2023 Veterans Day Discounts and Perks

November 9, 2023

Thank you to the men and women that have served in the country’s armed services.

We have compiled a list businesses that are honoring veterans with discounts and deals.

This weekend and on Veterans Day, dozens of companies will extend a “thank you” to the men and women who have served in the country’s armed forces with Veterans Day freebies, discounts and deals.

NOTE: Most deals require a valid ID indicating military status. Please phone ahead to confirm, date, time, conditions, and details.  Some businesses may require wearing a facial covering.

Veterans Day Discounts and Meals at Restaurants

These Veterans Day discounts, free meals and other programs are being shared so that Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors are aware of all resources available to them. Verify with the organization offering.

Dining

  • Applebee’s: One free lunch or dinner entree plus a $5 Bounce Back gift card for a future visit within 3 weeks for veterans and current military personnel. Dine-in only.
  • Bar Louie: All active and retired military and veterans can receive one free Bar Louie Craft Burger on Nov. 11. Dine-in only at select locations.
  • BIBIBOP Asian Grill: One free bowl for veterans on Nov. 11. Dine-in only.
  • BJ’s Restaurants: On Nov. 11, veterans can receive one free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie with a minimum purchase of $11.95. Dine-in only. Current and former military members can also receive a coupon for a free appetizer with a purchase of $14.95 on their next visit.
  • Bob Evans: Veterans and active-duty military can get one free item from a special menu of homestyle favorites. Dine-in only, beverage not included.
  • Bubba’s 33: Parking lot celebrations alongside a free lunch or a voucher for a future visit.
  • Chili’s Grill & BarVeterans and active-duty military personnel can choose one free meal from a select menu on Nov. 11. Dine-in only.
  • City Barbeque: Veterans and active-duty military can receive one free sandwich, side and a drink on Nov. 11. Offer is valid in-store for dine-in or carryout.
  • Danny’s Cafe Rossford: On Nov. 10-11, active and retired military can get a cheeseburger and fries for $5.
  • Dave & Buster’s: Veterans and active military can get one free entree and a $10 power card on Nov. 11.
  • Denny’s: Veterans and active or non-active military personnel can receive one free Original Grand Slam breakfast on Nov. 10 from 5 a.m. to noon. Dine-in only.
  • Dunkin’: One free donut for veterans and active military on Veterans Day at participating locations. Offer is available in-store only and while supplies last.
  • Fricker’s: Current or retired military can receive 10 free boneless or traditional wings on Nov. 11. Dine-in only. Offer is limited to one offer per person.
  • Frisch’s Big Boy: On Nov. 11, one free original Big Boy sandwich with fries per guest. Offer is valid for dine-in, drive thru and carry out.
  • Golden Corral: Anyone who has served or is currently serving in the military can receive a free “thank you” dinner on Nov. 13 from 5 p.m. until close.
  • Hooter’s: Active and retired military can choose one free meal from a special menu on Nov. 11. A beverage purchase is required. Dine-in only.
  • IHOP: Veterans can enjoy one free stack of Red, White and Blueberry pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 11.
  • Little Caesars: Veterans or active members of the military can receive one free HOT-N-READY lunch combo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 11. Offer is in-store only.
  • McDonald’sOn Nov. 11, current and former military can enjoy one free Egg McMuffin or Bacon Egg Cheese Biscuit meal during breakfast hours. Alternatively, for lunch or dinner, veterans can get a double cheeseburger, 6-piece McNugget or Filet-o-Fish meal, according to a media release. Dine-in or drive-thru only.
  • Pilot and Flying J travel centers: Service members and their families can receive one free meal credit of up to $12 in the myRewards Plus app from Nov. 10-12. Service members can also enjoy a year-round 10% discount on food and beverages.
  • Red Robin: Veterans and active military can receive one free Red’s Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries at participating locations on Nov. 11. Dine-in only.
  • Scooter’s CoffeeAll locations are offering veterans one free handcrafted drink of any size on Nov. 11.
  • Starbucks: The popular chain is honoring those who served with one free tall (12-ounce) hot or cold brewed coffee for veterans, military service members and military spouses who visit participating stores on Nov. 11.
  • Texas Roadhouse: On Nov. 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at participating locations, active-duty military and veterans can get a free dine-in meal or receive a voucher for a later time. The meal voucher is good until May 30, 2024.

Shopping

  • Amazon: 20% discount on select items for Veterans Day. No military ID required.
  • Kohl’s: Active and former military personnel, veterans and their families receive 30% off qualifying in-store purchases from Nov. 10-12. Valid military ID is required.
  • Kroger: On Nov. 11, active and former military members and their dependents get a 10% discount in-stores with a valid military ID. Exclusions apply. Must use Rewards Card or Shopper’s Card to earn the discount.
  • Target: Locations are offering a 10% military discount from Oct. 29-Nov. 11 to all active-duty military, veterans and their families. The discount can be used on two qualifying purchases storewide with Target Circle registration and verification.
  • Walgreens: From Nov. 10-13, veterans, active-duty military and families can receive 20% off regular price eligible store items at any Walgreens drugstore nationwide with myWalgreens membership and proof of service.

