Veterans Day 2023: Ultimate guide to restaurant freebies, plus city, county closures

Tiana Kennell, Asheville Citizen Times
Updated ·8 min read

ASHEVILLE - This weekend, select restaurants and other businesses will offer free items and discounts as a token of appreciation for those who have served and are actively serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Veterans Day is Nov. 11 but will be observed Nov. 10 by many county and city offices and agencies and businesses.

Here are some participating food and dining establishments offering meal deals and freebies to veterans and active-duty military personnel in honor of Veterans Day.

On Nov. 11, Carrabba’s Italian Grill will offer a complimentary dine-in appetizer or dessert paired with a soft beverage for veterans and active-duty military with the show of ID.
On Nov. 11, Carrabba’s Italian Grill will offer a complimentary dine-in appetizer or dessert paired with a soft beverage for veterans and active-duty military with the show of ID.

Also, here's a list of local government offices and agencies that will be closed, open or operating with limited hours or services in observance of the federal holiday:

Send Veterans Day restaurant promotions to tkennell@citizentimes.com.

Veterans Day dining deals

Applebee’s

On Nov. 11, all active-duty military, veterans, reserves and National Guard may receive a complimentary full-size entrée from an exclusive menu that includes 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Platter, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad, and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. Also, veterans dining in may receive a $5 Bounce Back Card to redeem for dine-in, to-go or delivery services within a three-week redemption window.

Buffalo Wild Wings

On Nov. 11, Buffalo Wild Wings will offer a free order of 10 Boneless Wings and Fries for all past and present armed services members (with valid ID). Only available for dine-in. Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations will be included for walk-in/order at the counter only.

Buffalo Wild Wings' Boneless Wings and Fries.
Buffalo Wild Wings' Boneless Wings and Fries.

Charleys Cheesesteaks

Veterans and service members may receive free Gourmet Fries at any Charleys Cheesesteaks by presenting proof of service at the restaurant and mentioning the promotion. The offer is available in-store only and cannot be redeemed online or through the Charleys Rewards app. No purchase is necessary at most Charleys Cheesesteaks restaurants. However, Charleys Cheesesteaks on military bases require the purchase of a cheesesteak and drink to receive free Gourmet Fries.

Dunkin’

On Nov. 11, Dunkin’ will offer all retired and active military a free donut of their choice at participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide.

Food Lion

On Nov. 11, grocery retailer Food Lion will provide a 10% discount on their entire grocery bill (excluding pharmacy, alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, lottery, pharmacy, postage stamps and services) to all U.S. active-duty military personnel and veterans at all stores. To receive the discount, active-duty military, veterans and their families should present their Food Lion MVP card and military identification at the time of checkout. The offer is only valid in-store and unavailable through Food Lion To Go pick-up or home delivery.

IHOP

IHOP will offer veterans and active-duty military a free stack of red, white and blueberry pancakes from 7 a.m.- 7 p.m. Nov. 11. The offer is for dine-in guests only who present a military ID or proof of service.

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice

All former and active military personnel can receive a free small treat (with valid ID).

Krispy Kreme

On Nov. 11, Krispy Kreme will offer a free doughnut of choice and a free small coffee, hot or cold, to veterans and active military personnel. No purchase is necessary, and the offer is limited to one per guest, in-shop and drive-thru only.

Olive Garden

On Nov. 11, Olive Garden restaurants will offer a free entrée from a special menu of its most popular entrée offerings to active-duty military and military veterans. Each will be served with Olive Garden’s unlimited homemade soup or famous house salad and warm, garlic breadsticks.

Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse will offer a free Bloomin' Onion and beverage with the purchase of an adult entree to all active and retired military personnel who dine in at the restaurant on Nov. 11. Also, they may receive an additional free $10 bonus when dining in on Nov. 11 (valid from Nov. 12-Dec. 17).

Publix

Publix will offer a 10% discount on groceries (excluding prescriptions, alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, lottery tickets, postage stamps and money services) to all veterans and active military personnel on Nov. 11. Must present a veteran ID card, military ID card, discharge document or a driver license with veteran designation.

Red Lobster's shrimp and chips.
Red Lobster's shrimp and chips.

Red Lobster

Red Lobster will present free printed meal vouchers for the special Veterans Shrimp & Chips, featuring six hand-breaded, butterflied and lightly fried shrimp, served with cocktail sauce, as well as crispy french fries and coleslaw, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 11. Active-duty military, reserves, and veterans must show a valid military ID or proof of service to redeem — valid Nov. 13-Dec. 10, dine-in only.

