This content was originally published on GuideLive.com by Norma Cavazos at http://bit.ly/1Nn6I8T.
Every year on November 11, we honor our nation’s military veterans. We call it Veterans Day, and we use it to thank them for their service and their sacrifices. This is a time for us to truly appreciate the price of freedom, and the men and women who have made that possible.
In the spirit of celebration, we at the American Red Cross, would like to pass along this information to all of the veterans and active duty military members we know. Thanks to GuideLive and Norma Cavazos, we found a major list of earned (free) meals and deals for veterans and active duty military members this week.
If you served, or are serving, here is a list of some of the businesses who want to say thanks with a free meal and more on Nov. 11. To take advantage of these offers, just wear your uniform or have proof of military service.
Restaurant Deals:
Applebee’s Choose a free meal from a special Vets Day Menu of 7 signature entrees and sides including a 7 oz sirloin with vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes, the American Standard cheeseburger, a Chicken Tenders Platter with fries and slaw and more.
Cantina Laredo Free entree from the menu, up to $15 value.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill Free appetizer of your choice; no other purchase required. Available Nov. 9-15.
Cool River Free entree up to $35 value.
Del Frisco’s Grille Complimentary appetizers are offered at all four DFW locations.
Denny’s Stop by for a free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon at participating Denny’s. The chain will also make a donation of $23,000 in Denny’s gift cards to the Fisher House Foundation, a non-profit that provides nearby housing for the families of veterans who are undergoing treatment.
El Chico Select a free dinner from the menu, up to $13 value.
El Fenix Choose one of six free Tex-Mex dinners: Enchilada Dinner, Monterrey Chicken Platter. Chicken Tortilla Soup, Juarez Plate, Durango Dinner, Mexican Cobb Salad. 22 locations.
Golden Corral Service members past and present dine free during Military Appreciation Night, Nov. 11, 5-9 p.m. To date, the restaurant chain has served 4.4 million free meals and donated $10.2 million to the Disabled American Veterans.
Goodfella’s Pizza The Plano pizza restaurants are participating in the Greenlight a Vetsupport program. Vets and military personnel can order from the menu and Goodfella’s picks up the tab at both locations.
Hard Rock Cafe Free meal with the purchase of another entree. Offer good on Nov. 11, 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Hooters Pick one of these free meals: 10 piece boneless or traditional wings, buffalo chicken salad or sandwich, Hooters burger.
IHOP Participating IHOPs are offering a free stack of red, white & blue pancakes — buttermilk pancakes with glazed strawberries, blueberry compote and whipped topping. Nov. 11, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Krispy Kreme Free doughnut and small coffee to anyone who identifies themself as a veteran or active duty personnel (no ID required). The offer is good only at Krispy Kreme shops, in store only (no drive-through).
Outback Steakhouse Enjoy a free Bloomin’ Onion appetizer and a beverage (non-alcoholic).
Silver Fox Free entree from the menu, up to $35 value.
Starbucks Free tall coffee for veterans, active military duty and spouses of active military duty. Also offering special Veterans Day gift cards, with a portion of those proceeds benefiting USO.
Wayback Burgers Get a free Wayback Classic Cheeseburger with the purchase of any side and drink. 6421 Riverside Dr., Irving.
Most restaurant chains offer Veterans Day specials at all their locations, but you might want to call ahead and verify.
More Earned Goodies:
Bowlmor To thank the troops, the Addison bowling alley is comping two free games plus shoe rental for all current and former military.
Veterans Day Post-Parade Party Following the Dallas Veterans Day Parade, vets are invited to party on at Poor David’s Pub with live music, food and “spontaneous outbursts of patriotism.” From 1 until 9 p.m. at Poor David’s Pub, 1313 S. Lamar, Dallas
Veterans Day Happy Hour Independence Brewing and Chimera Brewing team up to host a Happy Hour with all Independence canned beer priced at $3 and free barbecue for vets (while it lasts). Food starts at 5 p.m, cans are $3 until 8 p.m. Chimera Brewing, 1001 W. Magnolia, Fort Worth.
Haircuts for Heroes Vertigo 12 Hair Lounge & Collaborative offers free haircuts and a cold beer to veterans, active duty and their spouses from 2 until 8 p.m. on Veterans Day. No appointment necessary. The salon is on the 12th floor of 211 N. Ervay (Suite 1210, 214-699-7824) and guests are offered free valet parking at the Joule Hotel.
Great Clips On Nov. 11, veterans and active duty personnel can stop in for a free haircut or a Thank a Veteran free haircut card, redeemable until Dec. 31, 2015. In fact, anyone getting a trim on Veterans Day can ask for a free card to give to someone who served or is serving.