Restaurants are historically welcoming to the military community, whether from a consumer or professional standpoint. As the National Restaurant Association reports, more than 250,000 military veterans hold jobs throughout the industry. And Friday, on Veterans Day, brands across the country will be honoring the men and women who served our country with deals and giveaways. Here are 10 brands participating this year:
Chipotle
In honor of those who serve, Chipotle Mexican Grill is offering a special buy-one-get-one promotion from 3 p.m. to close on Veteran’s Day.
BOGOs will be offered to all active duty military, reserves, national guard, military spouses, retired military with a valid U.S. military ID and veterans with ID, at all restaurants in the U.S. from 3 p.m. to close, local time, on Veteran’s Day. The offer is valid on burritos, bowls, salads, and taco orders.
“We have always appreciated the service of our active and retired military, and the support they have provided us over the years,” says Chris Arnold, communications director at Chipotle. “This is a small way for us to recognize the contributions these extraordinary individuals make, and give us a chance to serve them.”
White Castle
White Castle is honoring veterans and all members of the military on Veterans by offering a free combo meal to those who dine in.
"Veterans Day is a significant and important holiday for our country," says Jamie Richardson, vice president of White Castle. "As a family-owned business, White Castle is dedicated to honoring past and current members of the U.S. military for their commitment and sacrifice to safeguard our freedom. This is just one small way we can share our gratitude to these brave individuals."
All past and current members of the U.S. military will receive a free Combo Meal or any Breakfast Combo Meal on November 11 at participating White Castle restaurants.
Krystal Burger
All guests with their military ID can receive a complimentary breakfast Sausage Biscuit from opening until 11 am. at Krystal.
“Every new day that starts in America is due to the soldiers who fought to make it so,” says Alice Crowder, vice president of marketing for The Krystal Company. “This is a small way of expressing our thanks.”
The Sausage Biscuit offer is good for both dine-in and drive thru guests at participating locations, while supplies last. Veterans may choose to add Krysper hash browns, premium-blend coffee, orange juice, or other beverages at regular menu prices. All guests who have not served in the military are also welcome to enjoy a Sausage Biscuit at regular menu prices as well.
Uncle Maddio’s
Uncle Maddio’s is celebrating Veterans Day as participating restaurants nationwide by giving away a free 9-inch, three-topping pizza to all veterans and active service members on November 11. Those redeeming this offer must be in uniform or present a valid military ID.
“We see this promotion as an extension of our ‘Served with Love’ philosophy,” says Matt Andrew, Uncle Maddio’s founder and CEO. “We are honored to show extra love to the men and women who serve or have served our country.”
WayBack Burgers
Wayback Burgers will offer a free Wayback Classic Cheeseburger at participating restaurants nationwide to all active and former military personnel in honor of Veterans Day. Specifically, active and former military servicemen and women can come in to Wayback Burgers on Veterans Day and enjoy a free Wayback Classic Cheeseburger with the purchase of any side and any drink at participating locations nationwide. To receive the free cheeseburger, guests can dine-in in uniform or show proof of military service.
“Wayback Burgers is a proud supporter of all active and former military servicemen and women,” says John Eucalitto, president of Wayback Burgers. “As such, we try to offer a number of specials and promotions throughout the year to express our gratitude for their sacrifice and service, and our Veterans Day special is one small way to show our appreciation. We look forward to serving those brave men and women this Veterans Day, and every other day of the year.”
Baskin-Robbins
Baskin-Robbins announced that on Veterans Day it will support America’s service members and military families by donating 11 cents from every ice cream scoop sold at Baskin-Robbins locations nationwide to the United Service Organizations (USO).
The effort is part of Baskin-Robbins’ ongoing commitment to show appreciation for those who selflessly serve, and is a nod to USO’s recently launched Force Behind the Forces campaign. The campaign encourages Americans to stand behind "The Force," as a community of supporters committed to connecting service members to the things they hold dear. Baskin-Robbins has a long history of serving those who serve our country and is committed to supporting the military community through its continued partnership with the USO, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
“We’re humbled and excited to honor our military service members and veterans once again through our partnership with the USO this November, and with the return of First Class Camouflage,” says Weldon Spangler, senior vice president, Baskin-Robbins U.S. and Canada. “It’s a great opportunity to show support for those who serve our country and thank them for their commitment to our nation.”
Back Yard Burgers
On Veteran’s Day, Back Yard Burgers is offering a free Back Yard Classic Burger to all active duty service members and veterans who show their military ID or are in uniform.
“We are proud to give back to the communities in which we serve—specifically in honoring those who protect and defend our country,” says David McDougall, CEO of Back Yard Burgers. “Veteran’s Day holds a special place in our hearts, as a number of our team members have served in the armed forces, which makes our commitment to honoring those that have served even more important.”
In addition to serving Veterans free burgers on Veteran’s Day, Back Yard Burgers offers a 20 percent discount to service men and women year-round. One of the brand’s other large-scale community service initiatives is raising funds for Share Our Strength’s “No Kid Hungry” campaign, a cause Back Yard Burgers has championed since 2014.
JJ’s Red Hots
JJ’s Red Hots is putting a no limits sign on its menu for our nation’s veterans and troops, with a free meal including unlimited hot dogs, sausages, sides, and non-alcoholic drinks all day on Veterans Day.
“Our veterans and troops’ dedication to America is limitless, so we felt this was we wanted to for them in return on their special day,” says JJ’s owner and proprietor Jonathan Luther. “We are honored to treat them to a free meal. It’s our not-so-small way of saying ‘Thanks’ for all they do for the greatest country on Earth.”
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Veterans who eat at Dickey's Barbecue Pit can enjoy a free meal, which includes a sandwich, side and a Big Yellow Cup, up to a $12 total value. As a thank you to the families and loved ones of the veterans, Dickey's is also offering anyone in the party that dines with a veteran a free iconic Big Yellow Cup with purchase.
"The Dickey family thanks all of our nation's veterans for their service, and is proud to give back to them in any way we can," says Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. "Dickey's has more than 560 locations throughout the nation, giving us the opportunity to proudly serve veterans everywhere delicious, Texas-style barbecue."
Chicken Salad Chick
For the second year in a row, Chicken Salad Chick is saluting U.S. service men and women on Veteran's Day by offering a free Original Chick at its more than 60 locations. Veterans who present proof of service in the form of an ID Card will receive one sandwich or scoop of their choice of chicken salad, one side, a pickle spear, cookie and a drink.
"During Veteran's Day last year, we were able to give thanks to more than 2,300 veterans who selflessly serve us every day of the year," says Stacy Brown, Chicken Salad Chick founder. "We wanted to offer our thanks again this year, because we are strong supporters of the US military and feel it's our duty to say thank you in any way possible."
