Restaurant Chains Offer Veterans Day Meals to Vets
Several Springfield restaurant chains will provide free meals and deals to veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Military
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Multiple restaurant chains with Springfield locations are offering free meals and discounts to veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Offers vary by chain and in some cases require proof of military service.
Why it matters
The promotions give service members and veterans in the Springfield area a way to receive recognition on the holiday that honors them. Several offers are limited to dine-in or specific menus, so eligibility and terms matter for those planning to take advantage.
Buffalo Wild Wings offers past and present armed services members 10 free boneless wings and fries, while Chipotle requires a $5 purchase to receive free chips and a choice of guacamole, Queso Blanco or salsa. Golden Corral's complimentary buffet and beverage are available from 4 p.m. to close, and the extraction does not specify how many Springfield locations of each chain are participating.
The players
Applebee's
Applebee's is a casual dining chain offering a free full-size entrée from a special menu to veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings is a sports bar and restaurant chain offering past and present armed services members 10 free boneless wings and fries.
Chili's
Chili's is a casual dining chain offering a free meal from a select Veterans Day menu to veterans and active-duty military.
Chipotle
Chipotle Mexican Grill is a fast-casual chain offering active-duty service members and veterans free chips and dip with a $5 purchase.
Golden Corral
Golden Corral is a buffet-style restaurant chain offering current service members, retired military and veterans a complimentary buffet and beverage from 4 p.m. to close.
The details
Applebee's offers veterans and active-duty military a free full-size entrée from a special menu, dine-in only with proof of service. Chili's offers a free meal from a select Veterans Day menu, also dine-in only with proof of service, while IHOP offers a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo and Krispy Kreme offers a free small coffee and doughnut, limited to one per guest. Cracker Barrel offers a free Sunrise pancake special, Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers offers a free Freddy's Combo meal card, and Golden Corral offers current service members, retired military and veterans a complimentary buffet and beverage.
Timeline
Nov. 11, 2026: Veterans Day, when the restaurant offers are available at Springfield locations.
Historical Context
Veterans Day traces back to the 1918 armistice that ended World War I, when it was observed as Armistice Day and later became a federal holiday in 1938. The 1954 renaming to Veterans Day broadened the observance to honor all American veterans, a tradition these restaurant promotions continue.
Veterans and active-duty service members should bring proof of military service to dine-in locations like Applebee's and Chili's, since those offers require it. Checking each chain's menu and hours before visiting helps avoid surprises, especially for Golden Corral's buffet, which starts at 4 p.m.
The takeaway
Veterans and active-duty military can take advantage of several chain promotions on Nov. 11, but dine-in requirements and proof-of-service rules differ by restaurant. Reviewing each offer's terms before visiting makes it easier to plan a visit.
What happens next
Texas Roadhouse meal vouchers for veterans expire on May 31, 2027, for those who want to use them after the holiday.
Further reading
Find more coverage of service members and veterans in our Military section.
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Do you think businesses in your area genuinely appreciate veterans and active-duty military?
