Yesterday in Part 1 of the Veterans Day series, we discussed free or discounted events at over 1,500 locations. The real big headline grabbers are always the free and discounted meals at over 14,000 locations.

Depending on where you live, Veterans can start the day with a free breakfast and then pick up free coffee on the way to work. There are free doughnuts for morning breaks before you head out for a free lunch.  If it’s hot in the office during the afternoon, sneak out for a free Slurpee before settling down for a steak or dozens of other free dinners. Get the munchies in the evening, no problem, you can get free hot wings.

If you haven’t figured it out yet, today’s topic is food.  We’ll finish the series tomorrow discussing a wide range of opportunities from store discounts to free wedding gowns.

Once again, a few quick disclaimers up front. All of the information was either taken from company web pages or from personal discussions with the organizations. However, there may still be some inaccuracies. Every entry has a web link and/or a phone number. Before you head out the door, verify nothing changed.

For those of us who have served, we know that you are a Veteran if you were or are currently serving in the Active Duty, National Guard or Reserves.  However, many non-military people do not understand this. Therefore, some offers are for active duty, retired and/or discharged prior to retirement  Veterans. As a result, the offers have three categories. 1. Active Duty–includes all Total Force personnel (Regular, Reserves, Guard). 2. Retired–over 20 years of service or medically retired.  3. Veterans–all others not included in category 1 and 2 who received anything other than a dishonorable discharge.

Proof of Service. Once again, many people do not understand the difference between a DD214, active duty CAC, retired blue ID card, dependent ID, Veterans Administration ID or VFW membership card. In fact, several companies are willing to accept a picture of you in a uniform as proof.

Before we head into the list, I need to shout out special recognition to the hard work MilitaryWallet.com has done in keeping their list updated. Finally, every effort will be made to ensure this is the most comprehensive list on the web. If you are aware of additional offers, please comment on this article with a company or organization web page. Together, we can maximize the number of Veterans who can take advantage of these opportunities.

Applebee’s: Free lunch or dinner on November 11, 2011. Applebee’s has almost 2,000 locations in the United States and 20 countries. Restaurants in Canada are also offering a free meal. Applebee’s served over 1 million free meals last year. Seven signature entrees to choose from: three-cheese hicken penne, 7 oz  sirloin steak, chicken tenders platter, fiesta lime chicken, bacon cheddar  cheeseburger, oriental chicken salad, double crunch shrimp. Call to verify reservations are accepted. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired. Proof Of service includes: military or retired ID card, DD214, photograph in uniform, current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veteran Organization ID. For additional information and to find an Applebee’s near you visit: http://www.applebees.com/menu/vetsday

Cheeseburger in Paradise: Free entree on November 11, 2011. Twenty-eight locations in 16 states. Call to verify reservations accepted. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired. Proof of service required. For additional information and to find a Cheeseburger in Paradise near you visit: http://www.cheeseburgerinparadise.com/

Chili’s: Free  lunch or dinner on November 11, 2011, 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Chili’s has about 1,400 locations worldwide. It appears the offer is only for restaurants in the United States. At least 7 meal choices: Any lunch combo, Margarita Chicken Tacos, Santa Fe Wrap, Oldtimer burger with Cheese, margarita chicken, chicken crispers, Cobb salad. Top off your meal with a special $5 Brownie Sundae.  No reservations, call ahead advance seating only. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired. Proof of service required. For additional information and to find a Chili’s near you visit: http://www.chilis.com/documents/veteransdaymenu2011.jpg

Coushaata Casino Resort: Free lunch or seafood buffet dinner on November 11, 2011. The resort is located in Kinder, LA. Call to verify reservations are accepted. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired. Proof of service: military or retired ID card, DD214. For additional information visit: http://www.coushattacasinoresort.com

Denny’s:Veterans Day Appreciation Event, Free Grand Slam breakfast November 11, 2011. This is another offer that is very dependent on restaurant. It is being reported only Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo area Denny’s are participating. Call your local restaurant to verify participation. Eligibility:Veterans, Active Duty, Retired. Proof of service required. To find a local Denny’s visit: http://www.dennys.com/

The Electric Bean: Free 16-oz beverage, November 11, 2011. One location in Long View, WA. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired. Proof of service required. For additional information visit: http://www.theelectricbean.com/

Factory Merchants Branson: Free “All-American Lunch” November 6-10, 2011, 11:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Sponsored by Steve’s Tree House and Grill. Located at the Red Roof Mall, Branson, MO. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired. Proof of service required. For  additional information visit: http://www.branson.com/news/2011/10/02/bransons-veterans-homecoming-week-honors-veterans-active-duty-military-and-their-families-branson-events/

