Veterans Day 2017: Weekend Offers, Deals Galore For Military Vets

AUSTIN, TX — Military veterans can enjoy free or discounted appetizers and entrées at a number of chain restaurants this weekend in honor of Veterans Day observed this Saturday, Nov. 11.

Those availing themselves of these deals should have proof of military service (details below). It might be a good idea to call ahead at the restaurant of your choosing to check if those particular eateries are participating in their parent company's freebies offer.

Among the restaurant chains set to honor vets with special deals are:

• Applebees
• Aspen Creek Grill: Free lunch from special menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
• BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: Free entrée under $12.95 Friday, Saturday; free BJ’s beer.
• Boston Market: Buy one meal, get one free Friday through Sunday.
• Carrabba's: Free appetizer.
• Chicken Salad Chick: Free Chick Special and drink Friday.
• Chili's
• Chipotle
• Denny's: Free Grand Slam on Friday from 5 a.m. to noon.
• Farmer Boys: Free Big Cheese cheeseburgers Friday.
• Fazoli's: Free spaghetti with meat or marina sauce Friday through Sunday; new 10% military discount.
• Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: Free entrée when dining with someone buying meal on Friday.
• Golden Corral
• Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant: Free meal Friday and Saturday from a select menu.
• Hooters
• Hoss’s Family Steak & Sea House: Free meal from select menu from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• IHOP: Free Red White & Blue pancakes or patriotic pancake combo, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday.
• Longhorn Steakhouse: Free appetizer or dessert.
• McDonald's Restaurants
• Muscle Maker Grill
• Olive Garden
• Outback Steakhouse: Free bloomin' onion and beverage.
• Red Lobster: Free appetizer.
• Red Robin
• Roka Akor: 25 percent discount.
• Spaghetti Warehouse: Buy any Original Recipe Spaghetti entrée, lasagne, grilled chicken alfredo, get one free Friday through Sunday with a coupon available at www.meatballs.com/veterans. No military ID required.
• TGI Friday's: Free lunch.
• Texas Roadhouse: Free lunch.

Much of the above list of participating restaurant chains was compiled by The Military Wallet, with other participants of Veterans Day offers reported by USA Today. The website continually updates its content with new deals and offers for the military community. In terms of the meal deals, the website offers the following steps be taken before partaking:

• Proof of Military Service. Most companies require some form of military ID. These include: a Military ID Card (active/reserve/retired), VA Health Care ID card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), Drivers License with Veterans Designation, Photograph in uniform, wearing your uniform (if your service permits), Veterans Organization Card (e.g., American Legion and VFW), DD214, discharge paperwork, or other form of identification. Note, there is a New Federal Veterans ID Card coming in Nov 2017. Other restaurants and companies may go by the honor system.
• Participation. Always call ahead to verify locations, times, and participation. Many of the listed companies are franchises and may have different policies.

And, yes, we realize some of the listed restaurants might not even operate in your city. But we wanted to list them all anyway so you can alert a buddy or loved one who served our country living elsewhere. Because we care! And we thank you for your service!

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