Services

  • Dental Excellence: Free dental cleaning, filling or extraction for veterans. Offer is by appointment only with limited appointments available for the following days:
    • Delta office: Nov. 9, call 855-222-3268 to schedule
    • Napoleon office: Nov. 10, call  877-216-9296 to schedule
    • Sylvania office: Nov. 10, call 877-216-8354 to schedule
  • Great Clips: On Nov. 11, veterans and active service members can receive one free haircut or free haircut card for a future visit to any Great Clips salon.

Activities

  • African Safari Wildlife Park: Free admission to current members and veterans from Nov. 10-13. Friends and family riding in the same vehicle are $10 per person.
  • National Museum of the Great Lakes: Free museum admission for retired and active military on Nov. 11 with a valid ID. Advanced tickets are available but not required. For more information, click here.
  • Toledo Zoo: Admission is always free for military. Immediate family members receive $1 discount at the gate.
  • Vet Tix: Service members, veterans and immediate family of troops killed in action can request tickets for thousands of events year-round and nationwide.
  • UToledo Veterans Appreciation Breakfast and Resource Fair: Free event for former military and families. Free breakfast, music and more from 8-11 a.m. at Savage Arena on Nov. 10.
  • 11/11@7 Chili Cook-Off: On Nov. 11 at 7 p.m., the Greater Toledo-area Exchange Clubs are hosting an all-you-can-eat chili, cash bar, silent auction, bake sale and 50/50 raffle to benefit homeless veterans through the Toledo Chapter of Veterans Matter. Tickets are $20 or $15 for veterans.
  • Knight Veteran Run 2023: On Nov. 10 at 8 a.m., St. Francis de Sales School is honoring veterans with a Veterans Day 5K run. Entry is $25 and all proceeds will be donated to the Toledo Chapter of Veterans Matter.

Local Patriotic Recognition Ceremonies

University of Toledo – November 11, 2022 The Veterans Appreciation Breakfast and Resource Fair, UToledo’s annual event to support area veterans, is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 11, in Savage Arena. Kicking off at 8 a.m., the free event, now in its 18th year, is open to all current and former military members and their families. Along with breakfast, resources also will be available to connect individuals with military-specific community organizations.

Among the guest speakers will be Cmdr. Jason Nelson, the commanding officer for NTAG (Navy Talent Acquisition Group) Heartland, who will give the keynote address. “Outside of AMVETS, VFW’s and Legion Posts, there are not many opportunities for current and former military to come together and share a meal,” said Eric Buetikofer, UToledo Director of Military and Veteran Affairs. “This breakfast allows them to recapture the sense of camaraderie we all felt while actively serving, something that many veterans miss after leaving the military.” In addition to the free breakfast, local veterans and members of the military and their families will have access to more than 30 military-friendly community resources. The program will feature entertainment by fourth-graders from Waterville Primary School, and members of the Rossford High School S.O.S. (Serving Our Soldiers) Club will greet and assist veterans through the breakfast line. Parking permits are not required and will not be enforced. For more information, call 419.530.4137 or email [email protected].

The annual Blade Holiday Parade plans to honor local veterans: Saturday, November 11th at 10:00AM

This years parade, presented by Yark Automotive Group and the Distinguished Clown Corps, plan to salute local veterans in honor of veterans day.

Earl Mack Jr., a Toledo Post Commander of the Buffalo Soldiers and Charles Hiser, Executive Director of the Lucas County Veterans Service Commission, will lead the parade and serve as the two grand marshals.

Mack retired from the Ohio Department of Public Safety after 32 years, and also served as a police officer with the University of Toledo Police Department. He also is a Vietnam veteran, and currently holds a commission with the Lucas County Sherriff’s Office and is Security Director for Keys Hotels and Property Management.

Hiser spent 23 years in the U.S. Armed Forces and retired as Chief of Security Forces. He has been awarded 14 different medals including the Purple Heart, Army Commendation, and the Air Force Commendation.

The parade will also include some of its usual charms, like the high school marching bands and color guard, local dance teams, and giant balloons. These being just some of the 70 units participating in the parade.

The parade begins at the corner of Summit and Jefferson street, and will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 11.

The event will also be televised on WGTE HD, through the WGTE app, or on their website.

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Small Line” line_alignment=”default” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default” custom_height=”50″][vc_column_text]Citizen Advisory Group is a comprehensive financial services firm that helps Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan’s soon to be retired and retired residents effectively plan for and prepare for life’s greatest journey. In addition to helping clients with their finances, Citizen Advisory Group offers monthly health and wellness events. Please call 419-872-0204 for a complimentary consultation to review your individual situation.

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