Famous Dave’s: Free meal or discounts on November 11, 2011. 67 participating locations in 32 states. The offer is very location dependent. Eligibility: Veterans, Active  Duty, Retired. Proof of service required. For additional information visit: http://www.famousdaves.com/promo/veterans-day/

Golden Corral: Free dinner on November 14, 2011, 5:00 – 9:00 P.M. Almost 500 locations in 40 states are participating in the 10th Annual Military Dinner.  Golden Corral has served over 2.5 million meals to military members. No reservations will be offered. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired.  No proof of service required. For more information visit: http://www.goldencorral.com/

Grand Casino Hinckley: Free lunch or dinner “Grand Buffet” on November 11, 2011, 9:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M. Hinkley, MN. No reservations will be offered.  Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired. Must join Grand Rewards program. Proof of service required. For additional information visit: http://www.grandcasinomn.com/grand-casino-hinckley/what-to-eat/grand-buffet.aspx

Grand Casino Mill Lacs: Free lunch or dinner “Grand Buffet” on November 11, 2011, 11:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. and 4:00 – 10:00 P.M. Onamia, MN. No reservations will be offered. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired. Must join Grand Rewards program. Proof of service required. For additional information visit: http://www.grandcasinomn.com/grand-casino-mille-lacs/what-to-eat/grand-buffet.aspx

Hawkeye Valley Area Agency  on Aging: Free meal on November 11th, 2011. Multiple locations in nine Iowa counties. Must make reservations no latter than 9:00 A.M., November 10th. Eligibility: All veterans aged 60 and over. Any proof of service is acceptable. For reservations and additional information visit: http://wcfcourier.com/news/local/hvaaa-offers-veterans-free-meal-on-veterans-day/article_613609c9-864a-5890-917e-e7ccd50fb8fa.html#ixzz1cttpZbXA

Hooters: 10 free wings on November 11, 2011. Over 400 Hooter’s locations nationwide are participating. Call to verify reservations are accepted. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired. Valid military ID or proof of service.  For additional information visit: http://www.hootersveteransday.com/register.aspx

Las Vegas Buffet of Buffets: Free one-day pass on November 11, 2011.This is one of the best meal opportunities offered. You won’t need to eat for a week. 24-hour unlimited visits to seven of the largest casino buffets: Lago Buffet at Caesars Palace, Paradise Garden Buffet at Flamingo, Flavors, the Buffet at Harrah’s, Emperor’s Buffet at Imperia Palace, Le Village Buffet at Paris,Spice Market Buffet at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Carnival World Buffet at Rio. Call to verify reservations are accepted. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired. Must show government issued proof. For additional information visit: http://lasvegasblog.harrahs.com/las-vegas-entertainment/free-buffet-passes-and-other-veterans-day-hook-ups/

Krispy Kreme: no offers. This is included because many sites on the Internet are reporting a free doughnut.  If there are any participating locations please let us know. After calling several stores and reviewing the Krispy Kreme website, we were unable to verify this offer.

Manley’s Mighty Marts: Free 12-once cup  of coffee all day on November 11, 2011. Over 20 locations offering New England Coffee in the State of New York. Dunkin’ Donuts locations are not participating. Eligibility: Veterans (website does not differentiate.  Therefore Veterans, Active Duty, Retired are most likely OK.). Must show ID (type of ID not specified). For additional information visit: http://www.manleysmm.com/

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants: Free lunch or dinner entree, November 13, 2011. 77 locations in 25 states and the District of Columbia are participating in McCormick & Schmick’s 13th annual Veteran’s Appreciation Event.  Reservations are highly recommended.  Eligibility: Honorably discharged or retired veterans. Required proof of military service in the form of identification (VA card, VFW card, American Legion card, discharge papers, D214, or other veteran’s ID). For additional information visit: http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/featured-promotion/Veterans-Appreciation-Event.aspx

Outback Steakhouse: Free Bloomin’ Onions and Coca Cola product, November 7-11, 2011. Over 750 locations in 49 states.  For international locations contact the restaurant. Call ahead seating usually allowed. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired. Proof of military service is required (military or retired ID, current Leave and Earnings Statement, DD214, Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW), Photograph in Uniform, Wearing Uniform). For more information, visit:  http://www.outback.com/companyinfo/veteransday.aspx

