
Many businesses thank veterans and active military members by offering them a free meal or other gift on Veterans Day, which is Tuesday, November 11, 2025. If you’re a member of the military, please check out this list, and see if there’s a deal that you might be able to take advantage of.
If you’re not a military member, you probably know one. Why not share this information and also thank them as well?
Not all of these deals take place exactly on Veterans Day, so make sure to read all the details. Unless otherwise specified, these freebies and deals are for veterans and active duty military and take place Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Participation might vary by location.
This is a growing list, so make sure to bookmark and check back. If you’re not yet an email subscriber to Triangle on the Cheap, subscribe now so you won’t miss a thing!
You might also be interested in:
- Signing up for Triangle on the Cheap’s daily email
- Free and cheap events this week
- Day by Day list of holiday events
- Best Christmas Lights in the Triangle
- Christmas tree farms and lots near the Triangle
- Free pictures with Santa in the Triangle
- Holiday Markets in the Triangle
- Christmas Trains in North Carolina
Free and discounted food and drink
Participating locations only. Most restaurants will require some proof of service. Follow the links for details on those requirements. Please keep checking back. We will be adding food and drinks for 2025 as they’re announced.
Applebee’s
All veterans and active duty military who visit an Applebee’s in the United States on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, can receive a free full-size entrée and a $5 Bounce Back Card toward their next meal at Applebee’s.
Choose from the following entrées:
- 6 oz. Top Sirloin
- Classic Bacon Cheeseburger
- Chicken Tenders Platter
- Double Crunch Shrimp
- Fiesta Lime Chicken®
- Oriental Chicken Salad
- Three-Cheese Chicken Penne
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is honoring all veterans with a heroic offer for their services. On Veterans Day,all veterans and active-duty service members will receive a FREE BD’s All-American Burger with cheese and a classic side. Offer valid on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to dine-in customers only. Must show valid military ID or proof of service. See your local Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar for more details.
Biscuit Belly

Veterans eat free at Biscuit Belly on Monday, November 11, 2025. Choose from Bacon Egg & Cheese, Sausage Egg & Cheese, and Chicken Biscuit Sandwich, and a hot drip coffee or fountain drink. All Biscuit Belly locations are participating. Dine in only. 708 Seaboard station Drive, Raleigh, NC.
Blackbird Brewery
Blackbird Brewery, 3608 Rogers Branch Road, Wake Forest, North Carolina, is offering free hot dogs to veterans on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 1 to 10 p.m. Please show ID. In addition, veterans get 20% off merchandise.
Blaze Pizza

On November 11, 2025, veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free 11″ 1-topping pizza at participating locations of Blaze Pizza. Announced on Facebook.
Bob Evans

Veterans and active-duty military members may receive a free, farm-fresh meal at Bob Evans on November 11, 2025. Available for dine-in only. The veterans Day menu features 10 hearty favorites. Press release here.
Carolina Ale House

Carolina Ale House locations in North Carolina (and Florida and Tennessee) are offering veterans a free half rack rib platter on November 11, 2025. Dine-in only.
Chicken Salad Chick

All locations of Chicken Salad Chick are offering a free meal, with a side and drink, for free to veterans and active duty military, on November 11, 2025. The meal includes one scoop or sandwich, a side and a fountain drink. In-restaurant only. Signature Sandwiches and 3-item meals not included. For service members in uniform or those with a valid military ID or DD214.
Chili’s
All veterans & active military members can get a free meal on Veterans Day November 11, 2025 at all participating Chili’s Grill & Bar restaurants. Available in-restaurant only for select items.
Chipotle

On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, members of the military community who present their military ID can buy one entrée at Chipotle and get a second one for free, from 4 to 8 p.m.
City Barbeque
City Barbeque is honoring veterans and active military on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, with a complimentary meal, including one sandwich, one side and one regular drink.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel is offering a complimentary Sunrise Pancake Special, a scratch-made breakfast favorite, to all veterans and active-duty military dining in on November 11, 2025, at any of the nearly 660 Cracker Barrel locations.
The Sunrise Pancake Special features two golden, fluffy buttermilk pancakes made from scratch, topped with creamy whipped butter and rich, 100% pure natural syrup, served with a choice of fresh eggs or savory breakfast meat. More info in the press release.
Denny’s

This Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, Denny’s invites active and retired military personnel to America’s Diner to enjoy a FREE Original Grand Slam® from 5 a.m. (store open) to noon local time at participating locations nationwide*.
The meal features two delicious and fluffy buttermilk pancakes, two crispy strips of bacon, two sausage links, and two eggs made to order. To redeem this offer, veterans and active-duty military need to present a valid military ID or DD 214. Read more in the press release.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers

All veterans and active military personnel who visit Freddy’s on Veteran’s Day will receive a free Freddy’s Combo meal card. No purchase is necessary to receive it. Cards can be redeemed through December 31, 2025. Find your closest Freddy’s.
Golden Corral

Golden Corral is honoring our nation’s heroes with a complimentary dinner this Veterans Day. All active-duty military personnel, retirees, reservists, guardsmen and veterans are invited to enjoy a FREE buffet meal with beverage on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 4 p.m. to close, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Military Appreciation Night! The free meal offer is valid for dine-in only and does not extend to spouses, family members, or friends, but all are welcome to join this annual night full of camaraderie and fellowship.
Hickory Tavern

Hickory Tavern is offering veterans and active duty military a free lunch entrée on November 11, 2025. Announced on Facebook. Dine-in only.
Hooters

Hooters is offering all who have served a free menu item on November 11, 2025. Veterans can choose from 10 Original Wings, Cheeseburger, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich or Chicken Caesar Salad — free with drink purchase., at participating locations. More details.
IHOP
On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, veterans receive a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo at IHOP. Served with 2 eggs, hash browns and your choice of two strips of crispy bacon or two pork sausage links. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., at participating restaurants. More info.
Little Caesars
Little Caesars is offering a free Hot-n-Ready Lunch Combo to veterans and active-duty military members on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This includes four slices of Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage. Details in this press release.
Menchie’s

Menchie’s offering veterans and active duty military their first 6oz free on November 11, 2025. Must show military ID to receive the free frozen yogurt.
Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse is offering “military mates” a free Aussie 3-course meal, including a starter, a choice of select entrées, and dessert. Dine-in only. Show military ID. Announced on Facebook.
Perry’s Steakhouse
Perry’s Steakhouse is offering United States veterans two special offerings: One complimentary 32 oz. Dinner Cut Pork Chop, and a specially curated 3-course military menu for $39, including several of Perry’s Signature dishes. November 11, 2025, 4 to 9 p.m. 4509 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Piada’s Italian Street Food
Piada is offering a free entrée to veterans and active duty military at any Piada location on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Guests can receive any regular-sized chef menu entrée with protein by presenting a valid military ID and mentioning the offer at checkout. Find your closest location.
Pilot or Flying J
Veterans, military personnel and their families who stop at a Pilot or Flying J on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, are welcome to their choice of a free breakfast sandwich and coffee or lunch item and fountain drink. Identification must be verified with ID.me in the Pilot app to be eligible.
Pilot is also making a $250,000 donation to the Call of Duty Endowment, which helps place veterans in high-quality civilian careers after service. Since 2019, Pilot and its guests have contributed over $5.2M to the Call of Duty Endowment, helping over 8,000 veterans make the transition to civilian careers.
From November 8 through December 1, guests are invited to round-up their purchases to the nearest dollar, or donate $1, $3, or $5 at any participating Pilot location – 100% of donations will go to the Call of Duty Endowment.
Red Robin
Veterans and active military members receive a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Exclusively for dine-in, at participating Red Robin restaurants. Topped with Red’s Secret Tavern Sauce, American Cheese, lettuce and tomato on a toasted brioche bun. Served with Bottomless Steak Fries.
Scooter’s Coffee

