Veterans Day 2022: Publix, Red Lobster, Denny’s among companies offering discounts, free items

November 11, 2022 is Veterans Day, and many companies are honoring those who have served the country with free or discounted meals.

>> Read more trending news

Veterans Day was first celebrated on Nov. 11, 1919, when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Veterans Day became a legal holiday in 1938, after Congress passed a resolution for an annual observance.

Many restaurants and businesses are offering specials and deals to celebrate those who have served the country. Below are some of those deals.

Note: Not every restaurant in a chain may be honoring the deals, so check with local businesses to confirm which deals are available before you go. Proof of military service, such as a DD-214 or a current military ID may be required.)

Applebee’s: All veterans and active-duty personnel are eligible for a free entree.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: All veterans and active-duty personnel who dine in are eligible for a free meal from a limited menu, as well as a Dr Pepper beverage.

Bob Evans: Offering a free meal to veterans and active-duty military from a special menu featuring “seven homestyle favorites.”

Bonefish Grill: 10% off for all service members, veterans and first responders with show of valid ID.

Buffalo Wild Wings: All veterans and active-duty personnel are eligible for 10 free boneless wings and fries. This deal is valid both dine-in or takeout, and requires proof of service.

California Pizza Kitchen: All veterans and active-duty military are eligible for a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage and choice of one entrée from a limited menu. California Pizza Kitchen will also be donating 20% of all food and beverage sales from Nov. 7-9 in support of DAV (Disabled American Veterans) when a guest indicates they are there to support the DAV.

Chili’s: Veterans and active-duty military members are eligible for a free meal from a limited menu. The offer is valid for dine-in only.

Denny’s: All active-duty military and veterans are eligible for a Build Your Own Grand Slam. The offer is valid for dine-in only from 5 a.m. to noon with a valid military ID or DD-214.

Dunkin’ Donuts: All veterans and active-duty military members can have a free donut of their choice, no purchase or ID necessary.

Golden Corral: Active-duty and retired members of the military are invited to Military Appreciation Night on Monday, Nov. 14 from 5 p.m.-close for a free dinner.

Goodyear Auto Service: Free car care checks will be available at Goodyear Auto Service and Just Tires locations for active-duty military, veterans and first responders. The promotion runs Nov. 10-14 and includes 10% off tires and services.

Hooters: All active-duty and retired military are invited to eat free from a Veterans Day Menu, with beverage purchase.

IHOP: All veterans and active-duty personnel are eligible for a free stack of pancakes, with military ID. The offer is valid from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Krispy Kreme: Anyone who identifies themselves as a veteran or active military personnel can get a free doughnut and small coffee. Grocery and convenience stores are not participating. Some locations in Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Nevada and Virginia are not participating.

Little Caesars: All retired and active-duty military are eligible for a free HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The meal includes four slices of pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi product.

Menchie’s: Active-duty and retired personnel can get a free 6 oz. frozen yogurt.

Mission BBQ: Veterans who identify themselves will receive a free sandwich.

Olive Garden: Veterans and active-duty military will be offered a free entrée from a special dine-in menu, featuring five of its most popular menu items.

Outback Steakhouse: All active-duty military, veterans and their spouses are eligible for a free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca-Cola product. The restaurant also offers a 10% discount to all medical staff, military veterans and servicemen, police, firefighters and first responders with valid ID.

Pilot Company: Service members and their families are eligible for a free meal at more than 750 participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers. The offer is valid Nov. 11-13 for those verified through ID.me.

Publix: All veterans and active-duty personnel will receive 10% on groceries.

Red Lobster: Active-duty military and veterans are offered a free Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, fries and coleslaw. The offer is valid for orders placed in-restaurant from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for guests who show ID.

Red Robin: Active-duty military and veterans who dine in are eligible for a free Red’s Tavern Double burger served with Bottomless Steak Fries.

Sheetz: All veterans and active-duty military personnel are invited to enjoy a half ham and cheese or meatball sub and regular size fountain drink, as well as a carwash. The free carwash only extends to the $9 option, and is only valid at locations with a car wash.

Sonic Drive-in: All customers are invited to mix and match any two of the Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger, Regular Fritos Chili Cheese Wrap and Small Jumbo Popcorn Chicken for $5 plus tax.

Starbucks: All veterans, active-duty service members and military spouses are eligible for a free 12-oz hot brewed or iced coffee.

Texas Roadhouse: Veterans and active-duty service members are eligible for a meal voucher that can be redeemed for one of 10 entrees and two sides, plus a choice of drink. Vouchers will be available on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wendy’s: All veterans and active-duty military are eligible for a free Maple Bacon Chicken Croissant, Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit or Breakfast Baconator combo from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

White Castle: All veterans and active-duty service members are eligible for a free Combo Meal or Breakfast Combo Meal. The sliders will be served in specially designed patriotic packaging featuring red and white stripes beneath the White Castle logo and 50 stars on the side of the box.

©2022 Cox Media Group