Veterans Day 2022: The Best Food Freebies And Deals

World War I officially ended on November 11, 1918, at 11:11 a.m., and more than a century later, the same day each year commemorates the momentous global event. Honoring all those who served in the armed forces during the war, the holiday is celebrated in 12 different countries worldwide. Some call it Remembrance Day and others, such as the U.S., refer to it as Veterans Day.

There are many ways people can honor veterans on Veterans Day, per VeteranAid. Some may choose to donate to charities, others may wear poppies on their clothing, and some might volunteer their time at a Veterans Affairs hospital or nursing home. While these efforts are primarily practiced by individuals, businesses typically show their respect for the day in other ways. Food businesses, for example, often choose to provide free meals and other deals to veterans, as well as those currently serving in the military and their families. These are eight food chains to visit on and around Friday, November 11, for Veterans Day specials.

Taco John's is offering veterans a free #1 Small Beef Combo, which includes two crispy beef tacos, plus your choice of a small side and drink. To get this offer, you must also be a member of the chain's Bigger Bolder Rewards program, which you can join either via the app or online. Enter VETERAN22 under the MORE tab in the app when ordering through the platform, or use the provided QR code to order in a restaurant. Those who join the rewards program also qualify for free small Potato Olés with any purchase for the first 30 days.

Golden Corral is offering a free "Thank You dinner" at its all-you-can-eat buffet and grill "for all active-duty military personnel, retirees, and veterans of the U.S. Military." While not on Veteran's Day itself, the Military Appreciation Night on Monday, November 14, from 5 p.m. until closing time will take place at all locations. Non-military spouses or family members must pay for the meal, and military members must present identification.

On Veterans Day, Bob Evans restaurants will offer "a free meal from a select menu" for dine-in customers. This offer is available to all military personnel and veterans. Customers can select from breakfast meals such as the country biscuit breakfast or brioche french toast, as well as savory options like the soup and salad combo or country-fried steak. 

On November 11, Chili's will be offering active-duty military and veterans a free meal of their choosing from a limited menu. Options include Chicken Crispers, an Oldtimer with Cheese, Cajun chicken pasta, and other Chili's staples. The offer will run at all Chili's locations, exclusively for dine-in customers. 

For Veterans Day, Red Lobster is dishing out a free Walt's Favorite Shrimp meal with fries and coleslaw to active-duty military, reservists, and veterans. Orders must be placed between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on November 11 by dine-in or to-go customers who present military ID or proof of service. Walt's Favorite Shrimp, the dish that helped Red Lobster become so popular, consists of "hand-breaded, butterflied, and lightly fried shrimp" with cocktail sauce.

Veterans and active-service military personnel will get a free dessert when visiting Cracker Barrel on November 11. The offer is a free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake with any order placed in stores or online with the VETSDAY22 code at checkout. Additionally, now through November 14, customers may shop at Cracker Barrel stores with 25% off military items including T-shirts and U.S. Armed Forces drinkware.

Those who provide valid proof of military service will receive a free Country Scramble from Country Kitchen restaurants on November 11. Based on the photo for the special, the scramble plate includes eggs, pancakes, and ham. The promotion is available for dine-in customers only and cannot be combined with any other offer. 

Finally, Friendly's restaurants — known for their elaborate ice cream sundaes, Fribbles, and Friend-Z desserts — will ring in Veterans Day on November 11 by serving up a free burger and fountain drink to veterans and active military members. Assume that identification will be required for the deal.