Veterans Day 2026: National restaurants and retailers announce freebies and discounts

Numerous national restaurant chains and retailers have announced special offers to honor veterans and active-duty military members for Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Many establishments are providing free meals, while others are offering significant discounts.

Major restaurant participating in these programs include Applebee’s, which offers a free entrée from a special menu, and Chili’s, which provides a free meal from a limited selection. Denny’s is offering a free Original Grand Slam breakfast until noon, and IHOP features a free Red, White, and Blue pancake meal. Other food-related deals include free items from Dunkin’, Golden Corral, and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, which is providing a free pulled pork sandwich.

Beyond dining, retailers and service providers are also participating. Tops Friendly Markets is offering an 11% discount on groceries to military personnel and their families. Great Clips is providing free haircuts or cards for future visits, and Kohl’s is offering a 30% discount. Most offers require the presentation of a valid military ID or other proof of service, and many are limited to dine-in customers at participating locations.