Every year we go to Golden Corral for a free meal. It is on the 17th this year though.
Here is a list of several other places offering freebies to vets. Some are local stores but I am sure the national chains are the same or similar. You'll have to verify for your area.
Be prepared to wait in line! Try to avoid prime hours if you want less of a crowd.
• Applebee’s — Free entree from special Veteran’s Day menu, beverages not included, all day.
• Carmike Cinemas — Free small popcorn for military personnel and dependents with valid ID
• Columbus Technical College — Veterans Day program, 11 a.m. in McCaulley Auditorium, 928 Manchester Expressway. Free lunch afterward with meal tickets available at Hartline Information Desk, CARE Center and Wright Health Sciences Center
• Denny’s — Free “Build Your Own Grand Slam” meal from 5 a.m. to noon.
• Golden Corral — Free buffet meal and beverage NOT on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, but instead on Nov. 17, 5-9 p.m. Identification not required
• Goo-Goo 3 Minute Express Wash — Free express wash
• Great Clips — Free haircut on Nov. 11 or receive a card valid for a haircut through Dec. 31. Non-veterans can purchase a service and receive a card to give to a veteran.
• Hooters — Free meal up to $10.99 in value with a drink purchase all day.
• IHOP — Free red, white and blue pancakes 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Photograph in uniform or military dog tags also accepted as ID.
• Krystal — Free sausage biscuit from 6-10:30 a.m.
• LongHorn Steakhouse — Free Texas Tonion and non-alcoholic beverage all day.
• Olive Garden — Free meal from a limited menu, all day.
• Outback Steakhouse — Free Bloomin’ Onion appetizer and beverage.
• Red Lobster — Free appetizer.
• Ruby Tuesday — Free appetizer, all day.
• Smokey Bones — Free meal from “on the house” menu, including premium burger, pulled pork platter and nutty chicken salad.
• Sport Clips — Free haircut.
• Starbucks — Free 12 fl. oz. brewed coffee to veterans and military spouses.
• Texas Roadhouse — Free lunch (11 a.m.-2 p.m.). Choose from 10 entrees, including sirloin steak, two sides and non-alcoholic beverage.
• TGI Fridays — Free lunch from a select menu from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Wingstop — Five free wings
• Zoës Kitchen — Free entree from veterans and 10 percent off for family members.
Here is a list of several other places offering freebies to vets. Some are local stores but I am sure the national chains are the same or similar. You'll have to verify for your area.
Be prepared to wait in line! Try to avoid prime hours if you want less of a crowd.
• Applebee’s — Free entree from special Veteran’s Day menu, beverages not included, all day.
• Carmike Cinemas — Free small popcorn for military personnel and dependents with valid ID
• Columbus Technical College — Veterans Day program, 11 a.m. in McCaulley Auditorium, 928 Manchester Expressway. Free lunch afterward with meal tickets available at Hartline Information Desk, CARE Center and Wright Health Sciences Center
• Denny’s — Free “Build Your Own Grand Slam” meal from 5 a.m. to noon.
• Golden Corral — Free buffet meal and beverage NOT on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, but instead on Nov. 17, 5-9 p.m. Identification not required
• Goo-Goo 3 Minute Express Wash — Free express wash
• Great Clips — Free haircut on Nov. 11 or receive a card valid for a haircut through Dec. 31. Non-veterans can purchase a service and receive a card to give to a veteran.
• Hooters — Free meal up to $10.99 in value with a drink purchase all day.
• IHOP — Free red, white and blue pancakes 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Photograph in uniform or military dog tags also accepted as ID.
• Krystal — Free sausage biscuit from 6-10:30 a.m.
• LongHorn Steakhouse — Free Texas Tonion and non-alcoholic beverage all day.
• Olive Garden — Free meal from a limited menu, all day.
• Outback Steakhouse — Free Bloomin’ Onion appetizer and beverage.
• Red Lobster — Free appetizer.
• Ruby Tuesday — Free appetizer, all day.
• Smokey Bones — Free meal from “on the house” menu, including premium burger, pulled pork platter and nutty chicken salad.
• Sport Clips — Free haircut.
• Starbucks — Free 12 fl. oz. brewed coffee to veterans and military spouses.
• Texas Roadhouse — Free lunch (11 a.m.-2 p.m.). Choose from 10 entrees, including sirloin steak, two sides and non-alcoholic beverage.
• TGI Fridays — Free lunch from a select menu from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Wingstop — Five free wings
• Zoës Kitchen — Free entree from veterans and 10 percent off for family members.
