(WAND) - As Veteran's Day approaches, WAND is honoring those who’ve served by compiling a comprehensive list of Veterans Day deals and discounts available across central Illinois.
WAND’s list includes offers from popular restaurants, local shops and national chains — all aimed at saying thank you to the men and women who have served our country.
We continue to add to the growing list of businesses honoring veterans in 2025. If you know of an additional business that's not included in our list, please send WAND a link or contact, so we can verify. Please email news@wandtv.com.
On November 11, 2025, veterans dining in at Applebee’s® receive one free entrée from a special menu (Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Chicken Tenders, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad or Three‑Cheese Chicken Penne).
Honoring those who’ve served, Bob Evans invites veterans and active-duty troops to enjoy a complimentary meal on November 11, 2025.
Enjoy 10 free boneless wings and fries at Buffalo Wild Wings, available for dine-in or for walk-in counter orders at Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations only. All past and present armed services members (with valid ID) can participate.
On Veterans Day, Casey’s thanks veterans with a complimentary coffee or fountain drink with proof of service, available year-round for active-duty military and uniformed first responders.
Your local Chick-fil-A may be offering specials in honor of our veterans and military. These offers vary by location, so double-check your local restaurant.
On November 11, 2025, all participating Chili’s Grill & Bar restaurants will serve a complimentary dine-in meal to veterans and active-duty military from a special Veterans Day menu.
Cicis Pizza invites Veterans and Active-Duty Military members to enjoy a free meal on 11/11.
Circle K offers veterans and service members a free medium hot or iced coffee on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2025—just show a military ID at participating U.S. stores.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Cracker Barrel is offering a free Sunrise Pancake Special to all veterans and active-duty service members on November 11, 2024, for dine-in guests nationwide.
Celebrate Veterans Day with a free 1-scoop sundae when you show your military ID, VA veteran ID, or driver’s license with a veterans designation. In addition, 10% of all sales that day will go to Hero Expeditions, a group that helps veterans. It's a great way to enjoy a sweet treat and support veterans at the same time!
Participating Dairy Queen locations offer a complimentary item to veterans and military personnel. Make sure to confirm with your nearest Dairy Queen for details.
Denny’s is giving veterans and active-duty military a free Original Grand Slam® on November 11, 2025, from 5 a.m. to noon at participating locations with a valid ID or DD 214.
Dunkin' is offering all active and retired military members a free donut on Veterans Day.
With proof of military ID, Einstein Bros. Bagels is offering a hot or iced coffee of any size with a purchase.
Famous Dave's is offering veterans a complimentary Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich with a side, whether dining in, picking up to-go, or ordering online. Bring your valid military ID to claim this deal.
On Nov. 11, Firehouse Subs is offering veterans and active-duty military a free combo. Stop by any location to enjoy a medium sub, chips or a cookie, and a drink.
On November 11, 2025, from 4 p.m. until close, Golden Corral honors active duty, retired, and veteran military personnel with a complimentary dine-in dinner during its annual Military Appreciation Night.
On November 11, veterans can enjoy one free menu item with a drink purchase, choosing from 10 wings, a cheeseburger, buffalo chicken sandwich, or chicken Caesar salad.
On November 11, active duty military and veterans can receive a free breakfast platter at participating restaurants. This dine-in-only offer is available with valid proof of service, like a military ID.
Hy-Vee is offering all veterans and active-duty military a complimentary breakfast from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
On November 11, veterans are invited to get a complimentary Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo featuring pancakes with fruit toppings, eggs, hash browns, and bacon or sausage.
Veterans and active-duty military can receive a complimentary meal of their choice and a Veterans Day decal at In-N-Out Burger by showing proof of service on Veterans Day.
From 11/9 to 11/11, Insomnia Cookies is giving active-duty and retired military a FREE Deluxe cookie with a $5 purchase. Show your military ID in-store to redeem. Expires 11/12/2024 at 3 AM PST. Limit one per day.
Krispy Kreme Free Doughnut & Coffee
This Veterans Day, Krispy Kreme is giving back to veterans and active military by offering a free small hot or iced coffee and any doughnut. Visit any location to take advantage of this special offer.
