Find discounts, free meals and more

by Junna Base November 8, 2024

Veterans Day is approaching, which means businesses across the country will be giving back to the more than 20 million military members in the U.S. with deals and discounts.

Please call your local business or restaurant in advance to ensure they offer a discount and be sure to present your valid military ID or discharge card as proof of service.

Restaurants and stores in Iowa are offering Veterans Day deals

Here are some local restaurants and shops where veterans and active military members can grab a bite, enjoy a treat, or save some money:

Arcadia Polk City

On Sunday, November 10, veterans and active military members can enjoy a free meal from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m

Big Grove Brewery

This Veterans Day, Big Gove is inviting all veterans, active military and Gold Star families to enjoy a free meal. Free meals include hot beef, a four-cheese sandwich or a chicken Caesar salad. Free meals are available at all Big Grove locations from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m

Blank Park Zoo

From Saturday, November 9 through Monday, November 11, Blank Park Zoo will host “Salute to Our Heroes,” offering free admission to the zoo for all veterans and active military members and half-price admission for up to four people guests.

Captain Roys

Enjoy free breakfast at 9am on November 11th

Casey’s

On November 11, veterans can receive free coffee or fountain drinks of any size. Active military members and on-duty uniformed first responders can take advantage of the offer year-round.

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Veterans and active military members have free entry to the gardens from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m

Farewell

On November 11th, Fareway is offering a 15% discount to all military members, active and retired.

Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream

Happy Joe’s is offering veterans and active military a free lunch smorgasbord on November 1st, including a drink and a free small pizza. The offer is only available at selected locations.

Hy Vee

Enjoy a free breakfast for veterans and active military on November 11th from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Veterans and active military members can also receive 15% off grocery purchases in stores and online on Veterans Day.

Kum & Go

On November 11th, veterans and active military members can receive a free bean-to-cup coffee up to a large size at all Maverik and Kum & Go locations nationwide.

The Poke Company

Poke Company’s Des Moines location offers a 20% discount year-round for veterans, active military and first responders.

Pilot Flying J

On November 11, active or veteran military members and their families can enjoy a free meal valued at up to $12 through Pilot’s myRewards Plus app at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network locations.

prairie meadows

Join the celebration at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 11 at Prairie Meadows Casino & Racetrack. Enjoy a free lunch, live music and military demonstrations.

Smokey D’s BBQ

During Veterans Day, enjoy a free lunch platter at Smokey D’s with military ID.

Ziggi’s coffee

On November 11th, all veterans and active military members are invited to enjoy a free 16-ounce beverage at Ziggi’s. Military members receive a 10% discount year-round upon presentation of a military ID.

National chains are offering Veterans Day deals

Many national chains with locations in Iowa also offer deals honoring veterans. Here’s some of what you can find:

7 Make coffee

At all seven brew stands across the country, veterans will receive 25% off all drinks on November 11th when they present workers with a valid military or veteran ID.

apple bees

On November 11th, Applebee’s nationwide will be serving free meals to veterans and active military personnel. With proof of service, they can choose from seven main courses that are only served on site.

Proof of service includes a U.S. Uniformed Services ID card, a U.S. Uniformed Services Retired ID card, a current Leave and Earnings (LES) card, a veterans organization card (e.g. American Legion, VFW), a photo of yourself in uniform, wearing a uniform, DD214 and a certificate or commendation.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings is offering a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries on Veterans Day for veterans and active military. Offer valid only for dine-in dining with valid ID and orders at the counter at Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations.

Caribou coffee

On November 11th, veterans, active military members and their spouses with a valid ID can receive a small hot brew coffee of the day or a cold press (non-nitro).

Chick-Fil-A

Show your military or veteran ID at participating locations to receive a free chicken sandwich.

Cracker barrel

Veterans and active military members will receive a free slice of Double Fudge Coca-Cola cake with their meal. The offer is valid throughout November.

Denny’s

Veterans and active military receive a free Build Your Own Grand Slam, dinner only, on November 11 from 5 p.m. to noon.

Dunkin

Veterans and active military can receive a free donut of their choice at participating locations on November 11th, in-store only.

Fazolis

Fazoli’s will provide free spaghetti with marinara or meat sauce to veterans and active military members with valid proof of service on November 11th at participating locations. Dine on site or use the online code: Vet24.

Freddy’s

Veterans and active military members who visit participating locations on November 11th will receive a meal ticket good for one free combo meal of their choice. The cards must be redeemed by December 31, 2024.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

All active, veteran and retired military personnel with ID can enjoy a 25% discount at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria on November 11th. The chain offers military members and veterans a 15% discount year-round.

IHOP

Get a free red, white and blue pancake or pancake combo on Veterans Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., dinner only. Military ID or proof of service is required.

Krispy Kreme

Veterans and active military can start their Veterans Day with a free breakfast at Krispy Kreme, which includes a choice of donut and a small coffee.

Little Caesars

Veterans and military members can receive a free lunch combo at participating Little Caesars locations between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Olive Garden

On November 11, Olive Garden is offering a free Veterans Day meal for all active military and veterans, including an entrée from a special menu paired with breadsticks and salad or soup.

Perkins

Veterans and active members receive a free Magnificent Seven Breakfast for Veterans Day.

Red lobster

Red Lobster is offering free shrimp and chips to veterans and active military members with proof of service. The meal consists of six hand-breaded, butterflied and lightly fried shrimp, fries, coleslaw and a drink. Taxes and tips are not included. No substitutions or modifications are permitted.

Scooter’s coffee

Veterans and active military members can receive a free medium drink for every drink on Scooter’s Coffee’s menu on Veterans Day. Mobile advance ordering is not available.

Starbucks

The coffee chain is offering veterans, active-duty members and their spouses a free 12-ounce coffee on November 11th at participating locations.

sound

On November 11, veterans and active military members can enjoy half-price shakes in every size and flavor at participating Sonic locations.

Subway

Veterans and active members can receive a free 6-inch submarine or a 10% discounted submarine sandwich at participating locations.

Wendy’s

Active-duty military members and veterans will receive a free breakfast combo from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on November 11 at participating Wendy’s locations

Do you know of an offer we missed? To review, send us a message at [email protected].

Cooper Worth is a service/trends reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at [email protected] or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.

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