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Veterans and active-duty military members can find free food and other promotions at restaurants across the country on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Some offers also give customers a reason to return for another deal later.
About 30 restaurant brands are included in Dinova’s 2026 Veterans Day Dining Guide, according to Alison Quinn, the company’s Florida-based president.
The guide is in its fifth year and includes national and regional chains like Bonefish Grill, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Hooters, Outback Steakhouse and Red Lobster.
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“What we’re starting to see now is it’s going beyond Veterans Day, to try to give back to the vets in a way that is more meaningful,” Quinn told Digital. “Just not about one day but come back and we’ll give you something again.”
Quinn pointed to California-based Hoffman Hospitality Group, which is offering select meals to veterans and a $10 bonus card for a future visit. Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que is among the group’s brands.
The Veterans Day Dining Guide is a compilation of restaurants offering free meals and discounts to veterans and active-duty military. (iStock)
Outback Steakhouse is offering a complimentary Bloomin’ Onion and soft drink, along with a meal offer for a return visit, she said.
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Other deals listed in the guide include 10 free boneless wings and fries at Buffalo Wild Wings, a complimentary Red’s Big Tavern Burger at Red Robin, free shrimp at Red Lobster and a free All-American Smash at Smashburger.
Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que is among the restaurants offering certain meals for free to veterans on Nov. 11. (Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
Dinova started the guide to share offers with veterans and, in some cases, active-duty military personnel, Quinn said. The company’s business dining network includes about 25,000 restaurants and 600 corporate partners, she said.
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Downloads of the guide have increased over the years, Quinn said, and the promotions may be useful for veterans or active-duty personnel who are struggling or “living under a tight budget.”
The Bloomin’ Onion is a popular Outback Steakhouse appetizer that is free for veterans on Nov. 11. (Oliver Tsang/South China Morning Post via Getty Images)
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Asked which deal she would choose, Quinn singled out Eddie Merlot’s complimentary cheeseburger. Her father is an 85-year-old veteran, she said, and she plans to tell him about it.
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Veterans and active-duty military members should bring identification and check with their local restaurant before visiting, Quinn said. Participation and ID requirements can vary by location and offer.
