On November 11, 2025, a wave of eateries across the U.S. stepped up to honor veterans and active-duty service members with generous freebies and deals. From casual chains to quick-service spots, the lineup included everything from hearty entrees to simple coffees, all requiring just a valid military ID for verification.
Texas Roadhouse kicked things off by handing out free meal vouchers to eligible patrons, redeemable through May 2026 for dine-in or carry-out— a smart move that extends the gratitude beyond the day. Over at Applebee's, veterans enjoyed a complimentary meal from a select menu all day, marking their 18th year of this tradition. Chili's served up free meals plus non-alcoholic drinks from a limited selection at participating spots, while Golden Corral opened its buffet doors wide for a no-cost dinner starting at 4 p.m., continuing their 25-year streak that's fed nearly 7 million since 2001.
Not to be outdone, IHOP flipped free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combos from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Starbucks poured tall hot or iced coffees on the house for vets, spouses included. Chipotle offered buy-one-get-one entrees between 4 and 8 p.m., and Olive Garden provided complimentary entrees from a special menu. Chick-fil-A locations varied, with some tossing in free sandwiches, though it wasn't nationwide.
These gestures, tallied across dozens of chains like Outback Steakhouse's free three-course meals and Shake Shack's Big Shack burgers, underscore a national nod to service. Yet, with participation spotty at franchises, it's worth calling ahead. In a year of economic ups and downs, such perks remind us of the ongoing debt owed to those who've served.
