Veterans Day: Free meals, haircuts, car washes, museum admission, more…

Applebee’s

All veterans and active duty military who visit an Applebee’s in the United States on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, can receive a free full-size entrée and a $5 Bounce Back Card toward their next meal at Applebee’s.

Choose from the following entrées:

• 6 oz. Top Sirloin
• Classic Bacon Cheeseburger
• Chicken Tenders Platter
• Double Crunch Shrimp
• Fiesta Lime Chicken®
• Oriental Chicken Salad
• Three-Cheese Chicken Penne

Read press release.

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is honoring all veterans with a heroic offer for their services. On Veterans Day,all veterans and active-duty service members will receive a FREE BD’s All-American Burger with cheese and a classic side. Offer valid on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to dine-in customers only. Must show valid military ID or proof of service. See your local Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar for more details.

Bass Pro Shops

Bass Pro Shops is hosting a free Veterans Day Breakfast on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Veterans are invited to the free breakfast and coffee at 9 a.m.

A special Bass Pro Shops Challenge Coin will be given to Veteran attendees while they last.

This event was announced by Bass Pro Shops, 8181 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord, NC. We expect it might take place at the Fort Mill location as well, but we haven’t confirmed that yet. We’ll update when we do!

Biscuit Belly

Veterans eat free at Biscuit Belly on Monday, November 11, 2025. Choose from Bacon Egg & Cheese, Sausage Egg & Cheese, and Chicken Biscuit Sandwich, and a hot drip coffee or fountain drink. All Biscuit Belly locations are participating. Dine in only. 1949 E 7th Street, Charlotte, NC.

Blaze Pizza

On November 11, 2025, veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free 11″ 1-topping pizza at participating locations of Blaze Pizza. Announced on Facebook.

Capriotti’s

Capriotti’s is offering veterans and active duty military a free small sub with any in-shop purchase on November 11, 2025, when presented a valid military ID. Participating locations only. Find locations here. Learn more in the press release.

Carolina Ale House

Carolina Ale House locations in North Carolina (and Florida and Tennessee) are offering veterans a free half rack rib platter on November 11, 2025. Dine-in only.

Chicken Salad Chick

All locations of Chicken Salad Chick are offering a free meal, with a side and drink, for free to veterans and active duty military, on November 11, 2025. The meal includes one scoop or sandwich, a side and a fountain drink. In-restaurant only. Signature Sandwiches and 3-item meals not included. For service members in uniform or those with a valid military ID or DD214.

Chili’s

All veterans & active military members can get a free meal on Veterans Day November 11, 2025 at all participating Chili’s Grill & Bar restaurants. Available in-restaurant only for select items.

Chill Dogs

Chill Dogs, 105 Oakley Drive, Harrisburg, NC, announced on Facebook that veterans may receive a free meal on November 11, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Chipotle

On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, members of the military community who present their military ID can buy one entrée at Chipotle and get a second one for free, from 4 to 8 p.m.

City Barbeque

City Barbeque is honoring veterans and active military on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, with a complimentary meal, including one sandwich, one side and one regular drink.

Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel is offering a complimentary Sunrise Pancake Special, a scratch-made breakfast favorite, to all veterans and active-duty military dining in on November 11, 2025, at any of the nearly 660 Cracker Barrel locations.

The Sunrise Pancake Special features two golden, fluffy buttermilk pancakes made from scratch, topped with creamy whipped butter and rich, 100% pure natural syrup, served with a choice of fresh eggs or savory breakfast meat. More info in the press release.

Denny’s

This Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, Denny’s invites active and retired military personnel to America’s Diner to enjoy a FREE Original Grand Slam® from 5 a.m. (store open) to noon local time at participating locations nationwide*.

The meal features two delicious and fluffy buttermilk pancakes, two crispy strips of bacon, two sausage links, and two eggs made to order. To redeem this offer, veterans and active-duty military need to present a valid military ID or DD 214. Read more in the press release.

The Donut House Charlotte

The Donut House, 8439 Davis Lake Parkway, Charlotte, North Carolina, announced on Facebook that veterans get one dozen donut holes and a small coffee on November 11, 2025.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers

All veterans and active military personnel who visit Freddy’s on Veteran’s Day will receive a free Freddy’s Combo meal card. No purchase is necessary to receive it. Cards can be redeemed through December 31, 2025. Find your closest Freddy’s.

Golden Corral

Golden Corral is honoring our nation’s heroes with a complimentary dinner this Veterans Day. All active-duty military personnel, retirees, reservists, guardsmen and veterans are invited to enjoy a FREE buffet meal with beverage on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 4 p.m. to close, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Military Appreciation Night! The free meal offer is valid for dine-in only and does not extend to spouses, family members, or friends, but all are welcome to join this annual night full of camaraderie and fellowship.

Harriet’s Hamburgers

Harriet’s Hamburgers is offering veterans and active duty service members a free Gratitude Box on November 11, 2025. It includes your choice of hamburger, plus fries and a drink. Announced on Facebook. Find your closest location.

