2014 Veterans Day Free Meals And Discounts
Each year for Veterans Day, many restaurants and companies offer discounts to the Veterans and their families as a way of saying thank you for their service and sacrifice. Listed below are a few companies that will be offering those discounts and free meals to veterans.
Two things to be mindful of before going to each locations:
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Proof of Military Service. Most companies require some form of military ID. These include: a Military ID Card (active/reserve/retired), Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), Driver’s License with Veterans Designation, Photograph in uniform, be wearing uniform (if your service permits), Veterans Organization Card (e.g., American Legion and VFW), DD214, discharge paperwork, or other form of identification. Other restaurants and companies may go by the honor system.
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Participation. Second, always call ahead to verify locations, times, and participation. Many of the listed companies are franchises and may have different policies. We will do our best to keep this page updated as we find new info.
Applebee’s – free meal, Nov. 11, 2014: Last year, Applebee’s served over one million free meals to military veterans and active servicemembers. Applebee’s is again offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014. There will be 7 entrées to choose from, beverage and gratuity not included. Military ID or proof of service required. More.
BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse, Nov. 11, 2014. Complimentary lunch entree, up to $9.95 value. Offer valid to all active duty military and veterans, with proof of service. Locations.
Bob Evans, Nov. 11, 2014. Free All you can eat hotcakes. For active duty military and veterans with ID or proof of service. Locations.
California Pizza Kitchen, Nov. 11, 2014. Choose a pizza, full size salad, or pasta from the special Veterans Day Menu. Dine-in only. Please come in uniform or bring your military I.D. or other proof of service. Find a location near you.
Carraba’s, Nov. 11, 2014. Free appetizer of your choice for active duty servicemembers and veterans. Military ID or proof of service required. Locations.
Cattlemens Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2014. Free 8 oz Sirloin Steak Dinner on Veterans Day. Proof of service required. Locations.
CentraArchy Restaurants, Nov. 11, 2014. Free meal with proof of service at participating restaurants, including Burrito Loco, California Dreaming, Carolina Roadhouse, ChopHouse New Orleans, ChopHouse ’47, Gulfstream Café, Joey D’s Oak Room, and New York Prime. Locations.
Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2014. Free meal for active and former military members with ID or other valid proof of service. Find a location near you.
Cheeseburger in Paradise, Nov. 11 2014. Free All-American Burger with fries with purchase of beverage and military ID or proof of service. Available to active military or veterans. Beverages and gratuity not included, dine-in only. Find a location near you.
Chili’s – free meal, Tuesday, Nov. 11 2014. Chili’s is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of one of 7 meals during the dinner hour, or any lunch combo during lunch. Offer only available at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service. Visit their website to find locations.
Claim Jumper, Monday Nov. 10, 2014. Free entrée from select menu, with official proof of service. Dine-in only. Locations.
Cotton Patch Café, Nov. 11, 2014. Free meal for current and former military members. Choices include full-size chicken fried steak, or chicken fried chicken. Proof of service required. Locations.
Country Cookin, Nov. 11, 2014. Free meal for current and former military. Proof of service required. Locations.
Denny’s, Nov. 11. Free Build Your Own Grand Slam® on Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 5 a.m. to noon for all active, inactive, and retired military personnel. Participating locations only. Please call ahead. Locations.
East Coast Wings, Nov. 11, 2014. Free Appetizer or Desert. Proof of service required. Locations.
Einstein Bros Bagels, Nov. 11, 2014. Free coffee at participating locations. Available to all active duty members and veterans with ID or proof of service. Locations.
Fatz Eatz & Drinkz, Nov. 11, 2014. Free meal for current and former military members, up to $13.00 value. Proof of service required. Locations.
Fire & Ice Grill & Bar, Nov. 11, 2014. Free meal for military and veterans. Proof of service required. Locations.
Friendly’s, Nov. 11, 2014. Free breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Breakfast offering is free a Big Two Do breakfast, which includes a coffee and the choice between French toast, buttermilk pancakes, or regular toast along with bacon or sausage links, and some eggs. Lunch or dinner includes an All-American Burger served with fries and a beverage. Offer available for active military and veterans with ID or discharge papers. Participating locations only. Locations.