Pechanga Resort Casino: Free lunch or dinner buffet, November 11, 2011, 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. and 4:00 to 11:00 P.M. Located in Temecula CA, Pechanga has served over 4,000 free buffets since 2009. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired. Proof of service required (military or veteran ID, veteran’s organization ID, DD214).  For additional information visit: http://blogs.inlandsocal.com/iguide/2011/10/pechanga-ten-hut-free-chow-on.html

Ponderosa Steakhouse: Free buffet November 14, 2011, 11:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Seven Metro-Detroit restaurants are offering a free buffet. Call your local Ponderosa Steakhouse to determine if they are participating. Call for reservations. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired. Proof of service not specified. For additional information visit: http://dearborn.patch.com/events/veterans-and-military-appreciation-day-f1f2c7a5#photo-8284675

Royal River Casino & Hotel: Free buffet November 11, 2011, 7:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.  Flandreau, South Dakota, 35 miles north of Sioux Falls. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired. Must provide proof of service.  For additional information visit: http://www.royalrivercasino.com/promotions/veterans-day-free-buffet

Sacred Heart Senior Living: Free pancake breakfast, November 11, 2011 from 9:00 to 10:30 A.M. Center Valley, PA. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired. Call 610-814-2700.  For additional information visit: http://sacredheartseniorliving.com/saucon-valley-events/veterans-day-free-pancake-breakfast

7-Eleven: Free small Slurpee on November 11, 2011 from 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Over 7,500 stores in the United States and Canada. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired and their immediate families. ID or proof of service required. Additionally, November 8-12, Slurpee trailers will visit 11 military bases: Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C.; Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Va.; Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Va.; Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Va.; Andrews Air Force Base in Camp Springs, Md.; MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla.; Fort Hood Army Base in Killeen, Texas; Fort Carson Army Base in Colorado Springs, Colo.; Marine Corps. Base Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, Calif.; Naval Base San Diego in San Diego, Calif.; and Joint Base Lewis McChord in Tacoma, Wash.  For additional information visit: http://www.csnews.com/top-story-c_stores_to_honor_veterans_with_free_drinks-59864.html

Subway: Free Six Inch Sub, November 11, 2011. Select SUBWAY® Restaurants will offer a FREE six inch sub or flatbread to military veterans on Veteran’s Day. This is one of the most reported offers. Since most Subways are franchises, this offer is extremely restaurant dependant. Call your local outlet to verify they are participating. With 24,000 locations in the United States, hopefully there will be one near you offering the free sandwich. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired. Military ID or proof of service is required. To find a Subway near you visit: http://www.subway.com/subwayroot/default.aspx

Texas Roadhouse: Free lunch and Coca Cola product, November 11, 2011 from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Over 300 locations across the nation. Select from 10 entrees. No reservations but call ahead is accepted. Eligibility: Veterans, current, retired. Proof of service required (VA card, DD214, Military ID). For more information visit: http://www.texasroadhouse.com/landing-pages/veterans-day

T.G.I. Friday’s: Buy one entrée get one free with several exceptions, November 11, 2011.  Over 500 locations across the nation. Call to verify reservations accepted. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired. Proof of service required (wear uniform, military or veteran ID). For more information visit: http://www.tgifridays.com/home/welcome.aspx

Tim Hortons: Free Star Spangled Vanilla Dip donut, November 11, 2011. Over 620 locations across the country.  Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired. Proof of service required (in uniform, military or veteran ID). For additional information visit: http://www.timhortons.com/us/en/about/veterans-day-2011.html

Twin Peaks: Free entrée worth up to $10, November 11, 2011. 16 locations in 6 states. Call to verify reservations accepted. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired. Proof of service includes valid ID. For additional information visit: http://www.twinpeaksrestaurant.com/

UFood Grill: Free meal, November 1, 2011. Only two Boston UFood locations are participating (530 Washington Street at Downtown Crossing and 201 Brookline Avenue at the Landmark Center in the Fenway) Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired. Proof of service is required. For additional information visit: http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/as-ufood-grill-prepares-expand-into-military-channel-companys-boston-restaurants-mark-otcbb-uffc-1579599.htm

Uno Chicago Grill: 19.43% November 7-11, 2011. Over 135 locations across the country.  The discount applies to the entire food and non-alcoholic beverage purchase.  The discount amount may sound odd, but Uno was founded in 1943. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired and their entire party that is on the same bill.  Proof of service: in uniform, provide military or retired ID, show a picture of yourself in uniform, or other ID showing proof of service. For additional
information visit: http://www.unos.com/

Do you need tools, hunting gear or a walking cane? Then, tomorrow’s Part 3 of the Veterans Day Opportunities series is for you.