Hickory Tavern

Hickory Tavern is offering veterans and active duty military a free lunch entrée on November 11, 2025. Announced on Facebook. Dine-in only.

Hooters

Hooters is offering all who have served a free menu item on November 11, 2025. Veterans can choose from 10 Original Wings, Cheeseburger, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich or Chicken Caesar Salad — free with drink purchase., at participating locations. More details.

IHOP

On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, veterans receive a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo at IHOP. Served with 2 eggs, hash browns and your choice of two strips of crispy bacon or two pork sausage links. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., at participating restaurants. More info.

IKEA

From November 9 to 11, 2025, all active and veteran service members are invited to enjoy a free entrée at the IKEA Swedish restaurant.

Little Caesars

Little Caesars is offering a free Hot-n-Ready Lunch Combo to veterans and active-duty military members on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This includes four slices of Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage. Details in this press release.

Mac’s Speed Shop

On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, veterans can receive a free half rack of rib and fries, when they purchase a beverage. The offer is good all day, for dine-in only. Please show ID. The offer is valid in all five locations in the Charlotte area, plus the rest of the locations in the Carolinas, except for Raleigh. (The Raleigh location isn’t open on Veterans Day.) Find your closest location.

Stanton Enterprise McDonald’s

Stanton Enterprise McDonald’s locations are offering all veterans and active duty military a free medium breakfast combo on November 11, 2025. Find all Stanton Enterprise McDonald’s locations here. This offer was announced on Facebook.

O’Charley’s

On Monday, November 10, and Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., veterans and active duty military can enjoy a free entrée at O’Charley’s from the all-new Daily Dinner Deals Menu. Dine-in only. Choices include Salisbury Steak, Shrimp Scampi, Teriyaki Chicken, Tuscany Chicken, and Chipotle Pork Loin. The closest location to Charlotte is in Hickory.

Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse is offering “military mates” a free Aussie 3-course meal, including a starter, a choice of select entrées, and dessert. Dine-in only. Show military ID. Announced on Facebook.

Piada’s Italian Street Food

Piada is offering a free entrée to veterans and active duty military at any Piada location on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Guests can receive any regular-sized chef menu entrée with protein by presenting a valid military ID and mentioning the offer at checkout. Find your closest location.

Pilot or Flying J

Veterans, military personnel and their families who stop at a Pilot or Flying J on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, are welcome to their choice of a free breakfast sandwich and coffee or lunch item and fountain drink. Identification must be verified with ID.me in the Pilot app to be eligible.

Pilot is also making a $250,000 donation to the Call of Duty Endowment, which helps place veterans in high-quality civilian careers after service. Since 2019, Pilot and its guests have contributed over $5.2M to the Call of Duty Endowment, helping over 8,000 veterans make the transition to civilian careers.

From November 8 through December 1, guests are invited to round-up their purchases to the nearest dollar, or donate $1, $3, or $5 at any participating Pilot location – 100% of donations will go to the Call of Duty Endowment.

Details in press release.

Red Robin

Veterans and active military members receive a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Exclusively for dine-in, at participating Red Robin restaurants. Topped with Red’s Secret Tavern Sauce, American Cheese, lettuce and tomato on a toasted brioche bun. Served with Bottomless Steak Fries.

Scooter’s Coffee

Veterans and active duty military members can receive one free medium drink at any Scooter’s Coffee location on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Please show a valid Military ID. Mobile order ahead is not available for this promotion. Limit one redemption per customer only.

Shane’s Rib Shack

On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Shane’s Rib Shack, veterans and active military receive a free BBQ Pork Plate, which comes with two sides and Texas Toast.

Addresses are:

• 3660 E Franklin Blvd, Space #10, Gastonia, NC
• 4891 Old York Road, Suite 102-103, Rock Hill, SC
• 5220 New Fashion Way, #400, Charlotte, NC

Sheetz

On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Sheetz invites all veterans and active duty military personnel to enjoy a free half turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink at any of Sheetz’s 800+ store locations. The offer includes extras & add-ons to the sub.

Sheetz will also provide a free car wash to veterans and active duty military. This offer only applies to the $9 car wash option and is only available at Sheetz stores that have a car wash. Military ID or proof of service must be presented to qualify.

Smashburger

Smashburger is offering veterans and active duty military one free Single All-American Smash or Americana Big Dig on November 25, 2025, at participating locations. Military ID required. No protein substitutions.

Smoothie King

On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, all active-duty military and veterans can enjoy a free 20oz smoothie at participating Smoothie King locations nationwide — no purchase necessary. The offer is available from 12 to 3 p.m., and includes three patriotic picks: Strawberry X-Treme (red), Slim-N-Trim Vanilla (white), and Blueberry Heaven (blue).

