Veterans Day: Free and discounted meals honor those who served
Veterans Day is celebrated on Nov. 11. The day that honors those who served began in 1919 as Armistice Day. Veterans Day marks Nov. 11, 1918, as the date — the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month − when fighting ceased and World War I ended. The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.On Veterans Day, many restaurants, coffee shops, and fast-casual eateries thank those who served with deals for veterans as well as active-duty U.S. military. At many places, offers are for a free or discounted meal.
Keep in mind that most restaurants require proof of current or former U.S. military service. Some offers are for a limited time.
Here's a sampling of what's being offered on Veterans Day, which, unless noted, was gleaned from Free Press research, themilitarywallet.com, and militarybenefits.info.
Achatz Handmade Pie/Pie Collective by Achatz
On Nov. 10, veterans receive a free slice of pie at all Achatz Handmade Pie Co. and Pie Collective by Achtaz. A free slice is also offered on Nov. 11 at Pie Collective by Achtaz in Madison Heights and Bloomfield Hills.
Applebee's
For the 16th year, a complimentary entree, dine-in only, is offered at Applebee's nationwide. Choose from eight entrees. Veterans also receive a $5 card to redeem for a meal to use within three weeks. In Michigan, TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants operates Applebee’s in metro Detroit, the Lansing area, and on the west side of the state. On Veterans Day, they provide a meal for any veterans or active duty military. The menu includes a six-ounce sirloin, classic bacon cheeseburger, Oriental Salad, Three-cheese chicken Penne, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Chicken Tenders Platter, or Double Crunch Shrimp. They will also receive a $5 Bounce Back card for Veterans on their next visit to Applebee’s. Applebee's in Michigan is also participating with Budweiser and its Folds of Honor program to Buy a Vet a Bud. Any day leading up to Veterans Day, you can purchase a beer for a veteran. On Veteran’s Day, a veteran will receive a free drink.
Biggby Coffee
Veterans receive free brewed coffee up to 24 ounces at participating locations.
Black Rock Bar & Grill
For two weeks, those with military ID receive 20% off their table's entire bill. The offer is good through Nov. 19.
Blake's Orchard and Cider Mill
A free doughnut and sweet cider at any of Blake's four locations. Blake's Tasting Room at Blake's Orchard and Cider Mill offers a free appetizer with a food purchase (party pretzel excluded).
BJ's Brewhouse
Veterans receive a complimentary Chocolate Chunk Pizookie with any purchase more than $9.95. This offer is for dine-in only. When veterans spend more than $14.95 on dine-in or takeout they receive a coupon for a free appetizer, redeemable between November 12 and December 31, 2023.
Bob Evans
A free breakfast meal to all veterans and active duty e members. The offer is for dine-in only. Ten farm-fresh breakfast items are offered all day.
Bonefish Grill
Free order of Bang Bang Shrimp along with a beverage. Bonefish Grill offers a 10% Heroes discount for all service members, veterans, and first responders year-round.
Bubba's 33
Free meal 11-11 p.m., including a soft drink. Choose from six different menu options.
Buddy's Pizza
Veterans and active service members receive 15% off their bill on Veterans Day for dine-in and carry-out at all locations.
Carrabba’s
Complimentary dine-in appetizer or dessert paired with a soft beverage for veterans and active-duty military with ID. Service members and first responders receive 10% off on any visit year-round.
Denny's
A free Original Grand Slam is offered from 5 a.m. to noon on Nov. 10. The offer is for dine-in only for all active military and Veterans with ID.
Hamlin Pub
Twenty percent off food purchases at all locations. Hamlin Pub has six metro Detroit locations.
National Coney Island
Active-duty military personnel and veterans get free coneys. There's a limit of two per person. Offer valid for dine-in or carry-out only. The offer is not valid at its Detroit Metropolitan Airport McNamara Terminal location.
Starbucks
Free tall (12-ounce) hot or iced brew coffee for Veterans, military service members, and military spouses at participating U.S. Starbucks locations.
White Castle
Veterans and active duty service members receive a free individual combo meal or breakfast combo meal. On Veterans Day White Castle will also serve its sliders in a patriotic package featuring 50 white stars on navy-blue background.
Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the Free Press.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Restaurants have special Veterans Day deals for military