Sonic

On Nov. 11, veterans may purchase a Fritos Chili Cheese Jr. Wrap for 99 cents.

Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse will honor veterans and active military this Veterans Day with free lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 11. Proof of service is required, which includes military or VA card or discharge papers. Veterans and active military can choose from one of 10 meals, including a 6-ounce sirloin with two made-from-scratch sides, plus all meals include a choice of any Coca-Cola product, sweet tea/iced tea or coffee.

Now through the end of the year, when guests buy a limited-edition Texas Roadhouse gift card, 10% of all proceeds will go directly to Homes for Our Troops, a nonprofit organization that helps build custom homes for severely injured military veterans, with whom Texas Roadhouse has partnered with for nearly 20 years.

The Veterans Day at Outback Steakhouse will be a free Bloomin' Onion and beverage with purchase of an adult entree.
The Veterans Day at Outback Steakhouse will be a free Bloomin' Onion and beverage with purchase of an adult entree.

City and county closures

City of Asheville offices: Closed Nov. 10.

Asheville Rides Transit (ART) bus service: Running on a normal schedule, and veterans may ride fare-free for the day.

Sanitation collection of waste and recycling: Operating on a regular schedule. The office will be closed.

Parks & Recreation: All parks and greenways open from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Community centers and administrative offices closed.

Community & Regional Entertainment Facilities: Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville, WNC Nature Center, Aston Park Tennis Center and Asheville Municipal Golf Course will be open for normal operating hours and events on Nov. 10.

Emergency services: All public safety services, including police, fire and emergency response operate on a normal schedule — 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Water Resources staff will be available for water-related emergencies 24 hours a day over the holiday. Customers can call the customer service line at 828-251-1122 to report water-related emergencies, leaks, breaks and no water calls.

Buncombe County government offices: Closed Nov. 10. Visit buncombecounty.org/veterans for information and resources for veterans.

Buncombe County Libraries: Closed Nov. 10-11. All Libraries are regularly closed on Sundays and Mondays. The digital library is always available at buncombecounty.org/library.

Buncombe County Animal Shelter: Close Nov. 10. The animal shelter’s hours of operation differ from the adoption center. The animal shelter is closed on Sundays and all recognized Buncombe County holidays. On holidays, the shelter runs an emergency schedule, opening for 15 minutes only at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m.

Buncombe County Courthouse: Courts closed Nov. 10.

Buncombe County Sheriff's Office: The front desk closed Nov. 10; all other operations will be on a normal schedule.

Emergency Services & Public Safety Communications: Administrative offices closed Nov. 10. EMS and 911 maintain normal operations.

Election Services: Closed Nov. 10.

Family Justice Center: Closed Nov. 10. Information for the 24-hour hotline is available on the website, buncombecounty.org.

Buncombe County Health & Human Services: Closed Nov. 10.

Identification Bureau: Closed Nov. 10 at 52 Coxe Ave.

Mountain Mobility: Open Nov. 10 and operating on a regular schedule.

Parks & Recreation Services: Administration offices closed Nov. 10. All parks and facilities in the Buncombe County system will be open with regular hours.

The Buncombe County Register of Deeds: Closed Nov. 10. Online services will remain available.

The Buncombe County Landfill and Transfer Station: Open and operating on a regular schedule Nov. 10.

Waste Pro: Trash and recycling collection services will operate on a regular schedule Nov. 10.

Henderson County: Local government offices and agencies, the transfer station and convenience center, the public library and its branches, and the Henderson County Courthouse will be closed Nov. 10.

Henderson County Animal Services: Closed Nov. 10-11.

Buncombe County Veterans Day Events

Operation Greenlight and Proclamation: From Nov. 6-12, Operation Greenlight and Buncombe County will show support for veterans by illuminating veteran service buildings with a green light, including the Buncombe County Health and Human Services building at 40 Coxe Ave. (Veterans Services Offices) and the Buncombe County Courthouse (Veterans Treatment Court). On Nov. 7, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will present a proclamation in honor of local veterans at its regular board meeting.

Veterans Day Ceremony: On Nov. 11, Veterans Services invites the community to a live Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Charles George VA, 1100 Tunnel Road. Events include keynote speaker, Warren Dupree ― an enrolled Member of Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian tribal elder and veteran who served in both the Vietnam War and Desert Shield/Desert Storm ― and readings from the Brothers and Sisters Like These Veteran Writing Group.

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Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Veterans Day 2023: Restaurant freebies, plus city, county closures