Golden Corral – Free meal, Monday Nov. 17, 2014 (5pm – 9pm): The 14th annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation Monday dinner will is available to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday dinner. For more information visit http://www.goldencorral.com/military/.
Special thanks to Golden Corral: To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 4 million free meals and contributed over $8.7 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization. Amazing!
See more Military Discounts and Veterans Day Deals.
Hooters, Nov. 11, 2014. Tuesday, Nov. 11, Hooters invites all veterans and current servicemen and women to enjoy a free meal, up to $10.99 in value with any drink purchase, by presenting a military ID or proof of service at any Hooters location across the country. Locations.
Hoss’s Family Steak & Sea House, Nov. 11, 2014. Free meal form the American Values Menu, Nov. 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Includes soup, salad, desert, and beverage. Dine-in only, valid ID or proof of service required. Locations.
Krispy Kreme – Free doughnut and small coffee, Nov. 11, 2014. Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores. Offer available to all active-duty, retirees, & veterans. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is participating. Locations.
Lone Star Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2014. All veterans and active duty military will be eligible for a free Starter. ID or proof of service required. Please call ahead for verification. Locations.
LongHorn Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2014. Complimentary Texas Tonion and non-alcoholic beverage. Offer good for Veterans and active-duty military members. Proof of service required. Visit their site to find a location near you.
Max & Erma’s, November 11, 2014. Participating Max & Erma’s locations are offering military members and veterans a free Best Cheeseburger in America Combo, which includes tortilla soup or side Caesar salad, seasoned fries, and chocolate chip cookies. Dine-in only. Call ahead to verify participation. ID or proof of service required. More info. Locations.
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants – free lunch or dinner, Sunday Nov 9, 2014: McCormick & Schmick’s is celebrating their 16th annual Veteran’s Appreciation Event on Sunday, November 9th. Veterans will be able to choose a complimentary lunch or dinner entrée from a special menu. Veterans must provide proof of military service. Be sure to contact your local McCormick & Schmick’s as this is valid at participating restaurants only. Also, space is limited and reservations are highly recommended. For more information visit: M&S Veterans Appreciation Event.
Menchie’s, Nov. 11, 2014. All veterans and current servicemembers will receive a free 6 oz. frozen yogurt on Veterans Day. Locations.
Noah’s Bagels, Nov. 11, 2014. Free coffee for active duty and veterans. Proof of service required. Locations.
Orange Leaf, Nov. 11, 2014. Free frozen yogurt (up to 11 0z.). Proof of service required. Locations.
Outback Steakhouse – Nov. 11, 2014. Outback Steakhouse is honoring America’s military veterans by offering active duty military and veterans a free Bloomin’ Onion and a non-alcoholic beverage. This offer is available to Military Personnel and veterans with ID. Also receive 15% off your purchase from Nov. 12-Dec 31, 2014. Locations.
Perkin’s Restaurant & Bakery, Nov. 11, 2014. Participating restaurants are offering current servicemembers and veterans a free Magnificent Seven meal which includes two eggs, three buttermilk pancakes, and a choice of two bacon strips or two sausage links. Beverage not included. Call ahead to verify participation. ID or proof of service required. Locations.
Pinnacle Entertainment (Casino Chain), Nov. 11, 2014. Select locations are offering a free buffet meal for current military members and veterans. ID or proof of service required. More info and locations.
Red Hot & Blue, Nov. 10-12, 2014. Free Entrée with purchase of another entrée of equal or greater value. Coupon. Proof of Service required. Website.
Red Lobster – Monday, Nov. 10 – Thursday Nov. 13, 2014. Free Appetizer on Veterans Day with military ID or proof of service. Vets may choose from a select list of appetizers. Find a location near you.
Rib City (St. Louis, Missouri), Nov. 11, 2014. 50% Military Appreciation Meal Discount everyday to all Veterans and Active Duty Military. Eat in or carry out. (Des Peres and Cottleville, MO) More info.
