Applebee’s nationwide chain of restaurants has offered a free meal to military personnel and veterans every Veterans Day for the last 13 years.
In August 2022, the corporation announced it would sell its remaining company-owned restaurants to franchise owners. Franchise restaurant policies can vary by location, even when among the same brand.
So, discounts may vary between stores this year.
Free Veterans Day Beer at Some Applebee’s
For example, Applebee’s franchise locations that are owned and operated by Doherty will sell $4 10-ounce Sam Adams mugs until Veterans Day, according to Doherty spokesperson Dana Badalamente.
On Nov. 11, veterans can bring their mugs back to get a free beer at one of Doherty’s 90 restaurant locations in New York, New Jersey, Florida and Georgia, she said. Additionally, guests who purchase a beer can write a special thank you message on a coaster for veterans who come to take advantage of the promotion.
Call your local restaurant ahead of time to confirm veterans day offers in your area.
What You Need to Take with You
Chances are your neighborhood Applebee’s will be busy on Veterans Day.
Applebee’s has provided about one million free meals on previous Veterans Days, according to the company.
If your local Applebee’s restaurant is participating in Veterans day, you can make things easier on yourself and on the restaurant’s staff by bringing easy-to-identify proof of military service.
Military IDy and Veterans IDs work, but if you’ve misplaced yours somewhere in the chaos of civilian life, don’t worry. You can also prove your status by presenting:
- Your uniformed services ID card.
- A uniformed service retired ID card.
- Your current leave and earnings statement (LES).
- A membership card from a veterans organization like the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars.
- Your DD Form 214 (the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty).
Once a staff member verifies your proof of service, you can choose an item from Applebee’s special Veterans Day menu.
What You Can Eat for Free at Applebee’s on Veterans Day
To help deal with the large volume of customers, Applebee’s restaurants that participate in the usual Veteran’s day promotion may offer a special menu of free entrees.
Some limitations apply:
- Beverages are not included with free meals, so if you’re drinking something other than water, bring some money for drinks.
- Gratuity is not included. Bring some tip money to show your appreciation to the restaurant’s wait staff. If you’re accustomed to tipping based on the amount of your ticket, keep in mind what the meal would have normally cost and tip based on that amount.
- There’s a one-meal limit for each veteran or active-duty military member per year.
- You can’t combine the Veterans Day offer with other promotions such as drink coupons or other percentage discounts on the entire price of your ticket.
- The Veterans Day menu can vary from location to location.
- Only military members or veterans can eat for free. Family members and others must pay full price.
- This special is usually available for dine-in patrons only. Call your local Applebee’s to see what their to-go policy is.
What Day the Offer Is Actually Available
Veterans Day falls on a Friday this year, which is also the day the federal government observes the holiday (If Veterans Day falls on a weekend, the government observes the day early).
Some participating stores offer Veterans Day specials on Veterans Day only; others may offer the deals all weekend. However, Applebee’s restaurants only offer the annual Veterans Day special during business hours on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11.
Applebee’s franchise locations have not released a collective promotional Veterans Day menu this year. You can check the company’s website for updates or call your local store for details in the week leading up to Veterans Day.
You can also check last year’s menu to get an idea about the store’s free meals. Last year’s menu included seven entrees:
- Butcher’s Meat and Potatoes
- Oriental Chicken Salad
- Fiesta Lime Chicken
- Double Crunch Shrimp
- American Standard Burger
- Chicken Tenders Platter
- Three-Cheese Chicken Cavatappi
There’s no limit on what you can buy from the normal menu while you’re dining out. You can supplement your free meal with an extra appetizer, drink or dessert.
Enjoy Your Veterans Day Discounts
Veterans Day provides businesses with an awesome opportunity to thank our nation’s veterans and increase business. For veterans and military members, it’s an opportunity to enjoy a free meal at a restaurant like Applebee’s.
Here are some other popular restaurant chains that offer discounted or free meals on Veterans Day, along with Veterans Day retail discounts, attractions and events.