Veterans and active duty military members can receive one free medium drink at any Scooter’s Coffee location on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Please show a valid Military ID. Mobile order ahead is not available for this promotion. Limit one redemption per customer only.
Sheetz
On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Sheetz invites all veterans and active duty military personnel to enjoy a free half turkey sub and a regular size fountain drink at any of Sheetz’s 800+ store locations. The offer includes extras & add-ons to the sub.
Sheetz will also provide a free car wash to veterans and active duty military. This offer only applies to the $9 car wash option and is only available at Sheetz stores that have a car wash. Military ID or proof of service must be presented to qualify.
Smoothie King
On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, all active-duty military and veterans can enjoy a free 20oz smoothie at participating Smoothie King locations nationwide — no purchase necessary. The offer is available from 12 to 3 p.m., and includes three patriotic picks: Strawberry X-Treme (red), Slim-N-Trim Vanilla (white), and Blueberry Heaven (blue).
Starbucks
On Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, veterans, military service members and military spouses can enjoy a free tall (12 fl. oz) brewed coffee, hot or iced, at Starbucks. Café and drive-thru orders only. Cold Brew, Nitro and beverage customizations are excluded. One per customer per visit. Details about Starbucks’ deal.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Sullivan’s Steakhouse is honoring all veterans with a heroic offer for their services. On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, all veterans and active-duty service members will receive a FREE Sullivan’s Signature Angus Burger with Fries. Offer valid on Tuesday, November 11th to dine-in customers only. Must show valid military ID or proof of service. See your local Sullivan’s Steakhouse for more details.
TCBY

Participating TCBY locations are offering the first 6 oz. of free frozen yogurt to veterans and active military on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. For self-serve stores, toppings are included in the 6 oz. weight.
Tijuana Flats

Tijuana Flats is offering 50% off an entrée for veterans and active duty military on November 11, 2025. Use promo code VETDAY25.
Wendy’s

Veterans and active duty military can receive a free Breakfast Combo on November 11, 2025 during breakfast hours at Wendy’s. No purchase is required.
Choose from any of Wendy’s breakfast combos like the hearty Bacon or Sausage Breakfast Burrito, savory Breakfast Baconator, or the iconic Honey Buddy Chicken Biscuit! Each combo comes with Seasoned Potatoes and a beverage. Caffeine lovers can choose from a lineup of Sparkling Energy Drinks and Cold Foam Cold Brews – plus Cold Brews with Cream, regular hot coffee and Coke Freestyle drinks.
Receive the free meal by notifying the crew member at the register or showing their VetRewards Card. No military ID required.
These are other restaurants that offered Veterans Day deals or freebies in 2024, so you might want to check their social media for any last minute announcements.
- BJ’s Restaurant Brewhouse
- Carrabba’s
- Cicis Pizza
- Metro Diner
- O’Charley’s
- Old North State Food Hall
- Panera Bread
- Red Lobster
- Sonic Drive-In
Other Freebies and discounts
New Hope Valley Railway

Triangle’s Train: New Hope Valley Railway, 3900 Bonsal Road, New Hill, North Carolina, is offering free train rides to military service members for Veterans Day.
The rides are:
- Sunday, November 9, 2025, 1 p.m.
- Thursday, November 13, 10:30 a.m.
Order a free ticket and bring your military ID or copy of your DD214 to the Ticket Office on the day of the event. Guests of the military service member can ride at regular price.
Autobell
In appreciation of U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members, Autobell Car Wash will offer them a free Ride-Thru Exterior wash, or an equivalent credit toward another wash option, on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at all Autobell locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware.
No coupon, barcode, or ID is required. In the event of rain on the 11th, the offer will be honored on November 12.
North Carolina Zoo
Military members and their spouses can get free admission to the North Carolina Zoo from November 8 to 14, 2025. In addition, they can bring up to three guests with them for free. Make sure to read all the details.
Kings
Kings, at 141 Park at North Hills Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, is offering free bowling and shoe rental to veterans, active and reserve military, on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Great Clips
Thank a Veteran at Great Clips works in two ways. First, every year on November 11, veterans and active service members can come into any U.S. Great Clips salon and get a free haircut, or a free haircut card for a future visit. So if you’re a service member or veteran, be sure to stop by a salon on Veterans Day so we can say “Thank you!”
Second, if you’re a non-military customer, you can visit a salon on November 11 and receive a free haircut card to give to a service member or veteran as a way of saying thank you.
Red Roof Inn
From October 13 to November 13, 2025, active duty military and veterans save 15% on any Red Roof hotel. To book the special rate on redroof.com, select Government/Military in the rate plan menu of the booking widget. More info.
Harris Teeter

On Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, veterans and active duty personnel will receive 11% off their grocery purchase at Harris Teeter. Must show military ID and VIC card. Discount applies after all coupons and VIC discounts are deducted. Excludes pharmacy, alcohol, fuel, tobacco, tickets and gift cards.
Food Lion
Food Lion is offering all U.S. active-duty military personnel and veterans a 10% discount at all stores. To receive the discount, active-duty military, veterans and their families should present their MVP card and military identification at the time of checkout. Customers will then receive 10% off their entire grocery bill.
This offer is only valid in-store and unavailable through Food Lion To Go pick up or home delivery. The discount does not apply to the purchase of alcohol (beer and wine), tobacco, gift cards, lottery, pharmacy, postage stamps or services.
Check back soon for more 2025 deals and freebies. These businesses offered deals or freebies in 2024:
- Staples
- True Rest Float Spa
Veterans Day Events
Zebulon Veterans Day Celebration
The Town of Zebulon and Zebulon Rotary Club are hosting a Veterans Day Celebration on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 10 a.m., on the front lawn of Zebulon Town Hall, 1003 North Arendell Avenue, Zebulon. Please register by October 25, 2025. (Follow above link for registration information.)
Lunch for the Brave in Cary
The Town of Cary is honoring veterans with Lunch for the Brave. Veterans can attend a free catered lunch and a preservation on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Prestonwood Country Club, 300 Prestonwood Parkway, Cary, NC. Follow the above link to register.
Veterans Day Celebration in Morrisville
The Town of Morrisville is holding a Veterans Day celebration on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 8 to 9:30 a.m., at Cedar Fork Community Center, 1050 B Town Hall Drive, Morrisville, North Carolina.
Veterans (and one guest each) are invited to enjoy a continental breakfast, camaraderie, and heartfelt appreciation as we thank you for your service to our nation. The morning will include entertainment and a guest speaker honoring all who have served. Registration is required. Follow the above link.
Veterans Day Celebration at Chavis Park
The City of Raleigh is hosting a Veterans Day celebration on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at John Chavis Memorial Park, 505 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Raleigh, North Carolina. Enjoy light refreshments (while supplies last), connect with local resources, and take part in honoring veterans.
Veterans Day Concert with Durham Community Concert Band
Enjoy a free concert by Durham Community Concert Band at Southern Village Green, 400 Market Street, Chapel Hill, on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 2:30 p.m.
Veterans Day Tribute in Knightdale
Two Green Thumbs Garden Club and the Town of Knightdale are presenting a Veterans Day Tribute on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 2 p.m., at Knightdale Station Park Veterans Memorial, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale, North Carolina.
Durham County Veterans Day Recognition and Celebration
Durham County is hosting its 14th Annual Veterans Day Recognition and Celebration Program on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 11 a.m., at the Durham County Human Services Building, 414 E Main Street, Durham, North Carolina.
Apex Veterans Day Ceremony
The Apex Veterans Day Ceremony takes place Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., at the Downtown Service Memorial, at the corner of Saunders Street and North Salem Street, Apex, North Carolina.
Veterans Day Observance in Cary
The Town of Cary will hold a Veterans Day Observance on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Veterans Freedom Park, 1517 N. Harrison Ave., Cary. The speaker will be Marine Corps veteran, Ron Brigham. A special Field of Flags will be at Veterans Freedom Park in honor of those who have served in the armed forces.
Town of Garner Veterans Day Observance
The Town of Garner is presenting a Veterans Day Observance on Tuesday, November 11th, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. it will take place at Aversboro Road Baptist Church, 1600 Aversboro Road, Garner.
Orange County Veterans Day Celebration
The Orange County Veterans Day Celebration takes place Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Orange County Veterans Memorial, 2501 Homestead Drive, Chapel Hill, NC.
Duke University Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony
Duke is holding a commemoration ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Duke University Chapel, 401 Chapel Drive, Durham, North Carolina.
North Carolina Veterans Day Ceremony
Check back soon.
Full Calendar for Veterans Day Weekend
If you’re looking for something to do Veterans Day Weekend, here’s Triangle on the Cheap’s full calendar of events.
Various locations