Shoney’s, Nov. 11, 2014. Free All-American Burger to veterans and active duty servicemembers. Dine-in only, Proof of Service required. More info. Locations.
Sizzler Restaurants, Nov. 11, 2014. Free lunch served until 4pm. Choice of 3 entrees, and a free coffee, tea, or fountain drink. Valid with proof of military service. Dine-in only, not valid for salad bar or gratuity. Locations.
StarBucks, Nov. 11, 2014. Free tall brewed coffee for active duty, veterans, and their spouses. Participating stores only. Please call ahead.
Tap House Grill, Nov. 11, 2014. Free meal for servicemembers and veterans with proof of service. Dine-in only. Locations.
Texas Corral – Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. Free entrée (dine-in only). Offer available to all active duty members and veterans with ID. Locations.
Texas De Brazil Churrascaria, Nov. 11, 2014. 50% off for all current and former servicemembers at participating locations (please call ahead). Locations.
Texas Land and Cattle Steak House, Nov. 11, 2014. Free appetizer or shared plate for current servicemembers and veterans. ID or proof of service is required. Locations.
Tim Hortons, Nov. 11, 2014 – all US locations are offering a free donut to all active duty servicemembers and veterans. No purchase necessary. Proof of service required. Locations.
Travel Centers of America, Nov. 11, 2014. Free meal for CDL holders who are also veterans. Participating locations only; proof of service required. More info.
Twin Peaks, Nov. 11, 2014. Free 2015 calendar with $160 in coupons to first 100 servicemembers and veterans at each location. Free mealat following locations: Greenville, Jacksonville, Knoxville, Pensacola, Orlando, Concord. Please call ahead to verify participation. Locations.
Uno Chicago Grill, Nov. 11, 2014. Free individual pizza or entrée with the purchase of a pizza or entrée of equal or greater value. Available for all active duty and veterans. No coupon necessary; proof of service required. Don’t forget to tell the staff you are there that day to support Fisher House, and a portion of your party’s check will go to benefit the Fisher House Foundation, an awesome military charity. Find a location near you.
Village Inn, Nov. 11, 2014. Free breakfast any time of day (choice of three menu items). Veterans will also receive a “Thank You for Your Service Card” valid for 20% off their total bill on their next visit when they dine at Village Inn on Veterans Day. Participating locations only. Please call ahead. Locations.
54th Street Grill, Nov. 11, 2014. Free meal, up to $12 value, valid for current and former service members (more info). Proof of service required. Locations.
Awaiting updates for 2014:
Many restaurants and companies offer an annual Veterans Day promotion. The following deals were active last year, but have not yet been confirmed for 2014. Please feel free to contact me if you have information about 2014. Please do not assume these deals are in place for 2014 – call ahead to verify! (We will continue to update this list until Veterans Day 2014, so check back!).
Bar Louie, Free meal on Nov. 10th and 11th, 2013. From open to close Sunday, November 10th and Monday, November 11th every Bar Louie location across the country will offer veterans and military personnel a free meal up to a $12 value. Available at all locations, military ID or proof of service is required (source). Find a location near you.
Champps Americana, Nov. 11, 2013. Participating Champps locations are offering veterans and active duty servicemembers a free hamburger (7 to choose from) and waffle fries from open to close on Monday, November 11, 2013. Dine in only, valid at participating locations (call ahead to verify local participation). More info, Find a location near you.
Famous Dave’s, Nov. 11, 2013. Free or discounted meals on Veterans Day. Offer varies by location, please check the Famous Dave’s Veterans Day page or call your local restaurant for more information.
Fox & Hound and Bailey’s Sports Grille, Nov. 11, 2013. Free Sandwich or Entree (up to $13) for active duty military and veterans with ID or proof of service. Dine-in only and at only at participating locations. Locations.
HoneyBaked Stores, Nov. 11 – Nov. 17, 2013. Free lunch to current servicemembers and veterans with valid ID. Lunch includes sandwich, chips, cookie, and a drink. Valid only at the St. Louis, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City and Albuquerque locations, Please call ahead to verify participation. Locations.
