BATAVIA, IL — Restaurants and retail stores across Illinois will give back to U.S. veterans and active-duty military by offering them everything from free haircuts to discounted steak dinners on Veterans Day.
This year’s holiday honoring U.S. veterans is Nov. 11. A variety of offers also apply to family members and guests, according to lists compiled by Military.com and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
If you’re an active duty military member, reservist member of the National Guard, or military retiree, the easiest way to access Veterans Day discounts is to use your military ID card, according to the VA.
For veterans who receive health benefits, the VA benefits photo ID card should also serve as easy proof of veteran status at most businesses.
Here’s a list of some of the best Veterans Day deals, steals and freebies for 2022 in and around Batavia:
7-Eleven: Veterans get a free quarter-pound Big Bite hot dog on Nov. 11. Available in-store and via delivery through the 7NOW app.
California Pizza Kitchen: On Nov. 11, veterans and active-duty military receive a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage and a choice of one free entrée from a special menu.
Chili’s: Veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from a select menu on Nov. 11. Available for in-restaurant only.
Dollar General: Veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and Reserve and their immediate family members save 20 percent Nov. 10-13 on in-store purchases.
Dunkin’ Donuts: Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free donut at Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide. No purchase necessary.
Fogo de Chão: Veterans and active-duty service members get 50 percent off their meals and 10 percent off food for up to three guests on Nov. 11.
Golden Corral: Military Appreciation Night will be held Nov. 14 from 5 p.m. to close. This includes a free “thank you” meal when dining in.
Great Clips: Veterans and active service members can go into any U.S. Great Clips salon on Nov. 11 and get a free haircut or a free haircut card for a future visit.
Hooters: Active-duty military and veterans get a free entrée from the Hooters Veterans Day menu with the purchase of a beverage on Nov. 11. Dine-in only.
IHOP: Veterans and active-duty military can get free Red, White and Blueberry pancakes at any IHOP on Nov. 11. Valid only on dine-in orders with proof of service.
Kohl’s: Veterans, active and former military personnel, and their immediate families get 30 percent off in-store purchases Nov. 11-13.
Olive Garden: Active-duty service members get a free entree from a special menu. All entrees include breadsticks and a choice of soup or salad.
Outback Steakhouse: All military veterans and active service members can enjoy a free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca-Cola on Veterans Day.
Red Lobster: Veterans, active-duty military and reservists get a free Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, Fries, and Coleslaw on Nov. 11 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. local time.
Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty military get one free Red’s Tavern Double with Bottomless Steak Fries on Nov. 11. Dine-in orders only.
Sports Clips: Participating locations will provide free haircuts to veterans and active-duty service members on Nov. 11 with valid proof of service.
Starbucks: Starbucks will offer a free tall hot brewed or iced coffee for veterans, military service members and military spouses on Nov. 11.
Target: All U.S. active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families get 10 percent off the guest’s full basket. To receive the offer, guests must first demonstrate eligibility by registering at www.target.com/circle/military.
Walgreens: Veterans, active-duty military and their families will get 20 percent off regular-price, eligible store items from Nov. 11-14 at any Walgreens or Duane Reade drugstore nationwide.
Wendy’s: Locations nationwide are offering a free small breakfast combo with a valid military ID on Veterans Day. No purchase is necessary.
