Fast-Food Franchises Honor the Service of Military Heroes with Discounts and Patriotic Menu Items
Updated November 11, 2024
On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, Americans honor the men and women who have served in the armed forces with parades, a wreath laying at Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknowns and other ceremonies.
The history of Veterans Day dates to the early 20th century commemorating the end of World War I. While the Treaty of Versailles signed on June 28, 1919, marked the official end of World War I, the armistice ending hostilities between the Allies and Germany was signed on Nov. 11, 1918, a date that remained in the public imagination as the conclusion of the conflict. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, and Congress declared the day a holiday in 1938.
How Did Veterans Day Get Its Name?
Since the holiday originated as Armistice Day, how did Veterans Day get its name? In 1954, after lobbying from veterans’ organizations, Congress amended the 1938 act, striking the word “Armistice” in favor of “Veterans” to honor all American veterans. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the legislation on June 1, 1954.
Today, there are 17.9 million veterans, 14.2 million who served in wartime and 3.7 million who served in peacetime, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. As a small token of appreciation for their service, fast-food franchises offer these heroes freebies and special discounts on Nov. 11.
Below is a listing of franchise brands saluting veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day 2024.
Veterans Day 2024: Restaurant Specials and Freebies
Applebee’s
Applebee’s is giving thanks to those who serve by offering all veterans, active-duty military, reserves and national guard a free meal of choice from the brand’s exclusive Veterans Day Menu. Items on this menu include 6 oz. top sirloin, classic bacon cheeseburger, chicken tenders platter, double crunch shrimp, fiesta lime chicken, oriental chicken salad and three-cheese chicken penne. Plus, veterans who dine-in on Nov. 11 will receive a $5 bounce back card to redeem within a three-week period.
Aroma Joe’s
Aroma Joe’s is keeping veterans and active-duty military personnel caffeinated on Veterans Day by offering them a free 24-ounce beverage of any kind. Select locations of the coffee franchise are participating in this deal.
Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen
Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen is once again honoring and serving all veterans and active-duty military with a free meal from a curated menu of 10 items on Nov. 11. The menu, ranging from breakfast favorites including the country biscuit breakfast (above), brioche French toast and more, will be available for dine-in all day.
Broken Yolk Cafe
Broken Yolk Cafe is showing appreciation to those who have served in the military by offering them a complimentary short stack of pancakes on Nov. 11. At participating locations nationwide, guests can present their active or inactive military ID in-store to enjoy this special deal.
Buffalo’s Cafe
As a token of appreciation for their military service, veterans and active-duty service members get 25% discounts on meals at Buffalo’s Cafe on Nov. 11. Proof of military service (a valid ID or uniform) is required.
Chicken Salad Chick
On Nov. 11, Chicken Salad Chick is honoring veterans and active-duty military members with a free Chick Meal, which includes either a scoop of chicken salad or a sandwich, plus a side and a regular fountain drink. A valid military ID is required to redeem the offer.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has a great BOGO deal for guests this Veterans Day. With proof of service, all military veterans who purchase one of the brand’s sandwiches on Nov. 11 get another for free.
Farmer Boys
Farmer Boys is commemorating Veterans Day by treating veterans and active-duty military members to a free Big Cheese burger. This deal is only valid on Nov. 11.
Fazoli’s
To commemorate Veterans Day, Fazoli’s is allowing active military and veterans to enjoy a free spaghetti with marinara or meat sauce at participating locations. Proof of service is required when dining in, and customers can use the code Vet24 for online orders.
Golden Corral
Golden Corral is hosting its 23rd annual Military Appreciation Night on Nov. 11. All active-duty military, retirees, reservists, guardsmen and veterans get a complimentary buffet and drink from 4 p.m. to close as a token of gratitude for their service. Proof of ID is not required, and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) representatives will also be on-site to accept donations.
