Many businesses thank veterans and active military members by offering them a free meal or other gift on Veterans Day, which is Monday, November 11, 2024. If you’re a member of the military, please check out this list, and see if there’s a deal that you might be able to take advantage of.
Read on for lots of food freebies, and much more.
If you’re not a military member, you probably know one. Why not share this information and also thank them as well?
Not all of these deals take place exactly on Veterans Day, so make sure to read all the details. But unless otherwise specified, these freebies and deals are for veterans and active duty military and take place Monday, November 11, 2024. Also, participation might vary by location.
Also, make sure to read this whole post, because it includes events like Veterans Day ceremonies, parades and festivals. Please check with the organizers regarding outdoor events, as the weather is not looking good. We will not be able to update every event with the status.
This is a growing list, so make sure to bookmark and check back. If you’re not yet an email subscriber to Charlotte on the Cheap, subscribe now so you won’t miss a thing!
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Free and discounted food and drink
Participating locations only. Most restaurants will require some proof of service. Follow the links for details on those requirements. Please keep checking back. We will be adding more food and drink deals for 2024 as they’re announced.
Ace No. 3
On November 11, 2024, all locations of Ace No. 3 offer veterans a free milkshake, any flavor. Excludes Boozees.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s is offering a free Veterans Day meal on Monday, November 11, 2024, to U.S. veterans and active duty military. Dine-in only. Not valid with other coupons or discounts.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
On November 11, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, veterans and active duty military receive a free 5 oz. Bad Daddy’s All American Burger with cheese and a choice of side. CYO Salad not included. Valid military ID required.
Biscuit Belly
Biscuit Belly, at 1949 E 7th Street, Suite 2, Charlotte, North Carolina, is thanking veterans with free food and drink on Monday, November 11, 2024. If you have served, show a U.S. military ID or wear your uniform and receive a FREE Basic Biscuit and your choice of soda, tea or hot drip coffee. Choose from a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit; a sausage, egg and cheese biscuit; or a chicken biscuit.
Bob Evans
On Monday, November 11, 2024, Bob Evans is offering a special menu of seven homestyle favorites for free to veterans and active duty military.
BJ’s Restaurant Brewhouse
On November 11, 2024, current and former military members who dine-in at BJ’s can receive a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie, plus a free appetizer coupon for their next visit, between November 12 and December 31, 2024. The coupon can be used for dine-in or takeout. More information here. 8435 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord, NC.
Brewers at 4001 Yancey
Brewers at 4001 Yancey, at 4001 Yancey Road, Charlotte, NC, is offering all veterans and active duty military personnel a free meal in the taproom November 11, 2024. The offer was announced on Facebook.
Carolina Ale House
Carolina Ale House locations in North Carolina, Florida and Tennessee will offer a free rib platter for military members and veterans on Monday, November 11, 2024. Each platter comes with coleslaw and French fries.
Carrabba’s
Carrabba’s Italian Grill is honoring and celebrating Veterans Day all weekend long!
From Friday, November 8, through Sunday, November 10, 2024, order an entrée when you dine-in and take home another entrée of equal or lesser value for free. Then, on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, order a complimentary dine-in appetizer or dessert paired with a free nonalcoholic beverage.
Veterans and active-duty military are asked to show a service ID.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill recognizes hometown heroes everyday not just on Veterans Day with a Heroes Discount year-round offer of 10% off to all service members, veterans and first responders.
Chicken Salad Chick
On Monday, November 11, 2024, all veterans and active duty military can enjoy a free Chick Meal and regular-size drink at Chicken Salad Chick. Available at all locations. In-restaurant only. Not available for online or delivery orders. Announced on Instagram. Multiple locations.
Chili’s
All veterans and active military members can get a free meal on November 11, 2024, at all participating Chili’s Grill & Bar restaurants. Available in-restaurant only for select items. Multiple locations.
Cicis Pizza
Veterans and active-duty military eat free at participating Cicis Pizza locations on November 11, 2024. Deal was announced here. Contact ahead to check on participation and details.
