Veterans Day 2023 deals and freebies at Florida restaurants, theme parks

Veterans Day is coming Saturday and several businesses, theme parks and restaurants are offering discounts or freebies to honor those who have served in the military.

A federal holiday, Veterans Day is one of the rare holidays that is always observed on Nov. 11, no matter what day of the week it is.

Nov. 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars,” according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The day is one to "honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good."

Several businesses honor veterans by offering special discounts or freebies. We'll update this list as more announcements are made.

Will schools be closed for Veterans Day? See which Florida schools will close for Veterans Day. Hint: It's not all of them

When is Veterans Day 2023?

Veterans Day will be celebrated Saturday, Nov. 11.

Is Veterans Day a federal holiday?

Yes, Veterans Day is a federal holiday. When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, federal employees observe the day on the preceding Friday. So federal employees will be off Nov. 10 this year.

Is it Veterans Day, Veterans' Day or Veteran's Day?

It's Veterans Day.

What food and restaurant discounts or freebies are available to military on Veterans Day?

Keep in mind most businesses require proof of military service and not all franchises participate in Veterans Day programs; contact your local business to make sure it is offering the discount.

7-Eleven: Veterans and active duty military can get a free coffee or big gulp on Veterans Day with the 7-Eleven 7REWARDS Mobile App.

Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant: Veterans and active-duty military can choose one free entrée from the Veterans Day menu on Nov. 11 at select locations.

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza: Veterans and active military personnel receive a free 12-inch cheese pizza. Dine-in or takeout.

Applebee's: On Nov. 11, active-duty military, veterans, reserves and National Guard that dine in will get a complimentary full-size entrée from a special menu.

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s: Veterans get a free meal up to $10. No purchase required.

Ben’s Soft Pretzels: Veterans can get a free pretzel on Veterans Day.

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse : On Nov. 11, veterans can dine in and enjoy a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie with any $9.95+ purchase. In addition, veterans who spend more than $14.95 for dine in or takeout will receive a coupon for a free appetizer to redeem between Nov. 12 and Dec. 31.

Black Angus Steakhouse: Participating restaurants offer veterans and active military professionals an 8 oz. certified angus beef top sirloin with mashed potatoes, broccoli and non-alcoholic drink for $10.99. Dine in and takeout. Must show military ID.

Bob Evans: Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a select menu on Nov. 11. Dine-in only.

Bonefish Grill: Active-duty service members and veterans get a complimentary order of bang bang shrimp with a soft beverage on Nov. 11 with valid ID.

Bubba Gump Shrimp: 20% off meal on Nov. 11 for veterans, one per check for parties up to 4. Not valid on alcohol.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active-duty service members get a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries on Nov. 11 with valid ID. Only available for dine-in.

California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active-duty military members get a complimentary meal Nov. 11.

Carrabba's: On Nov. 11, veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary dine-in appetizer or dessert paired with a soft beverage with show of ID.

Chick-fil-A: Chick-fil-A offers a free chicken sandwich for all active-duty personnel and veterans at participating franchises. There is no chainwide discount. Participating locations usually offer active duty military and veterans a daily 10% discount and one free meal on Military Appreciation Days.

Chili's: Veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from a select menu on Nov. 11with proof of service. Available for in-restaurant only.

Cicis Pizza: Free adult buffet to all veterans and active-duty military personnel on Nov. 11.

Cracker Barrel: A slice of Coca-Cola cake available to veterans with any purchase.

Denny’s: Veterans and active military personnel get a free build your own grand slam on Nov. 10, from 5 a.m. to noon. Dine-in only.

Duffy's Sports Grill: Veterans get a free meal on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dine-in only.

Dunkin': Veterans and active-duty military get a free donut of their choice on Nov. 11 at participating locations. Offer available in-store only.

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) with a purchase in-store on Nov. 11.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: All veterans and current military personnel who visit Freddy’s on Nov. 11 will receive a free Freddy’s original double with cCheese combo meal card.

Friendly’s: Veterans and active military can receive a free Veterans Day lunch or dinner (dine-in only) on Nov. 11. Eligible customers will receive a free All-American burger with fries and a drink. Present your military ID or honorable discharge card.

Golden Corral: Golden Corral is hosting its Military Appreciation Night on Nov. 13 from 5 p.m. to close. This includes a free thank you meal when dining in.

Hooters: Active-duty military and veterans get a free entrée from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu with purchase of a beverage at participating locations on Nov. 11. Dine-in only.

Hurricane Grill and Wings: Veterans and active-duty military who dine-in get a complimentary entree from a special menu on Nov. 11. Must present military ID or wear military uniform.

IHOP: Veterans and active-duty military get free red, white and blueberry pancakes or pancake combo on Nov. 11 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dine-in only, at participating restaurants.

Krispy KremeDonuts: Veterans and active-duty military can get a free doughnut and a small coffee on Veterans Day. No purchase, ID, or coupon is necessary.

Little Caesars: Veterans and military personnel can get a free lunch combo between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Nov. 11.

Longhorn Steakhouse: Veterans and active duty military members receive 10% and one free appetizer or dessert for their table.

Macaroni Grill: All veterans and active military receive a free mom’s ricotta meatballs plus spaghetti on Nov. 11 with military ID.

McDonald’s: All veterans and active duty military visiting showing valid ID at participating McDonald’s restaurants will receive a free breakfast combo meal.

Metro Diner: Active-duty and retired military receive 50% off with valid military ID on Nov. 11.