Hy-Vee, Free Breakfast, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. Free Veterans Day breakfast from 7am – 11am at all participating Hy-Vee supermarkets with in-store dining. Please call ahead to verify participation, and bring proof of military service.
Little Caesars® Pizza, Nov. 11, 2013. Little Caesars is honoring the men and women of the United States armed forces this Veterans Day by providing veterans and active military members with a free Crazy Bread® with proof of military status or proof of service at participating stores nationwide. Call ahead to verify participation.
O’Charley’s, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. Free entree from the $9.99’er menu for all active military and veterans with proof of service. Find a location near you.
On The Border, Mon. Nov. 11, 2013. Veterans ans current servicemembers will receive a free entree from the “Create Your Own Combo menu,” featuring more than 150 possible dinner combination. On the Border will also donate 15% of your purchase to Carry the Load, a non-profit military organization (bring a copy of this flyer for the donation). Dine-in only, proof of service required. Find a location near you.
Red Robin, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. Free Red’s Tavern Double and Bottomless Steak Fries for all Red Robin guests with a military ID or proof of service. Red Robin is also partnering with Heinz for Veterans Day to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. Red Robin will also donate $10,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project. Find a location near you.
Ruby’s Diner, (Awaiting update – this is last year’s offer). Free Cinnamon Roll French Toast until 11:30am. Valid for all military service members past and present. Coupon required.
Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes, (Awaiting update – this is last year’s offer). Free meal with purchase of another regular priced meal. Available to current and former military members with valid ID. Available at all Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes locations. More info.
Spaghetti Warehouse, Sunday Nov. 10 – Monday, Nov. 12, 2013. Buy one entrée, get one free, coupon required. Choose any of 11 Original Recipe Spaghetti entrées and receive a second entrée free. Friends and relatives are encouraged to treat a veteran to a meal.
Texas Roadhouse, Nov. 11, 2013, starting at 11am. Every Texas Roadhouse location across the country will participate in the free lunch event to honor the men and women of our armed forces. Choose from one of 10 free meals, plus sides and a drink. Offer good for All veterans – including all active, retired or former U.S. military. ID Required. Dine-in only. Call ahead to verify times and locations. Find locations.
T.G.I. Friday’s, Nov. 11, 2013. Free lunch for all current military members and veterans from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Valid ID or proof of service required. Dine-on only at participating locations. Be sure to contact your local T.G.I Friday’s for details. Locations.
The Olive Garden, Free entrée, Nov. 11, 2013. Offer good for veterans and active duty military, on Monday, November 11th during regular business hours. Choose from a special menu; all entrées inlcude freshly baked garlic sticks and choice of soup or salad. Offer good in US and Canada, proof of service required. Additionally, all current military members and their families are eligible for a 10% discount during the month of November during Military Family Appreciation Month. Olive Garden and the USO to donate 15,000 storybooks to support United Through Reading’s Military Program during this promotion. Locations.
Tony Roma’s, Nov. 11, 2013. Free Entree, up to $15 for current and former military members with valid proof of service. Valid at select locations only. Please call ahead to verify participation. Details.
(source http://themilitarywallet.com)
The IRS wants to tax your illegal money
Every morning at work, I read through different news article online. I usually find a few that catch my attention, but this particular article really has me lost for words. At first I thought it was a joke until I realized the story was on the CNN Money website.
According to the article, the IRS states that the federal government is requiring you to claim any money you've acquired illegally and for it to be taxed as if it was obtained legally.
The IRS tax instructions states: ""Income from illegal activities, such as money from dealing illegal drugs, must be included in your income on Form 1040, line 21, or on Schedule C or Schedule C-EZ (Form 1040) if from your self-employment activity."
I wonder if Ray Ray and dem from up the block know about this.
Surprisingly enough some have actually claimed money they've earned illegally. It's usually the criminals that were either caught or about to get caught. That way they aren't charged twice for their original crime and evading taxes. Their original crime may be a misdemeanor, but evading taxes is a felony.