City BBQ
This Veterans Day, November 11, 2024, City BBQ is giving back to those who have served. Veterans and active-duty military members will receive a free meal—one sandwich, one side, and a drink. Stop by any City BBQ location to enjoy this offer for dine-in, carry-out, or via the drive-thru. No purchase is necessary—just bring your military ID.
Denny’s
Denny’s is offering veterans and active duty military personnel a free Original Gland Slam breakfast at participating locations on Monday, November 11, 2024, from 5 a.m. (store open) until 12 p.m.
Emmet’s Social Table
Emmet’s Social Table, at 401 E South Main Street, Waxhaw, North Carolina, is offering veterans and active military personnel to enjoy a free meal, up to $15 value. Dine-in only. Announced on Facebook.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers is giving all veterans and current military personnel who visit on November 11, 2024, a meal card valid for any combo meal of their choice, good through December 31, 2024. No purchase required. One time use only.
Golden Corral
All who have served in the U.S. Military get a free meal at Golden Corral on Monday, November 11, 2024, from 4 p.m. until closing. This appreciation dinner has taken place for 23 years. More than 6 million free meals have been given away. Dine-in only.
Harriet’s Hamburgers
Harriet’s Hamburgers will offer any veteran or active military member a free Gratitude Box, which includes a hamburger of their choice, fries and a beverage. At Optimist Hall, 1115 N. Brevard Street, Charlotte, NC, and Bowl at Ballantyne, 15109 Bowl Street, Charlotte, NC.
Hickory Tavern
Bring a veteran or active duty service member to Hickory Tavern on Monday, November 11, 2024. Buy a meal, and the military member will receive a free meal of equal or lesser value. Dine-in only. More information in the press release. Multiple locations.
Hooters
On November 11, 2024, all veterans and active-duty military who present proof of service or a military ID, with purchase of a beverage, may order one free meal from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu. This offer is valid to for dine-in only at participating Hooters locations.
The special menu includes five of Hooters’ select entrees:
- 10-Piece Boneless Wings
- Hooters Burger
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich
- Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
- Buffalo Chicken Salad
IHOP
On November 11, 2024, veterans and active military get a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo at IHOP from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. No purchase required. Multiple locations.
IKEA
On Monday, November 11, 2024, those who have served in the U.S. Military get a free meal in the IKEA Swedish Restaurant. 8300 Ikea Blvd, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Little Caesars
On Monday, November 11, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., veterans and active military can enjoy a complimentary Lunch Combo at participating Little Caesars. The combo includes four slices of Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage. Multiple locations. More information in the press release.
Mac’s Speed Shop
This Veterans Day, veterans with ID (note active duty service people) can get a free half rack of ribs with a side of fries and coleslaw with the purchase of a beverage at all Mac’s Speed Shop locations across the Carolinas. The restaurant also offers 25% off to active duty military every day. Find your closest location here.
Metro Diner
On Monday, November 11, Metro Diner is offering 50% off to veterans and active duty military with valid military ID. (And 10% off their meals year-round.)
O’Charley’s
Participating locations of O’Charley’s are offering those who have served a free lunch on November 11, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Veterans and active military with identification can order one of the following free entrees for dine-in:
- O’Charley’s Famous Chicken Tenders & Fries. Double hand-breaded Chicken Tenders served with Honey Mustard Dressing and fries.
- Classic Cheeseburger. Double smash patties topped with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles. Served with fries.
- Honey-Drizzled Southern Fried Chicken. A buttermilk breaded chicken breast drizzled with honey. Served with mashed sweet potatoes and broccoli.
- Southern Fried Chicken Tender Salad. With tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, bacon and cheddar cheese with Honey Mustard Dressing.
- Shrimp & Grits. NEW! Creamy cheese grits topped with sautéed shrimp, peppers, and onions with our Cajun sauce.
Or, for just $10, veterans and active duty military can enjoy the Louisiana Sirloin. This fresh 12-oz. sirloin is grilled with Cajun seasonings, topped with Cajun butter and served with two sides. More information in this press release. 1389 Concord Parkway N, Concord, NC.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread locations in North Carolina and Tennessee are offering veterans and service members a free bagel and coffee on November 11, 2024, before 11 a.m. Just show your military ID or discharge papers, or be wearing your uniform, to get a regular sized hot or iced coffee and one free bagel of choice. Offer is valid for dine-in only.