Little Caesars Pizza is offering a free lunch combo to veterans and active military members from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Veterans Day. The combo includes four slices of their popular Detroit-style deep-dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi product. A valid proof of service is required.
From 11 AM to 3 PM veterans and active duty service members receive a free meal from a special menu. Uniformed individuals or those presenting a valid military ID are eligible.
LongHorn Steakhouse is honoring veterans and active-duty military with 10% off their meal and a free appetizer or dessert on November 10 and 11. This offer applies to dine-in and call-in orders only.
McDonald's does not offer a national or blanket discount among all stores. However, they request veterans to inquire about special military discounts at their local McDonald's as franchisees often offer a Veterans Day discount. Depending on the location, veterans can benefit from offers like complimentary breakfast, free value menu combos, or selections from a dedicated Veterans Day menu. Please note that offerings may vary by restaurant or not exist at all.
Olive Garden provides a free entree for veterans and active-duty military with a valid Military ID.
Outback Steakhouse will offer veterans and active service members a free Aussie 3-course meal. The offer is only good for dining-in, and is available on 11/10 and 11/11. The chain also offers a year-round 10% Heroes Discount to service members, police officers, firefighters, and first responders with appropriate identification.
This Veterans Day, several Panera Bread locations are providing free breakfast items and coffee to veterans and active-duty military members. Be sure to check with your nearest Panera to confirm if they are offering this deal.
Spend $20 or more at Popeyes and get a Chicken Sandwich for free.
In honor of Veterans Day and to thank veterans, active-duty military and reservists for their service, Red Lobster is giving away FREE printed meal vouchers* for Veterans Shrimp & Chips—featuring six hand-breaded, butterflied and lightly fried shrimp, served with cocktail sauce, as well as crispy French Fries and Coleslaw—from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm local time on Monday, November 11, 2024. Guests must show a valid military ID or proof of service to redeem.
Scooter's Coffee offers all veterans and military members a free handcrafted beverage on Veterans Day. With a valid military ID, you can choose from a wide selection of hot or cold beverages, including their signature coffee creations, refreshing iced drinks, and delectable smoothies.
On Veterans Day, Smokey Bones is providing free 'Create Your Own Combos' to veterans and military personnel showing ID. This Smokey Bones offer applies to dine-in only, with no additional purchase necessary. Make sure to bring valid military ID or proof of service.
On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, from 12 to 3 p.m., Smoothie King will offer a free 20oz Red, White, or Blue Smoothie to all Veterans and Active-Duty Military. Just show your valid Military ID in-store to enjoy this special deal.
Offering 50% off Classic and Master Shakes and more on Veterans Day.
On November 11, 2025, veterans, military members, and spouses can enjoy one free tall (12 fl.oz) hot or iced brewed coffee at participating U.S. stores for café or drive-thru orders.
On Veterans Day, Taco John's offers a free small beef #1 combo meal to all active, reserve, retired and honorably discharged members of the U.S. military. Available through the Taco John's app, allows veterans to enjoy classic Mexican fast-food flavors at no cost.
On November 11, 2025, veterans and military can receive a free Texas Roadhouse meal voucher, valid for dine-in or carry-out until May 30, 2026.
EVENTS
Urbana Senior Community hosting Veterans Day event - Brookdale Urbana is hosting an event on Tuesday, November 11. It will have a 21-gun salute, patriotic music, guest speakers, and a reception. Brookdale Urbana is located at 1706 East Amber Lane. The event will be from 2 to 4 p.m.
Bargenta to host Veteran's Day luncheon - Bargenta will host a Veteran's Day luncheon to celebrate veterans in the community on Tuesday. The event will feature catering from Da Burgs Bar and Grill. There will be free t-shirts for veterans, prizes and giveaways, and hoodies and zip-ups for sale. The luncheon will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 8 at Bargenta.
Eastern Illinois University to honor service members at annual Veterans Day ceremony - Eastern Illinois University (EIU) will pay tribute to those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces during its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The event will take place in the Cougill Foyer of Old Main and will include a brief ceremony followed by light refreshments.
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