Restaurants Offer Free Meals to Vets on Veteran’s Day

Veterans are getting a big thank you from companies that are providing free meals and discounts in honor of Veterans Day this week. Applebees, Golden Corral, Chili’s and Hooters are all offering free meals to vets, both active and retired, while Outback Steakhouses are giving away Bloomin’ Onions.

Applebees – All of the the nearly 1,900 restaurants are offering a free meal to veterans and active-duty service members across the U.S., with 7 entrées to choose from. Active duty, reserved and retired vets are all welcome on Thursday, Nov. 11. (Drinks and tips not included.) The chain expects to serve more than one million meals this year. Last year, lines formed even before the doors opened and tables were packed.

Golden Corral – To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 2.5 million free meals to veterans. This year, their 9th annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation dinner will be held on Monday, November 15, 2010 from 5 pm to 9 pm in all Golden Corral Restaurants nationwide. The free “thank you” dinner is available to any person who has ever served in the US Military, National Guard or Reserves. Last year’s Military Appreciation Monday served over 335,000 soldiers with a free dinner buffet and beverage. The chain has also contributed over $4.1 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization. Click here to locate one near you.

Chili’s – Participating Chili’s are offering a free meal on Thursday to all military veterans past and present, with a choice from 6 entrees. (Drinks and tips not included.) Locate a store and call ahead to confirm participation.

Outback Steakhouses nationwide are offering their appreciation to veterans and active duty military with a free Bloomin’ Onion and Beverage (one non-alcoholic drink). Available at every Outback in the country on Veterans Day.

Outback doesn’t wait until a November holiday to show its support to soldiers. In 2002, Outback sent a team of volunteer employees to Afghanistan to feed American troops. Since then, Outback has made a total of 7 trips to the Middle East bringing a much needed taste of home to 150,000 troops. Earlier this year, Outback invited its guests to order off its “Red, White & Bloomin” Menu and donated $1 Million to Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization that serves veterans.

Hooters – Hooters is offering a free meal anytime on Thursday to military veterans and active duty personnel, with a choice of  specialty items. (A drink purchase is required.)

For discounts at other stores and attractions, visit www.themilitarywallet.com.

Vets should be sure to bring their military ID cards with them.