Piada Italian Street Food
Piada Italian Street Food, is offering all active and non-active military a free entrée with a valid form of military ID. Also, $1 of every pasta order will be donating to Resurrecting Lives. Valid at participating locations. Find your closest Piada here.
Pilot, Flying J
On Veterans Day, service members and their families verified through ID.me in the myRewards Plus app will be eligible for a free meal credit up to $12. The Veterans Day offer can be claimed on November 11, 2024, through Pilot’s myRewards Plus app and redeemed at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers on a variety of food and beverage options, including hot and cold deli items, fountain beverages and Pilot coffee. Announced in press release.
Red Lobster
In honor of Veterans Day, and to thank veterans, active-duty military and reservists for their service, Red Lobster is offering FREE Veteran’s Shrimp & Chips – featuring six Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, served with cocktail sauce and ketchup, as well as crispy French Fries and Coleslaw – on Monday, November 11, 2024. Guests only need to show a valid military ID or proof of service to redeem this dine-in only offer.
Additionally, Red Lobster shows appreciation for Veterans every day by offering 10% off their check when dining in-restaurant, with proof of service or valid Military ID.
Red Robin
Red Robin is offering all veterans and active duty military a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger on Monday, November 11, 2024.
Scooter’s Coffee
Anyone with a valid military ID can get a free medium drink on Monday, November 11, 2024. The offer is good for any drink on Scooter’s Coffee menu.
Sea Level NC
On November 11, 2024, all locations of Sea Level NC offer veterans free 1/2 dozen Sea Level Salt oysters.
Smashburger
Military members get a free All-American Single or Double Burger (beef only, no substitutions) One burger per person with valid military ID. In-store only, at participating locations of Smashburger. Call ahead to confirm.
Smelly Cat Coffee
Smelly Cat Coffeehouse, at 514 E 26th Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, is giving veterans and active duty personnel a free drip coffee on November 11, 2024, as well as 50% of your whole order, up to $15 off. Just show your ID. Announced on Instagram.
The Smoke Pit Restaurant
The Smoke Pit announced on Facebook that veterans and active duty personnel can get a free pulled pork plate with two side and hushpuppies or cornbread on November 11, 2024. Dine-in only. The Smoke Pit has locations in Concord, Salisbury and Monroe. We’d recommend calling ahead of time to make sure that each location is participating in the offer.
Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-In is offering half-off shakes every Monday from November 4 to December 16, 2024. This offer is available to everyone.
Starbucks
On November 11, 2024, Starbucks is offering veterans, military service members and military spouses a free tall (12-ounce) brewed coffee, hot or iced. The offers is at participating U.S. starbucks stores and licensed locations. Read more here.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Sullivan’s Steakhouse plans to honor our veterans with a ‘heroic’ deal for past and present members of service. On Monday, November 11th, Sullivan’s is offering the Sullivan’s Signature Angus Burger with Fries for FREE for all veterans and active military. Valid Monday, November 11, 2024, for dine-in only. While supplies last. To redeem, please show proof of military service to your server. Credentials may include: active duty, reserve or retired military ID, Veteran’s ID Card (VIC), notation on state driver’s license or form DD214. Extras and add-ons priced as listed on the menu. Taxes and gratuity not included.
TCBY
On November 11, 2024, participating TCBY locaitons are offering veterans and active military members their first 6 oz. of frozen yogurt for free. Make sure to call ahead and see if your location is participating. More information on tcby.com.
Triple C Brewing
Triple C Brewing, 2900 Griffith Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, is celebrating Veterans Day on Monday, November 11, 2024, with live music. Veterans get 25% off food at Izzy’s. The taproom will be open from 12 to 8 p.m.
Twin Peaks
This Veterans Day, Twin Peaks is proud to honor all who have served by offering a free lunch to active and veterans on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The offer is valid from a select menu at participating locations.
VFW Mecklenburg Post 1160
VFW Mecklenburg Post 1160, at 2831 The Plaza, Charlotte, North Carolina, is hosting a Veterans Day Breakfast on Monday, November 11, 2024, from 8 to 11 a.m.
Veterans are invited to come by and enjoy a free breakfast.
VIVA Chicken
All locations of VIVA Chicken are giving veterans and active duty military personnel a free meal on November 11, 2024. Whole chicken meals and tacu tray family meals are not included.
The Waterman Fish Bar
All locations of The Waterman Fish Bar offer veterans free 1/2 dozen Sea Level Salt oysters on November 11, 2024.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s is offering all who served or are currently serving in the U.S. military a free Breakfast Combo, no purchase required, during breakfast hours on Monday, November 11, 2024.
Choose from any of Wendy’s breakfast combos like a savory Sausage Egg & Cheese English Muffin, a hearty Breakfast Baconator, or a craveable Honey Buddy Chicken Biscuit Combo! Each combo comes complete with small seasoned potatoes and a beverage.
Just notify the crew member at the register or show your VetRewards Card. No military ID required. Can not be combined with other offers or discounts. Not valid for digital, delivery or kiosk orders. Participating locations only.
More deals coming?
The following businesses offered special deals in 2023, so we’ll be checking back for 2024.
- Another Broken Egg Cafe
- Big View Diner
- Bonefish Grill
- Chima Steakhouse
- Circle K
- Cracker Barrel
- Huddle House
- Logan’s Roadhouse
- Outback Steakhouse
- Qdoba
- Smoothie King
- Town Brewing
Other Freebies and discounts
Autobell Car Wash
Autobell Car Wash will offer all veterans and active-duty service members a free Ride-Thru Exterior wash, or an equivalent credit toward another wash option, at all Autobell locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware on Monday, November 11, 2024 (rain date will be Tuesday, November 12). No coupon, barcode, or ID is required.
Food Lion
On Monday, November 11, 2024, Food Lion is offering all U.S. active-duty military personnel and veterans a 10% discount at all stores across its 10-state footprint.
To receive the discount, active-duty military, veterans and their families should present their Food Lion MVP card and military identification at the time of checkout. Customers will then receive 10% off their entire grocery bill (excluding pharmacy, alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, lottery, postage stamps, and services). This offer is only valid in-store and unavailable through Food Lion To Go pick up
or home delivery.
Great Clips
Every year on November 11, veterans and active service members can come into any U.S. Great Clips salon and get a free haircut, or a free haircut card for a future visit.
If you’re a non-military customer, you can visit a salon on November 11 and receive a free haircut card to give to a service member or veteran as a way of saying thank you.
Red Roof Inn
In addition to discounts on every visit, members of the military, veterans and their families will receive 15% off their visit at any Red Roof Inn, Red Roof PLUS+, HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof or The Red Collection property when they book and stay from October 11 to November 14, 2024. Guests can book directly with the hotel, on redroof.com, on the Red Roof app or by calling 800.RED.ROOF, using VP code 606732. More info in the press release.
North Carolina Zoo
The North Carolina Zoo, at 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, is thanking those who have served in the U.S. Military with Military Appreciation Week.
From Saturday, November 9, to Friday, November 15, 2024, military members and their spouses get free admission. In addition, the military member or spouse can bring three guests for free. (Total of four free admissions, including the ID holder.)
This special offer is offered to all active duty, reserve, veteran and retired military personnel, and military spouses. It’s only available for admission purchased on-site.
Schiele Museum
The Schiele Museum, at 1500 E Garrison Blvd., Gastonia, North Carolina, is offering free admission on Monday, November 11, 2024, for veterans, active military personnel, and their families. No reservations required. Show your military ID at check-in.
Staples
In honor of Veterans Day, Staples is offering a 25% discount on in-store purchases for veterans and active-duty military members from November 10 through 12, 2024.
Museum of the Waxhaws
Museum of the Waxhaws, at 8215 Waxhaw Hwy, Waxhaw, North Carolina, is holding a special Veterans Day event on Monday, November 11, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All veterans receive free admission and complimentary refreshments.
