Veterans Day freebies: Where to find free meals and discounts

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – From a free meal to savings on everyday purchases, Wilmington businesses are offering veterans and military members a little something extra this Veterans Day.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has compiled a nationwide list of offers for those who have served, with some also available to military families.

Veterans Day is Wednesday, Nov. 11. Here are some VA-listed offers from businesses with Wilmington locations. Participation and eligibility may vary, so check before visiting.

Free meals and drinks

• Bonefish Grill: Veterans, active-duty service members and their families can receive a free Bang Bang Shrimp entrée and a nonalcoholic drink with ID.
• Chili’s: Participating restaurants offer veterans and active-duty service members a free dine-in entrée from a select menu. ID is required.
• Chipotle: Veterans and active-duty service members can get free chips with guacamole, queso blanco or salsa with a $5 purchase at participating locations. ID is required.
• Golden Corral: Veterans can receive a free dine-in buffet during Military Appreciation Night.
• Playa Bowls: Veterans and active-duty and retired military personnel can get 50% off bowls in-shop with a valid military ID.
• Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty service members can get a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with bottomless fries. The offer is dine-in only, and ID is required.
• Ruby Tuesday: Veterans and active-duty service members, including reservists and National Guard members, can choose a select entrée with the Garden Bar and a bottomless drink at participating locations. The offer is dine-in only and requires proof of service.
• Shake Shack: Veterans and active-duty service members can get a free single ShackBurger with a military ID or proof of service. No purchase is required.
• Texas Roadhouse: Veterans and active-duty service members can receive a free meal. The VA advises customers to check with their local restaurant about participation.
• Dunkin Donuts: Veterans and active-duty service members can enjoy one free donut at participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide

Personal Care

• Great Clips: Veterans and active duty receive a free haircut. Anyone getting a haircut that day can request a free haircut card to give a Veteran.
• Sport Clips: Veteran-founded Sport Clips Haircuts will offer free haircuts to veterans and active-duty service members.

Shopping discounts

• Food Lion: Veterans and active-duty service members can get 10% off in-store purchases on Nov. 11 with a military ID and MVP card. Exclusions apply.
• Kohl’s: Military members, veterans and their families can receive 30% off in-store purchases Nov. 10-11 with valid ID. Exclusions apply.
• Publix: Veterans, active-duty service members and their families can get 10% off groceries on Nov. 11 with proof of service. Exclusions apply.
• Rack Room Shoes: Veterans, active-duty service members and dependents can get 20% off in-store on Veterans Day. ID is required.
• Target: Verified military members, veterans and their families who are Target Circle members can get 20% off one qualifying purchase through Nov. 11.
• Tractor Supply: Military members verified through the Hometown Heroes program can receive 10% off on Veterans Day.
• Walgreens: Veterans, active-duty service members and their immediate families can receive 20% off eligible regular-priced items in-store. Exclusions and restrictions apply.

Restaurant offers are for Nov. 11 unless otherwise noted. Offers may change or be unavailable at some locations. Customers should confirm participation, eligibility and any additional requirements with the business before visiting.