Hooters
With proof of military service, veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from Hooters’ Veterans Day menu with the purchase of a beverage on Nov. 11. The menu includes 10-piece boneless wings, Hooters burger, grilled chicken sandwich, Buffalo chicken sandwich and Buffalo chicken salad.
Huddle House
Veterans and active-duty military members are invited to enjoy a free MVP Breakfast Platter at Huddle House on Veterans Day. This offer is available at participating locations for dine-in only with a valid military ID.
Hurricane Grill & Wings
Veterans and active-duty military members can enjoy a complimentary entrée from a select menu at Hurricane Grill & Wings Nov. 11. This menu includes 10 bone-in wings (above), Yuengling Beer-battered fish and chips, steakburger, chicken Caesar salad, buttermilk crispy chicken sandwich and chicken BLT tacos. The offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations, and an ID or military uniform must be shown as proof of service.
IHOP
To take breakfast to the next level on Veterans Day, IHOP is giving military heroes a free Red, White and Blueberry Pancake Combo. This deal is valid dine-in only from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 11.
Johnny Rockets
To salute veterans and those currently serving in the military, Johnny Rockets has a great deal on Nov. 11. Guests who wear a military uniform or show valid identification get a free single burger with the purchase of any drink or shake. The offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations.
Juice It Up!
Juice It Up! is making Veterans Day even sweeter with a great deal for veterans and active-duty military members. With proof of service, they can enjoy a free medium classic smoothie.
Logan’s Roadhouse
The Logan’s Roadhouse franchise is saluting veterans with a free meal, including cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, pork chops and more on Nov. 11. Beyond Veterans Day, the restaurant franchise supports the U.S. military year-round by supporting K9s For Warriors.
Mountain Mike’s Pizza
This Veterans Day, the Mountain Mike’s Pizza franchise is giving away free garlic sticks with a minimum purchase of $25. Mountain Rewards members will receive the offer in-app. For non-members, use code FREESTIX for online orders.
Native Grill & Wings
This Nov. 11, veterans and active-duty military have a selection of free meals at Native Grill & Wings. These choices include a half-pound Stripper Combo (above), a half-pound Boneless Combo or a #MyNative Burger with fries. Proof of service is required, and the deal is only valid at participating restaurants.
Perkins American Food Co
This Veterans Day, Perkins American Food Co is celebrating the service of veterans and active-duty military personnel with a free Great American Trio Meal. A valid military ID is required, and the deal is only valid only at participating locations.
Playa Bowls
Select Playa Bowls locations are offering veterans and active service members a free bowl on Nov. 11. This in-shop-only deal can only be redeemed with a valid military ID.
QDOBA
QDOBA is spicing up Veterans Day with a great deal for those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military. On Nov. 11 only, these heroes will receive 50% off any full-size entrée with proof of service.
Round Table Pizza
From Nov. 8 through Nov. 11 at participating Round Table Pizza locations, guests can enjoy 15% off their orders. This multi-day deal is valid for dine-in, carry-out and delivery.
Sizzler
Lunch is on the house for veterans and active service members who dine-in at Sizzler this Nov. 11. Until 4 p.m. on Veterans Day, they can choose between a free half-dozen crispy shrimp, Malibu chicken or 6-ounce tri-tip steak (above) entree.
Taziki’s Mediterranean Café
This Veterans Day, Taziki’s Mediterranean Café is rolling out its Gyros for Our Heroes program to recognize and support veterans nationwide. Not only can military heroes enjoy a free grilled chicken gyro meal (above) on Nov. 11, Taziki’s will donate $1 from every gyro sold to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Wayback Burgers
Wayback Burgers is giving back this Veterans Day by donating 10% of all app and online sales on Nov. 11 to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The charitable organization is dedicated to honoring the bravery and sacrifice of military members and first responders.
Ziggi’s Coffee
Ziggi’s Coffee is inviting veterans and active military personnel to enjoy a complimentary 16-ounce beverage of their choice with proof of service on Nov. 11.