Olive Garden: A free meal from the Veterans Day menu for veterans and people who are still in the military is available Nov. 11. Proof of service is required.

Outback Steakhouse: Active-duty military and veterans get a free bloomin' onion and beverage with the purchase of an adult entree in-restaurant on Nov. 11.

Perkins: Veterans and active-duty military get a free magnificent seven meal on Nov. 11 with valid ID.

Pilot Flying J: Service members and their families get a free meal at participating locations Nov. 10 through Nov. 12 through a special offer in the app.

Red Lobster: Veterans, active-duty military and reservists get free printed meal vouchers for veterans shrimp and chips from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time on Nov. 11. Guests need to show a valid military ID or proof of service. The voucher can be redeemed beginning Nov. 13 through Dec. 10 for dine-in only.

Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary red's big tavern burger on Nov. 11 with valid ID. Dine-in only. The free meal also comes with an endless side of steak fries.

Ruby Tuesday: Enjoy a free sandwich with tots or fries. Some form of military ID required.

Shoney’s: All U.S. veterans and current U.S. military will receive a free All-You-Care-To-Eat Breakfast Bar until 11am on November 11th

Sizzler: On November 11, participating locations are offering a free lunch to active-duty military and veterans until 4:00pm. Choose between a free Half Dozen Crispy Shrimp, Malibu Chicken, or 6oz Tri-Tip Steak entree.

Smokey Bones: Active duty and retired military personnel get a free create your own combo on Nov. 11. The offer is valid for dine-in only with a valid military ID.

Smoothie King: Active-duty military and veterans get a free smoothie from one of three red, white, and blue smoothies at participating locations on Nov. 11 with a valid ID.

Sonny's BBQ: Veterans and active-duty military get a free pork big deal Nov. 11. Go to their registration page to verify your military status and get your coupon. Available for dine-in, takeout and drive-thru.

Starbucks: Starbucks is honoring those who have served with a free tall 12-ounce hot or cold brewed coffee for veterans, military service members and military spouses who visit participating U.S. stores on Nov. 11.

TCBY: Veterans and active military personnel get their first 6 oz. of frozen yogurt for free on Nov. 11 at participating locations.

Texas Roadhouse: Texas Roadhouse will hand out dinner vouchers at the stores’ parking lots on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Veterans and active-duty military can redeem their dinner vouchers at a later date.

Tijuana Flats: On Nov. 11, Tijuana Flats will offer active military and veterans with valid military ID a free entrée with the purchase of a medium drink, or minimum purchase of $2.79. Offer is valid for in-store and to-go orders only.

Toojay’s: Toojay'swill be offering 25% off for all active or retired military, dine-In only. You must show proof of I.D. or proof of service.

Wawa: Get one free coffee of any size for all veterans, active military members and their families, all day Nov. 11. No military ID required.

Wendy’s: Active-duty military and veterans get a free breakfast combo on Nov. 11 at participating locations from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m.

White Castle: Veterans and active-duty military get a free individual combo meal or a breakfast combo meal when dining at a participating restaurant on Nov. 11.

Zaxby’s: Zax Rewardz members get a free signature sandwich on Nov. 11, through the Zaxby’s app. Eligible sandwiches are the Zaxby’s signature sandwich and the Zaxby’s spicy signature sandwich. Valid only at participating Zaxby’s locations and redemption is subject to availability.

From Disney to Publix, more discounts for veterans

Disney: Disney Military Salute tickets are available to active or retired members of the U.S. military. Disney Military Salute Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets by eligible service members or their spouse for use by themselves and family members and friends.

Florida Parks: Current and retired service members get a 25% discount on annual entrance passes to all Florida state parks year-round. Those with service-related injuries receive a free lifetime military pass. Surviving spouses and parents of deceased veterans who were killed in combat also receive a free lifetime military pass.

Goodyear Auto Service: Free car care checks will be available at Goodyear Auto Service and Just Tires locations for active-duty military, veterans and first responders. The promotion runs Nov. 10-14 and includes 10% off tires and services.

Legoland: Military members and first responders, active and retired, can get a free, one-day ticket to Legoland Florida Theme Park through Nov. 30. Up to six guests visiting with the heroes can get 50% off their own 1-day tickets.

National Parks: A free lifetime Military Pass is available for Gold Star Families and US military veterans. A free annual Military Pass is available for current US military members and their dependents. The passes provide free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests.

Publix: All veterans and active military personnel can save 10% on groceries on Nov. 11.

SeaWorld Orlando: SeaWorld's Waves of Honor program gives U.S. active-duty military, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman one complimentary admission per year to either SeaWorld, Busch Gardens for military personnel and as many as three direct dependents.

Universal Resorts Orlando: Discounts are available to active-duty military and their and spouses, retired military service members and spouses, and Department of Defense civilians. Receive specially priced tickets and vacation packages. Current military or Department of Defense identification required.

Legoland deals: Legoland has free tickets and other deals for military, first responders in November. Here are the offers

Military discounts and freebies around Florida

Escambia, Santa Rosa counties: Veterans Day 2023 deals: Military veterans get free food, coffee, other discounts Nov. 11

Naples: Sails' new chef, 5 Veterans Day deals, 2 farmers markets return

Free passport photos: Polk County Clerk's office provides free passport photos for veterans during November

Jacksonville: Veterans Day 2023 deals: Military veterans get free food, coffee, other discounts Nov. 11

Brevard County: Brevard restaurants offer discounts and other deals to service members on Veterans Day

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Free food for veterans 2023: Florida discounts, freebies Veterans Day