Every year, Veterans Day honours those who have served in the military — both current and former — by acknowledging their sacrifice and dedication.
It’s a federal holiday in the U.S., giving us the opportunity to express gratitude to veterans and active-duty service members.
What’s Open and What’s Closed on Veterans Day?
On Tuesday, November 11, 2025:
- Most businesses remain open, such as restaurants and retail stores.
- The United States Postal Service (USPS) is closed, so there will be no mail delivery.
- Banks and federal government offices are closed.
- However, the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq stock markets are open for trading.
- Many schools across the country also remain closed for the holiday.
Veterans Day 2025 – Free Food, Drinks & Deals
Here are select national offers available Tuesday only, unless otherwise noted. Valid at participating locations. Most require a valid military ID or proof of service. Exclusions may apply.
- Applebee’s – Free meal for veterans and active-duty from a select menu; plus a $5 “Bounce Back” card for a future visit.
- Blaze Pizza – Free one-topping pizza for veterans and active-duty service members.
- Bob Evans – Free meal from a special Veterans Day menu.
- Buffalo Wild Wings – Free 10 boneless wings and fries for former and current service members.
- Casey’s – Free coffee or fountain drink and free car wash (where available) for service members.
- Chili’s – Free entrée from a special menu for veterans and active military.
- Chipotle Mexican Grill – Buy-one-get-one free entrée from 4-8 pm local time for orders in-restaurant with valid military ID.
- Cracker Barrel Old Country Store – Free Sunrise Pancake Special for veterans and active-duty.
- Denny’s – Free Grand Slam breakfast from 5 am to noon for military personnel (with ID or DD-214).
- Dunkin’ – Free doughnut for active and retired military with valid ID.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels and Bruegger’s Bagels – Free hot or iced coffee for veterans and active-duty; redeem in bakery, via app or online using code “FREECOFFEE”.
- Golden Corral – Free buffet and beverage from 4 pm until close, for veterans and current military, during their 25th annual ‘Military Appreciation Night’.
- IHOP – Free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo for veterans and active-duty.
- Krispy Kreme – Free small coffee (hot or iced) and free doughnut of choice; no purchase required.
- LongHorn Steakhouse – 10% off meal plus free appetizer or dessert for veterans and active military.
- Olive Garden – Free meal from a special menu including entrée, unlimited breadsticks and soup or salad.
- Outback Steakhouse – Free Aussie 3-Course Meal for veterans and active duty, dine-in only, Nov 10–11.
- Pilot Flying J – Free breakfast sandwich & coffee or lunch item & fountain drink for veterans, active-duty and their families (at participating locations). Service members verify via ID.me app.
- Red Lobster – Free Shrimp & Chips entrée for veterans, active-duty and reserves (dine-in only).
- Red Robin – Free “Red’s Big Tavern Burger” with bottomless side for veterans and military.
- Shake Shack – Free Big Shack burger for veterans and service members (in-restaurant only).
- Sheetz – Free meal and free car wash (at participating stores with car washes) for veterans and active military.
- Starbucks – Free tall hot or iced brewed coffee for veterans, military service members, and spouses at U.S. stores.
- Texas Roadhouse – Free meal voucher for veterans and active military who stop by between 11 am-2 pm; vouchers usable through May 31, 2026.
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf – Free regular sized drink for veterans, active duty and spouses with valid military ID.
- Wienerschnitzel – Free Original Chili Dog, fries and soda for veterans and active-duty with valid ID or uniform.
- White Castle – Free individual combo meal or breakfast combo meal for veterans and active service members.
- Great Clips – Free haircut or free haircut card for veterans and active-duty; non-military patrons receive “thank a veteran” cards to gift.
Veterans Day Store Discounts Too
Retailers also show their thanks with special offers:
- Staples – 25% off in-store purchase for veterans and active military with valid ID; exclusions apply.
- Target – 10% off two qualifying purchases for veterans, active-duty and their families, through its Circle program. Military status must be verified.
- Walgreens (and its Duane Reade stores) – 20% off regularly-priced products nationwide for veterans, active-duty military and their families through November 11, with military ID and a myWalgreens account.
- Service status verification through platforms like SheerID and ID.me is often required to activate such offers.
On this Veterans Day, businesses across the U.S. are extending heartfelt appreciation through free meals, drinks, special discounts, and more for veterans and active-duty military.
Whether you’re looking to dine out, grab a coffee, or shop for a deal—just remember: bring valid military ID or proof of service and check whether the offer applies at your local participating location. It’s a small way to show huge gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who serve.
