As a person that served 4 years active and 4 years reserve, there was no such appreciation to the military like there is today. After the Gulf War, that slowly started to change. After 9-1-1 it changed at a faster pace including first responders.

Veterans day is the day that recognizes the honorably discharged veterans that have served in the United States Armed Forces. It came about from the historic date of Nov. 11th because on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is 1918 is when major hostilities officially ended for World War 1.

As a Thank you many businesses give free meals, car washes, hair cuts, and other things in honor of the sacrifices made by our soldiers. I will be giving a list of restaurant FREEBIES, with no strings attached, only of what I have found for your convenience. Also, this will be for businesses local to the Tampa Bay area. Please tip your servers as if you paid full price for your meal.

RESTAURANTS

Applebees Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a special menu on November 11. Dine-in only.

Bar Louie Active or retired military get a free craft burger or flatbread of your choice on November 11. Dine-in only.

Bens Soft Pretzels Veterans and active military get a Free Jumbo Soft Pretzel on November 11 at participating locations.

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse On November 11, all current and former military members receive a free entree up to $14.95 plus a free Dr. Pepper beverage. Dine-in only.

Bob Evans Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a select menu on November 11. Dine-in only.

Buffalo Wild Wings Veterans and active-duty service members get a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries on November 11. The offer is available for dine-in or takeout.

California Pizza Kitchen Veterans and active military get a complimentary meal from a select menu. Dine-in and walk-in takeout only. 

Chilis Veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from a select menu on November 11. Available for in-restaurant only.

Cracker Barrel Veterans get a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake when dining at any location on November 11.

Dennys Veterans and military personnel get a free Build Your Own Grand Slam on November 11, from 5 a.m. to noon. Dine-in only.

Dunkin Donuts On November 11, veterans and active-duty military receive a free donut at participating locations. Offer available in-store only.

Einstein Bros. Bagels Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced medium coffee on November 11.

Friendly’s Veterans and active-duty military get a free All-American meal for lunch or dinner, which consists of the All-American Burger, served with a side of fries and a drink on November 11. Dine-in only at participating locations.

Glory Days Grill Veterans get a free appetizer or a regular order of boneless wings on November 11.

Golden Corral Golden Corral is handing out a free meal and beverage card between November 1 and 30, while supplies last. Military personnel can then redeem their card once for lunch or dinner Monday through Thursday from November 1 to May 31.

Grillsmith Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary entrée on November 11.

Krispy Kreme Veterans get a free doughnut of choice and coffee on November 11.

Kwik Fill Veterans receive a free coffee on November 11.

Little Caesars Veterans and active military get a free HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo at participating stores on November 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Macaroni Grill Veterans and active-duty military receive a free Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs + Spaghetti on November 11.

Mission BBQ Veterans and active-duty military get a free sandwich on November 11.

Olive Garden On November 11, veterans and current members of the military who dine in get a free entrée from a special menu.

Outback Steakhouse Veterans and active-duty service members get a free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca-Cola product to on November 11. Offer available for dine-in or to-go (call-in orders only, not available online).

Quaker Steak & Lube Veterans get a free meal up to $15 at participating locations on November 11. Dine-in only.

Red Lobster Veterans, active-duty military and reservists get a free appetizer or dessert from a select menu on November 11. Dine-in only.

Sonny’s BBQ Veterans and active-duty military get a free Pulled or Sliced Pork sandwich on November 11. Dine-in or takeout only. Not available for online orders. Service members who stop by on Veterans Day will also receive a voucher for a free BBQ Egg Roll appetizer, redeemable with a valid military ID from Tuesday, Dec. 1 to Tuesday, Dec. 15. Dine-in or takeout only.

Starbucks Veterans, military service members and military spouses get a free tall (12-oz) hot brewed coffeeat participating stores on November 11.

Texas Roadhouse Texas Roadhouse will hand out dinner vouchers at the stores’ parking lots on November 11, from 11am to 2pm. Veterans and active-duty military can redeem their dinner vouchers when they choose in-store until June of next year.

Travelcenters of America Active-duty military, veterans and reservists get a complimentary meal on November 11 at participating quick-service restaurants and at Country Pride and Iron Skillet locations nationwide.

Wendys Active military and veterans get a freesmall breakfast combo on November 11 at participating locations from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. Not valid for mobile orders or at kiosk.

Yard House Veterans and active duty military receive a complimentary appetizer on November 11.

There are surely to be a number of local offers also. Call them out to me and I will be sure to advertise them also. Have fun and THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!!!!