Thank You for Your Service: Local Gifts for Veterans on November 11

This year marks the 71st anniversary of Veterans Day in the United States, observed on November 11. President Eisenhower set aside this day to encourage Americans to commit themselves to the cause of peace and to honor America’s veterans for their courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice.

Many businesses, especially restaurants, offer discounts or complimentary meals on Veterans Day each year to honor current and former military members. Below is a list of some of the options in Metro Detroit. (Note: Many of the businesses will require proof of service. Most do not include tax and gratuity in the discount.)

Free Food

• Applebee’s offers veterans and active-duty military a free meal from a select menu at participating locations. The offer is for dine-in only.
• Veterans and active-duty service members receive a complimentary 16-ounce latte (hot, iced, or frozen) at Biggby Coffee with their military ID.
• Bob Evans offers a special menu of seven homestyle favorites available to veterans and active-duty military free at their local Bob Evans Restaurant. Available for dine-in only, beverage not included.
• Buffalo Wild Wings offers 10 free boneless wings and fries to veterans and active-duty service members with a valid ID. The offer is available for dine-in or, if ordering from a Buffalo Wild Wings GO location, for walk-in orders placed at the counter only.
• Chili’s offers veterans and active-duty military personnel a complimentary meal at all participating locations. The offer is available for select items, dine-in only.
• Dunkin’ offers all active and retired military personnel a free donut. Limit one per guest while supplies last, in-store only.
• IHOP offers veterans and active-duty military free Red, White, & Blueberry Pancakes or Pancake Combo from 7:00 AM-7:00 PM. This offer is dine-in only, at participating locations.
• Little Caesars offers veterans and active-duty military personnel a complimentary Lunch Combo, which includes four slices of Little Caesars' signature Detroit-style deep dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage from 11:00 AM-2:00 PM.
• Menchie’s offers veterans and active-duty military personnel their first 6 ounces of froyo free with a valid Military ID.
• Red Lobster offers veterans, active-duty military and reservists a free Veterans’ Shrimp & Chip meal with a military ID or proof of service, dine-in only.
• Red Robin offers veterans and active-duty military personnel a complimentary Red's Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Side when dining in at participating locations.

Other Discounts

• Every Veterans Day, Emagine Theatres offers a free movie ticket to active military members and veterans. Tickets must be purchased at the theater's box office.
• All year long, veterans and active service members receive 15% off on all dine-in visits year-round with a Military ID or a VA card at any Buddy’s Pizza location.