 Kaufinger Street, Huntersville.
• GoodYear Auto Service — Free car care check (tires, brakes, alignment, shock and struts, batter and wiper blades) for active and retired military, plus free tire installation on any tire purchase. 20110 West Catawba Avenue, Cornelius.
• Sonny’s — In honor of Veterans Day, veterans and active military with valid ID are invited to visit any Sonny’s BBQ location to receive a Free Pulled or Sliced Pork Big Deal Combo.
• Charlotte Douglas International Airport — On Monday, November 11, U.S. active-duty military and military veterans with ID can enjoy a complimentary *Pimento Cheeseburger while they dine-in at 1897 Market (Atrium), Whisky River (Concourse E), and Bad Daddy's Burger Bar (Concourse C), as well as more than 70 participating HMSHost airport restaurants.
• Mac’s Speed Shop — In honor of Veterans Day, Mac’s Speed Shop is honoring Veterans with a special BBQ Combo Sampler complimentary with a valid veteran ID or proof of service. Dine in Only. Offer only valid Monday, Nov. 11th, 2019.

Along with the local deals around Lake Norman, many national retailers are offering special deals for Veterans Day.

• Applebee’s: Veterans and active-duty military in uniform can get a free meal from a limited menu at participating Applebee’s on Nov. 11.

• Chili’s Grill & Bar: All veterans and active duty service members can receive a free meal on Veterans Day at all participating restaurants.

• Golden Corral: Military vets, retirees, and active duty members are being offered a free dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at all Golden Corral locations on Veterans Day.

• Red Robin: Veteran’s and active duty military are being offered a free dine-in Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries on Veteran’s Day.
• IHOP: All active duty and retired veterans in observance of Veteran’s Day, November 11, are invited to come in to IHOP and enjoy a “free” breakfast.
• Texas Roadhouse: Veterans and active military receive a free lunch on November 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at all Texas Roadhouse locations.
• TGI Fridays: Military guests with a valid military ID will be treated to a free lunch menu item up to $12 on November 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. These guests also will receive a $5 coupon for their next meal at Fridays. Call your local TGI Fridays for details.
• Subway: Military veterans with a valid ID are being offered a free six-inch sub on November 11 at select locations.
• Outback: Veterans with a military ID can get a free Bloomin’ Onion and non-alcoholic beverage on November 11, and 20 percent off their check Nov. 12 to Dec. 31.
• California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active U.S. military members with proof of service have an invitation to enjoy a complimentary meal from CPK’s Veterans Day menu at all participating California Pizza Kitchen locations nationwide.
• The Chop House: Veterans receive a 50 percent discount with a valid military ID on November 11. This does not apply to alcoholic beverages.
• Cici’s Pizza: All active duty or retired military with a valid military ID are being offered a free pizza buffet on November 11.
• Joe’s Crab Shack: Veterans and active duty military with valid ID will enjoy 20 percent off on November 11. Please call ahead to your local Joe’s Crab Shack if you have any questions about your Veteran’s Day Discount.
• Little Caesars Pizza: Veterans and active duty military with valid ID will receive a free $5 hot-n-ready lunch combo.On November 11, from 11am to 2pm.

Retail Discounts

• The Home Depot: Veterans are being offered a 10 percent military discount on in-store purchases on select items. All veterans are eligible for this discount during the Veterans Day weekend. Visit the Home Depot website for details.
• Walgreens: Active military, veterans and their families receive 20 percent off everything. Walgreens also provides free flu shots for VA-enrolled Veterans. Visit the Walgreens website for details.

More deals are added daily, so make sure to check the Military Benefits website.

The first Veterans Day, initially recognized as Armistice Day in 1919, marked the date when Germany and the Allies signed a 1918 agreement to cease World War I.

Veterans Day was later officially approved as a national holiday on May 13, 1938 to primarily honor veterans of World War I. Almost two decades after in 1954, it became a day to recognize American veterans of all wars, and the name changed to its current form, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.