Now some people would say, “well what if I claim my illegal warnings, wouldn’t I end up getting caught?” The answer to that question is no. Due to privacy laws, the IRS is not allowed to notify the police or any other agency or disclose any information to any inquiring company without a court order. The only exception to that is if the crime you might have committed involved any sort of terrorism. The IRS would still need a court order to disclose the information but they can initiate the process themselves.
This same rule goes out to people that accept jobs that pay under the table. If your employer decides to pay you under the table or off the books, you are still required to claim that money. Your employer will not suffer any punishment if you claim it, but if you do not claim it and is later brought to light, you then face tax evasion charges.
The government will make sure they get money that is owed to them, but if they owe you money…good luck getting it!
For more on this story go to CNN Money.
Tickets For Left Lane Lurkers
I know I'm not the only one who hates driving behind a slow car in the fast lane. On Monday, legislation introduced to the State House that it would make it illegal to linger in the fast lane.
Rep. Bill Hitchens, R-Rincon, has introduced House Bill 459, which would make it illegal to drive in the left lane except for overtaking and passing another vehicle. The new measure would only apply if another car is trying to get by.
The new law would make it where you aren't allowed to drive on the left lane except for:
- Passing another vehicle.
- When no other vehicle is directly behind the vehicle in the left lane.
- When traffic make it impractical to drive in the right lane.
- When weather conditions make it necessary to drive in the left lane.
- When obstructions or hazards exist in the right lane.
- When a vehicle changes lanes to comply with other laws.
- When exiting on the left.
- To pay tolls or use a toll pass.
- When driving in the left lane comply with traffic control.
I was excited to read this, but my concern is are they going to actually enforce this? Last year they brought out the law making texting and driving illegal, but I still see people driving and texting everyday. There are times where the police themselves are driving and texting. I guess they are all above the law. Let's see how this ones goes...
Martin Lawrence Suing Trinidad James
Some of you might have heard of Trinidad James hit song, All Gold Everything, but apparently Martin Lawrence is seeking a lawsuit against Trinidad James. There seems to be many similarities between the artist and Martin's character "Jerome" from the Martin Lawrence show.
Jerome is known for his gold teeth, afro-puff, and slurring his words. If you look at the two you can see a similarity in looks.
Gerald Levin, the Martin show's creator, was quoted saying:
"Nobody’s that unattractive in real life. Gold chains, gold rings, and rotten teeth, that’s Jerome!! …Martin created that."
I know James isn't much to look at but damn Jerome?!? Nowadays you can sue anyone for just about anything so this doesn't surprise me one bit. I guess you haven't made it until someone tries to sue you. We'll just see how this unravels as time goes by.
Instagram Privacy Revolt
On Monday, Instagram made an update to their terms of service. One of the changes stated that data collected from the app can be shared with Facebook. That is understandable being that Facebook purchased Instagram. But what startled people the most was where the terms stated that "a business or entity may pay" instagram for your photos and use them for their advertising purposes without receiving any permission from you, the user, and without compensating you for your photos.
For photographers like myself, this is not right at all! We use social media as one of our ways of attracting potential clients so to hear pictures we might post can be used rubbed me the wrong way. If you're a model, or an aspiring model this wouldn't set to well with you either. Some women use social media sites and apps like Instagram to build up their fan base and even get work. That line of work, its your fan base and how you look that will get you any type of work.
Tuesday morning, the folks at instagram backtracked the language in their terms after the backlash they received monday. The co-founder of instagram, Kevin Systrom wrote in a blog post "The language we proposed ... raised question about whether your photos can be part of an advertisement, We do not have plans for anything like this and because of that we're going to remove the language that raised the question."
There were some people who have already deleted their instagram due to this. A popular tweeter feed associated with the hacker group called Anonymous was urging its more than 780,000 followers to delete their accounts and leave instagram.
It's safe to say that whenever signing up for any site or service, make sure to actually read their terms and their privacy policy. Clicking "accept" without actually reading it can place yourself at risk to things that later on you may regret. And the bad thing about it is, you wouldn't be able to do anything about it because you decided not to actually take the time out to read the fine print. A lesson we don't need to learn the hard way.