The museum will share military displays honoring soldiers from the American Revolution to present day. Bring the kids for free patriotic crafts and a “thank a veteran” letter writing station.
True Rest Float Spa
True Rest offers veterans and active duty military personnel a free float the 11th day of every month.
More deals on the way!
Check back soon for 2024 freebies and discounts. These are businesses that offered Veterans Day deals in 2023, so we’re keeping an eye on them.
- Sports Clips
- Tommy’s Express Car Wash
- Piedmont Social House
- Loveland Dental Group
- Museum of Illusions Charlotte
- Goodyear Auto Services and Just Tires Retail
- Target
- Walgreens
Veterans Day Events
Veterans Salute 5K/10K/Fun Run
These races take place on November 2, 2024, in Downtown Concord. There’s a cost for the 5K and 10K, but the one-mile Fun Run is free.
Veterans Day Celebration in Belmont
Downtown Belmont is hosting an early Veterans Day Celebration on Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 1 to 5 p.m., at Stowe Park, 24 S Main Street, Belmont, North Carolina. The event includes live music, a flag ceremony, a military vehicle display and a Christmas card station.
Tribute to Veterans in Glencairn Garden
The City of Rock Hill honors the men and women of the military with a tribute at the Veterans Wall at Glencairn Garden, 801 Crest Street, Rock Hill, South Carolina, on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 11 a.m.
Veterans Day Parade Ceremony in Huntersville
The parade and ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 9, 2024. The parade will start at First Baptist Church, 14813 N Old Statesville, Huntersville, North Carolina, at 9:30 a.m., and will end at Veterans Park, 201 Huntersville-Concord Road, Huntersville, where the ceremony will take place at 11 a.m.
Salute to Veterans Parade
The annual Veterans Day Parade will take place on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 11 a.m. The parade will start at North Tryon Street at Montford Point (between 9th and 10th Streets) and proceed down Tryon Street to Brooklyn Village Avenue.
Carolina Veterans Festival
Following the Salute to Veterans Parade on November 9, 2024, there will be a free festival, Carolinas Veterans Festival, at Romare Bearden Park, from 12 to 4 p.m. The festival will include live music, military tributes, activities, food and vendors.
Town of Davidson’s Veterans Day Program
The Town of Davidson is holding a Veterans Day Program on Monday, November 11, 2024, at 11 a.m., outside the Davidson Public Safety Building, 216 S Main Street, Davidson, North Carolina. In the case of inclement weather it will be held inside Town Hall.
Warbirds Over Monroe Air Show
Warbirds Over Monroe Air Show takes place Saturday, November 9, and Sunday, November 10, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, at the Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport, 3900 Paul J. Helms Drive, Monroe. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for youth age 12-18, $5 for current and former military service men and women, and free for children under age 12.
Town of Waxhaw Veterans Day Ceremony
The annual Waxhaw Veterans Day ceremony takes place at the Waxhaw Military Wall of Honor, 100 E. North Main Street, Waxhaw, on November 11, 2024, at 11 a.m.
Breakfast at VFW Mecklenburg Post 1160
VFW Mecklenburg Post 1160, at 2831 The Plaza, Charlotte, North Carolina, is hosting a Veterans Day Breakfast on Monday, November 11, 2024, from 8 to 11 a.m. Veterans are invited to come by and enjoy a free breakfast.
Veterans Day Program in Cornelius
The Veterans Day program in Cornelius will take place Monday, November 11, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Veterans Monument at Rotary Plaza, 20017 NC-115, Cornelius, behind the Cornelius Town Hall.
Veterans Day Celebrations in Mooresville
The Town of Mooresville hosts a whole week of Veterans Day events, including a ceremony, parade, flag processional, free meals for veterans, a blood drive and more. The ceremony and parade take place on Monday, November 11, 2024.
Veterans Day Ceremony in Indian Trail
Town of Indian Trail’s Veterans Day ceremony takes place Monday, November 11th, 2024, at 6 p.m., at Indian Trail Town Hall, 315 Matthews-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail.
Full Calendar for Veterans Day Weekend
If you’re looking for something to do Veterans Day Weekend, here’s Charlotte on the Cheap’s full calendar of events.
