Denny’s, In-N-Out and Golden Corral are among the chains offering free meals to veterans on Wednesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day. The offers appear in a Fox station roundup published Nov. 4, 2026, and updated Nov. 5, and in the 2026 list kept by VA News.
The deals are supplied by the businesses and vary by location, so a call ahead is wise. Most require proof of military service.
Free Meals at Denny’s, In-N-Out and Golden Corral
Denny’s is offering a free Original Grand Slam to active, non-active and retired military personnel on Nov. 11 from 5 a.m. to noon local time, according to the Fox report. The offer is dine-in only at participating restaurants and requires a military ID or a DD-214. A beverage is not included, and substitutions are not allowed. Breakfast fans who like that spread may enjoy a look at breakfast classics that deserve a delicious comeback, and anyone planning around the holiday can check which banks and post offices close on Veterans Day.
In-N-Out Burger is giving veterans, active duty military, reserves and National Guard members a complimentary meal on Nov. 11, including any burger, fries and a beverage from the menu. VA News adds that all current and former members of the U.S. military also receive a special-edition Veterans Day decal, and that proof of military service is required.
Golden Corral is holding its Military Appreciation Night on Nov. 11. From 4 p.m. until close at participating restaurants, veterans, active duty, reserves and National Guard members receive a free dinner in thanks for their service, dine-in only. The Military Wallet noted that the chain has offered the free meal for 25 years.
More Restaurants With Free Meals on Nov. 11
Applebee’s is serving a special Veterans Day meal on Nov. 11, dine-in only, limited to one per veteran. VA News lists beverages and gratuity as not included. Chili’s is offering a free meal at participating locations, available in-restaurant only for select items, and the Fox report suggests calling ahead with questions. Errands should be planned around the holiday too, since DMV offices in California and Oregon close on Nov. 11 and Social Security payments shift, as November payment dates show.
Bob Evans has a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu on Nov. 11, dine-in only, with beverages and gratuity excluded. Outback Steakhouse is offering a free Bloomin’ Onion and a Coca-Cola beverage on Nov. 10 and 11, and the Fox report said no purchase or military ID is required: guests simply identify themselves as service members or veterans to the Outback team.
At Pilot and Flying J, veterans and active-duty service members verified through an online identity service can claim a free sandwich plus a coffee or fountain drink in the Pilot app on Nov. 11. For the other mornings that week, a breakfast station at home, a coffee bar or a single-cup or full-pot brewer are easy options. Those planning ahead for Thanksgiving can also see which restaurants stay open, such as Cracker Barrel and Waffle House.
Retail and Service Deals Beyond Restaurants
Target is offering military community members 20% off from Nov. 5 through Nov. 11. VA News describes it as a Target Circle Military Appreciation Discount on one qualifying storewide purchase for verified military members, veterans and their families who are Target Circle members. The Fox report said military status is verified through the Target Circle Military Appreciation program.
Walgreens is offering 20% off eligible regular-priced items in stores from Nov. 8 through 11 for veterans, active-duty personnel and their families. The offer requires a valid military ID or proof of service, and customers must be myWalgreens members. Walgreens stores and pharmacies keep regular hours on Nov. 11.
Great Clips offers veterans and active service members a free haircut, or a free haircut card for a future visit, each year on Nov. 11. Anyone getting a haircut that day can request a free card to give to a veteran. Tractor Supply’s Hometown Heroes Days brings a 10% discount in stores and online to military service members and veterans on Nov. 11.
What to Bring and Check Before Heading Out
Proof of service is the common thread. The Fox report lists a valid military ID, a VA-issued veteran ID, a state-issued ID with a veteran designation or discharge paperwork as accepted forms of proof in its listings, and Denny’s specifically names a military ID or DD-214. Applebee’s and Bob Evans accept additional documents such as a Leave and Earnings Statement or a veterans organization card.
The Military Wallet advises verifying participation and bringing proof of service, because not all franchise locations take part. Some offers also run only for certain hours, such as Denny’s morning window and Golden Corral’s evening one.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs notes that the national Veterans Day ceremony is held each year on Nov. 11 at Arlington National Cemetery, beginning at 11:00 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The Military Wallet list and the VA’s Veterans Day page carry more details on the holiday.
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This article was produced with AI assistance and edited for accuracy against the sources linked above.
Image: Melissa Bower – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons
