Here are some local restaurants that are offering freemeals or deals today
Several restaurants are showing their appreciation by offering free or discounted meals to veterans and active-duty military members today to commemorate Veterans Day.
Some are extending their deals to the rest of the week or month to help spread out the response during the coronavirus pandemic and restaurants' social-distance restrictions. And a handful of dining destinations are shelving their traditional Veterans Day offer to avoid the potential of a large turnout that could exacerbate the spread of COVID-19.
Covelli Enterprises, the franchisee of the more than two dozen Dayton-area Panera Bread cafés, is among those chains and restaurants foregoing a Veterans Day offer this year. In a release, the company pointed to its longstanding history of giving back, particularly to the country's military and veteran organizations.
ButCovelliofficialsadded,“This year, due to the pandemic, the company does not feel it would be responsible to run the promotion even with social distancing and capacity limitations as the increased volume of patrons would make it difficult to follow proper protocol. We will honor military servicemembersand veterans in 2021 when the capacity limitations are lifted and it's safe to have lines in our restaurants.”
Many other restaurants and chains are going ahead with their annual offers. Proof of military service is generally required; the forms of proof vary by business. It's always a good idea to call ahead to ensure that your restaurant is participating in a special offer.
Here are some of the restaurants in the region that reached out to us to let us know they are offering Veterans Day deals.
Applebee’s Grill & Bar
On Veterans Day today, active duty military and veterans with valid ID canenjoy a freemeal from a special Applebee's menu. The restaurant chain suggests contacting your local Applebee's to learn more about any Veterans Day offerings. Offers may vary based on local mandates and guidelines.
Locations: 10 locations throughout the Miami Valley
Bibibop
The Columbus-based restaurant chain that has two Daytonarea locations is offering a free meal to veterans and active military members today.
Locations: 1200 Brown St. in Dayton and 5225 Cornerstone N. Blvd., Centerville
Bob Evans
On Veterans' Day, Bob Evans restaurants will be offering a special menu of seven homestyle favorites available free to veterans and active-duty military. As with many other offers, this is available for dine-in only, beverage not included.
Veterans and active-duty military can simply show proof of military service.
Locations: Two dozen restaurants throughout the MiamiValley
Buffalo Wild Wings
BuffaloWildWings is offering a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries for all past and pres
ent armed services members today.
The offer is available for dine-in or takeout. Proof of service must be shown for redemption.
Locations: A dozen locations throughout the Miami Valley
Dunkin' (formerly Dunkin' Donuts)
Veterans and active-duty military can get one free doughnut of their choice, no purchase necessary, at Dunkin' locations. The offer is available in-store only, and is not available for orders placed using On-theGoMobileOrdering through the Dunkin' Mobile App.
Locations: 10 shops throughout the Dayton area
Fazoli's
Fazoli's will be offering a free Spaghetti with Meat or Marinara to military service members on Veterans Day when they show their U.S. military ID, discharge card, or uniform.
Locations: Seven locations throughout the Miami Valley
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy's will offer veterans and current military personnel a free combo meal card today. No purchase is necessary to obtain a combo meal card. The card may be redeemed through Nov. 30.
Locations: Centerville and West Chester
Frisch's Big Boy
All veterans and activeduty military will receive a free meal, up to $10, all day today. Guests are asked to bring a military ID to enjoy their free meal, up to $10, at participating locations. The offer is available for dinein, drive-thru and carryout.
Locations: Multiple locations throughout the Miami Valley
Gigi's Gyros
All veterans and activeduty military can get one free Gyro today. Guests are asked to bring a military ID.
Location: 1238E. Central Ave., Miamisburg
Golden Corral
Golden Corral is celebrating active duty and veterans this month by handing out a free meal and beverage card through Nov. 30, while supplies last. Military personnel and veterans can then redeem their card once for lunch or dinner Monday through Friday through May 31.
Veterans can pick up their card and use it in the same visit, anytimeMonday through Friday.
Locations: Miller Lane in Butler Twp. and in Fairfield
O'Charley's Restaurant & Bar
O'Charley's will honor all active duty and veteran military personnel today, when veterans will have their choice of a free meal from a special Veterans Day “Thank You Menu.” O'Charley's also offers a discount of 10 percent to military service members all year long, at participating restaurants.
Locations: Near theDayton Mall in Miami Twp., Miller Lane in Butler Twp., Middletown and Springfield
Pizza Hut
Hallrich Incorporated, the franchisee for allDayton-area Pizza Hut restaurants in the greater Dayton region, will offer veterans a free Lunch4Less meal deal today.
The free meal deal will be available for carryout or dine-in. Hours may vary by location.
Locations: Multiple locations around the Miami Valley
Red Lobster
Red Lobster will be offering a freeappetizer ordessert from a select dine-in menu to veterans, active-duty military and reservists with a valid military ID today.
Locations: Five locations in the Dayton area
Smokey Bones
SmokeyBones restaurants will treat active duty and retired military members to a free entrée on Veteran's Day today. The offer is valid on dine-in and call-in orders only. Smokey Bones offers a 10 percent military discount everyday with valid ID, including Thanksgiving.
Locations: Miller Lane in Butler Twp. and in West Chester Township
White Castle
White Castle is celebrating Veterans Day by offering a free Combo Meal or Breakfast Combo Meal to all veterans and active military members who dine at one of its restaurants today.
Locations: Trotwood, Franklin, Middletown, Hamilton, Springfield, South Lebanon