This Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military can take advantage of an extra day of deals.
As they do each year, restaurants are saluting veterans by offering free food and meal deals.
Thanks to the federal holiday falling on Sunday, it's officially observed Monday.
Proof of service such as a military ID is typically required and a few businesses will allow dressing in uniform as a form of identification. Discharge papers, VA cards and veteran organization membership cards also can be used to prove service at most businesses.
Deals are available at participating locations and offers can vary. Check with your closest location to confirm. The businesses listed here have more than 20 locations. Many smaller chains and individual restaurants also will offer deals and the easiest way to find specials is by checking social media.
Monday freebies and discounts
Benihana: Free appetizer with purchase of an entree Monday.
Boston Market: Buy one individual meal and a drink, get one individual meal free with a coupon posted at www.bostonmarket.com Sunday or Monday. This deal is not only for veterans.
Corner Bakery Cafe: Free “Choose 2” meal Sunday with military ID.
Denny's: From 5 a.m. to noon Monday, active, inactive and retired military personnel get a free Build Your Own Grand Slam at participating locations.
Gigi’s Cupcakes: Free cupcake Monday for to veterans and first responders.
Golden Corral: Free dinner buffet with beverage from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday to any person who is serving or has served in a United States Military branch, including the National Guard and Reserves.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria: 15 percent off Sunday and Monday. Not valid in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
IHOP: Free Red, White and blue pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday or a free patriotic pancake combo offer varies by location.
Pilot Flying J: Saturday through Monday, there will be a coupon on the myPilot app for a free Pilot Coffee with choice of a fresh breakfast sandwich, packaged pastry item or a Cinnamon Center of the Roll. This deal is open to all.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop: Free cookie with any purchase Monday.
Ovation Brands: Free buffet and bottled water at Old Country Buffet, Ryan's, HomeTown Buffet and Country Buffet and Furr's Fresh Buffet Monday.
Red Lobster: Free appetizer or dessert Sunday and Monday.
Texas de Brazil: Two veterans dine for free plus 20 percent off for up to six additional guests on Sunday and Monday.
Twin Peaks: Free meal from a special menu 11 a.m. to midnight Monday.
White Castle: Free combo meal for veterans and active military members who dine in or go through the drive-thru Sunday and Monday.
Zaxby’s: Free chicken fillet sandwich Monday at more than 600 locations.
Other Monday freebies
Cinemark: Free tickets Monday to veterans, active-duty and their spouses for Universal Pictures' movie First Man at more than 60 locations nationwide.
Hair Club: Free haircuts to veterans and active military personnel in honor of Veterans Day for the month of November. Also get half price off select hair restoration solutions through Nov. 30, an offer also available to first responders.
Kelly Tyko is a consumer columnist and retail reporter for Treasure Coast Newspapers and TCPalm.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK. Read her Bargainista tips at TCPalm.com/Bargainista, follow her on Twitter @KellyTyko and email her at kelly.tyko@tcpalm.com. Sign up for her weekly newsletter at www.tcpalm.com/newsletters.