Starbucks

On Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, veterans, military service members and military spouses can enjoy a free tall (12 fl. oz) brewed coffee, hot or iced, at Starbucks. Café and drive-thru orders only. Cold Brew, Nitro and beverage customizations are excluded. One per customer per visit. Details about Starbucks’ deal.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse

Sullivan’s Steakhouse is honoring all veterans with a heroic offer for their services. On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, all veterans and active-duty service members will receive a FREE Sullivan’s Signature Angus Burger with Fries. Offer valid on Tuesday, November 11th to dine-in customers only. Must show valid military ID or proof of service. See your local Sullivan’s Steakhouse for more details.

TCBY

Participating TCBY locations are offering the first 6 oz. of free frozen yogurt to veterans and active military on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. For self-serve stores, toppings are included in the 6 oz. weight.

Showmars

On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, all former or active duty service members receive a free entrée or sandwich and side at Showmar’s. Please show your military ID.

Skyland Family Restaurant

Skyland Family Restaurant, 4544 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC, announced on Facebook that veterans can receive a free meal and drink on November 11, 2025. Must show military ID.

Smelly Cat Coffee

Smelly Cat Coffee, 514 E 36th Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, at is offering veterans and active duty military a free coffee and breakfast biscuit on November 11, 2025. Announced on Instagram.

VIVA Chicken

VIVA Chicken is offering a free meal to veterans and active duty military on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, when they purchase a meal. Whole Chicken Meal or Tacu Tray Family Meals are not included; military members receive one complimentary entrée (equal to or less than a qualifying entrée purchase). In-store orders only.Announced in press release.

Wendy’s

Veterans and active duty military can receive a free Breakfast Combo on November 11, 2025 during breakfast hours at Wendy’s. No purchase is required.

Choose from any of Wendy’s breakfast combos like the hearty Bacon or Sausage Breakfast Burrito, savory Breakfast Baconator, or the iconic Honey Buddy Chicken Biscuit! Each combo comes with Seasoned Potatoes and a beverage. Caffeine lovers can choose from a lineup of Sparkling Energy Drinks and Cold Foam Cold Brews – plus Cold Brews with Cream, regular hot coffee and Coke Freestyle drinks.

Receive the free meal by notifying the crew member at the register or showing their VetRewards Card. No military ID required.

Whataburger

Starting Nov. 11, 2025, active-duty military and veterans can pick up one free Taquito in-store at any Whataburger restaurant during breakfast hours every Tuesday through Dec. 30 (Nov. 11, 18, 25; Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30). Wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, each Taquito is filled with scrambled eggs and a choice of sausage, bacon or potato, with the option to include a slice of American cheese. To redeem, Guests can simply show a military or veterans ID or other proof of service when ordering at the counter.

Whataburger also proudly continues its year-round gesture of appreciation with a free 16-ounce Hot or Iced Coffee for service members and veterans, available anytime they visit a Whataburger dining room. This ongoing offer can be enjoyed alongside the free Taquito, giving a full, hearty meal to those who give so much.

Announced in press release.

Zapata’s (University Location)

Zapatas Mexican Restaurant — University location, at JM Keynes Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina, is offering veterans 50% off their dine-in order on November 11, 2025. Announced on Facebook.

Autobell

In appreciation of U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members, Autobell Car Wash will offer them a free Ride-Thru Exterior wash, or an equivalent credit toward another wash option, on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at all Autobell locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware.

No coupon, barcode, or ID is required. In the event of rain on the 11th, the offer will be honored on November 12.

Great Clips

Thank a Veteran at Great Clips works in two ways. First, 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. So if you’re a service member or veteran, be sure to stop by a salon on Veterans Day so we can say “Thank you!”

Second, 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

From October 13 to November 13, 2025, active duty military and veterans save 15% on any Red Roof hotel. To book the special rate on redroof.com, select Government/Military in the rate plan menu of the booking widget. More info.

Harris Teeter

On Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, veterans and active duty personnel will receive 11% off their grocery purchase at Harris Teeter. Must show military ID and VIC card. Discount applies after all coupons and VIC discounts are deducted. Excludes pharmacy, alcohol, fuel, tobacco, tickets and gift cards.

Food Lion

Food Lion is offering all U.S. active-duty military personnel and veterans a 10% discount at all stores. To receive the discount, active-duty military, veterans and their families should present their MVP card and military identification at the time of checkout. Customers will then receive 10% off their entire grocery bill.

This offer is only valid in-store and unavailable through Food Lion To Go pick up or home delivery. The discount does not apply to the purchase of alcohol (beer and wine), tobacco, gift cards, lottery, pharmacy, postage stamps or services.

Schiele Museum

Schiele Museum of Natural History, at 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, North Carolina, is offering free admission to veterans, active military personnel and their families on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

Please show your military ID at check-in. No reservations are required. Free admission is valid for up to 5 family members.

Sullenberger Aviation Museum

Sullenberger Aviation Museum, at 4108 Minuteman Way, Charlotte, North Carolina, is offering free admission to veterans and their families on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

Veterans Day Events in Mooresville

The Town of Mooresville is hosting a whole week of Veterans Day events, including a ceremony, parade, flag processional, free meals for veterans, a blood drive and more.