Veterans can get breakfast, lunch, dinner for free

Restaurants, coffee shops and grocery stores will be serving up gratitude in the form of freebies Saturday for Veterans Day 2023. The free meals, drinks and other discounts typically apply to former and current military personnel and, in some cases, their spouses. You’ll need to show a military ID or other proof of service to claim the gifts. Participation may vary by location and may include days other than Saturday.

Here are some of the participating places in Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia offering their thanks to those who serve. ›

Applebee’s: On Nov. 11, veterans and active-duty military can get a free lunch or dinner from a special menu of the chain’s most popular entrees. They will also receive a $5 Bounce Back Card to redeem for dine-in, to go or delivery within the next three weeks.

› Arby’s: Saturday at select locations, veterans and active-duty service members will receive a free classic roast beef sandwich.

› Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active-duty service members receive a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries Saturday. Dine-in only.

› Chicken Salad Chick: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal Saturday.

› Chili’s: Veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from a select dine-in menu Saturday.

› Circle K: On Saturday, veterans and active-duty military get a free medium coffee through the Circle K app. Instructions are posted under the Deals tab.

› Dave & Buster’s: Veterans and active military get a free entree (up to $20) and a free $10 Power Card for gameplay Saturday.

› Denny’s: Veterans and military personnel receive a free Original Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon Friday. Dine-in only.

› Food City: Veterans and active-duty military can get a free meal from the deli hot bar and a 20-ounce fountain drink 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday. Military ID or proof of service is required, along with the store’s ValuCard.

› Food Lion: Veterans and active-duty military receive a 10% discount on most in-store grocery purchases Saturday.

› Golden Corral: The chain’s annual Military Appreciation Night is Monday from 5 p.m. to close. Active and former military members get a free “thank you” meal when dining in.

› Hooters: Active-duty military and veterans who dine in Saturday get a free entrée from a special menu, with the purchase of a beverage.

› Huddle House: Activeduty military members and veterans will be treated to a free MVP breakfast platter Friday when dining in. Breakfast is served all day.

› IHOP: Veterans and active-duty military get free Red, White, & Blueberry Pancakes 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday when dining in. Some locations may offer a free breakfast combo as part of the promotion.

› Little Caesars: From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, veterans and active-duty military get a free Hot-N-Ready lunch combo, which includes four slices of Detroit-style, deep-dish pepperoni pizza and a 20-ounce fountain drink. Must be ordered in store.

› Logan’s Roadhouse: Veterans and active-duty military personnel get a free meal from a special menu at participating locations 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Dinein only. Logan’s also offers a 10% military discount year-round.

› McDonald’s: Chattanooga-area owneroperators will provide a complimentary breakfast combo to current and former military personnel Saturday morning.

› Mission BBQ: Veterans get a free sandwich Saturday. Don’t forget that every day at noon, staff and customers stand to sing the national anthem.

› O’Charley’s: Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free lunch from a special menu or a free slice of pie at dinner Friday and Saturday. Dine-in only.

› Pilot Flying J: Friday through Sunday, service members and their families receive a free meal, valued at up to $12, through a special offer in the myRewards Plus app. The promotion includes hot and cold deli items, snacks, fountain drinks, coffee and meals at on-site restaurants. Any remaining balance from the one-time $12 credit will be reflected on the receipt after checkout and can be used on subsequent visits during Veterans Day weekend.

› Publix: Veterans and active military receive a 10% discount on groceries Saturday. Some exclusions apply.

› Red Lobster: Veterans, active-duty military and reservists will get a free printed meal voucher 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday that may be redeemed for Veterans Shrimp & Chips for dinein service Nov. 13-Dec. 10.

› Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger with an endless side of steak fries Saturday. Dine-in only. Military families may sign up for the restaurant’s military rewards program, which offers deals all year long to active and former military members, their parents and spouses.

› Scooter’s Coffee: Veterans receive a free handcrafted drink of any size Saturday. Not available to order ahead on the mobile app.

› Shane’s Rib Shack: Active, inactive and retired military personnel can get a free barbecue pork or chopped chicken plate Thursday through Saturday. In-store only.

› Smokey Bones: Active and retired military personnel can get the Create Your Own Combo deal for free Saturday. The dine-in offer comes with the choice of one protein from a designated menu and two sides.

› Smoothie King: Activeduty military and veterans can choose a free smoothie from among three flavors representing the red, white and blue: Cherry X-Treme, Slim-N-Trim Vanilla or Blueberry Heaven.

› Starbucks: A tall (12-ounce) hot or cold brewed coffee is free for veterans, military service members and military spouses Saturday. The offer may be redeemed in the cafe or the drive-through.

› Texas Roadhouse: Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, active-duty military and veterans can stop by for a meal voucher that may be used immediately or anytime through May 30 for dine-in or carryout service. The voucher covers an entree, two sides and drink.

› Zaxby’s: Select locations will offer a free Signature Sandwich or Spicy Signature Sandwich to rewards members. Order on the app or website.