Veterans Day 2026: Where Veterans and Military Members Can Find Free Meals and Special Deals

Restaurants and businesses are honoring those who served with complimentary meals, discounts and other offers Wednesday, Nov. 11.

LYNCHBURG, Va. — Veterans and active-duty military members will have opportunities to enjoy free meals, discounted services and other special offers Wednesday, Nov. 11, as businesses across the country recognize Veterans Day.

The Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) provided Lynchburg Agenda with a list of participating restaurants and retailers offering Veterans Day promotions, helping local veterans and military families take advantage of the annual recognition.

The offers range from complimentary restaurant meals and coffee to free haircuts, retail discounts and car washes.

According to information shared by MOWW, along with Veterans Day promotions published by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the following businesses are among those recognizing military service this year.

Free meals and restaurant offers

• Applebee's: Free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu for veterans and active-duty military members. Dine-in only; proof of service required.
• Bob Evans: Free meal from a special Veterans Day menu. Dine-in only; military identification required.
• Bonefish Grill: Complimentary Bang Bang Shrimp and a nonalcoholic beverage for eligible military guests and families.
• Chili's: Free entrée from a select Veterans Day menu at participating locations. Dine-in only; military identification required.
• Chipotle: Free chips with a choice of guacamole, queso blanco or salsa with a $5 purchase at participating locations.
• Denny's: Free Original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. until noon. Dine-in only; identification required.
• Firehouse Subs: Buy one sub, get one free for veterans and active-duty military members at participating locations.
• Golden Corral: Free dinner buffet and beverage during its annual Military Appreciation Night, beginning at 4 p.m. and continuing until closing.
• Red Lobster: Free Shrimp and Chips meal for veterans, active-duty military members and reservists. Dine-in only.
• Red Robin: Free Red's Big Tavern Burger with bottomless steak fries. Dine-in only; proof of service required.
• Ruby Tuesday: Free Everyday Fresh Meal valued at up to $17.99, including an entrée, Garden Bar and bottomless beverage.
• Starbucks: Free 12-ounce hot or iced brewed coffee for veterans, active-duty military members and military spouses at participating locations.
• Texas Roadhouse: Complimentary meal vouchers for veterans and active-duty military members. Check with the local restaurant for distribution times and redemption details.

Retail discounts and other services

Restaurants aren't the only businesses recognizing veterans this year. Several national retailers and service providers are also offering promotions.

• Great Clips: Free haircut for veterans and active-duty military members. Free haircut cards are also available to give to eligible service members.
• Rack Room Shoes: 20% discount on qualifying in-store purchases for military members, veterans and eligible family members with valid identification.
• Sport Clips: Free or discounted haircuts for veterans and active-duty military members at participating locations.
• Target: 20% off one qualifying purchase for verified military members, veterans and eligible family members enrolled in Target Circle Military Appreciation.
• ZIPS Car Wash: Free top-tier car wash for veterans and active-duty military members at participating locations.

Check before visiting

While many of these promotions are offered nationwide, participation and eligibility requirements may vary by location.

Veterans and active-duty military members are encouraged to contact individual businesses before visiting and bring proof of military service. Some offers are limited to dine-in customers, designated hours or specific menu selections.

Additional promotions and updates are available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' 2026 Veterans Day discounts guide.

Lynchburg Agenda thanks the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) for providing information about these Veterans Day offers and helping share these opportunities with veterans and military families throughout Central Virginia.