Applebee's to Offer Free Veterans Day Meals
Applebee's gives veterans and active duty military a complimentary entree on November 11, with a $5 Bounce Back Card for military diners through November 29.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Military
On November 11, Applebee's will offer veterans and active duty military members a complimentary full-size entree, with eligibility requiring proof of service. Military diners dining in with a military ID that day also receive a $5 Bounce Back Card usable through November 29.
Why it matters
The offer is an expression of gratitude for military service and sacrifice, and it extends a tradition the chain says has served more than 12.7 million free meals over 19 years. For U.S. readers, it provides a practical way for service members and veterans to mark Veterans Day with a meal out.
The offer is a promotional campaign by Applebee's, and the source reports a cumulative total of more than 12.7 million free meals served over 19 years. The source does not state participation numbers for the November 11 event, nor whether the total includes only this promotion.
The players
Applebee's
Applebee's is a casual dining restaurant chain in the United States that has run recurring promotions honoring military service.
The details
On November 11, guests who dine in and show proof of service, such as a Uniformed Services ID card, a current Leave and Earnings Statement, a veterans organization card, or a photograph in uniform, may select a complimentary entree from a special menu of seven items. Military diners using a military ID that day also receive a $5 Bounce Back Card usable for dine-in, To Go, or delivery orders through November 29.
Timeline
November 11: Free veterans entree and special military menu offered at Applebee's restaurants.
November 29: Bounce Back Card expires.
Big Picture
The 2026 offer continues Applebee's annual Veterans Day tradition, which the chain reports has provided more than 12.7 million free meals over 19 years. The continuity places this promotion within a long-running corporate practice of recognizing military service.
Eligible veterans and active duty members can use proof of service to claim a free entree at participating Applebee's restaurants on November 11. Military diners with a military ID receive a $5 Bounce Back Card usable toward dine-in, To Go, or delivery orders through November 29.
The takeaway
Veterans and active duty members planning a Veterans Day meal can bring a valid proof of service to take advantage of the free entree on November 11, and should note the November 29 expiration date for the $5 Bounce Back Card.
What happens next
Applebee's free veterans meal and military menu are scheduled for November 11, and the Bounce Back Card expires November 29.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in the Military section for context on how service members and veterans are recognized across the country.
