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Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Restaurants offer free food to veterans and active-duty military
Several restaurants in southwest and west-central Ohio are planning special offers for veterans and active-duty military personnel on or around Veterans Day.
Many of restaurants are chains, so it is always — always — a good idea to call the restaurant closest to you in advance and to confirm that it is offering the deal before heading out. Chain restaurants are often operated by franchise owners, and franchise owners do not always offer the same special deals that the corporate-owned restaurants offer.
And of course it would be wise to bring identification to prove your veteran/active military status. Here’s what Applebee’s — which served more than 1 million free meals last year from coast to coast in the promotion’s second year — considers proof of service: U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans Organization Card, photograph in uniform or wearing uniform, Form DD214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or Citation or Commendation.
Although many of the offers are good only on Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 11, at least one restaurant — Outback Steakhouse — has already launched its special deal (a free Bloomin’ Onion, an offer that started Monday and goes through Friday), while restaurants such as Golden Corral and McCormick & Schmick’s push back their offers to after the holiday.
Here is a sampling of the offers:
— Applebee’s: Veterans and active duty military get a free signature entree on Friday, Nov. 11.
— Outback Steakhouse: Veterans and active duty personnel get a free bloomin’ onion and a Coke anytime between Nov. 7 through Nov. 11.
— Texas Roadhouse: All active, former or retired military personnel can get a free entree and coffee, tea or a Coke product between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11.
— Hooters: Veterans and active duty personnel can get 10 free wings with a drink purchase on Friday, Nov. 11. The Hooters on Miller Lane in Butler Twp. is participating.
— T.G.I. Friday’s is offering a buy-one-entree, get-one-entree-free special on Friday, Nov. 11.
— Chili’s is offering a free lunch combo meal or other items ordered from a limited menu to veterans between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11.
— Smashburger will offer free fries, any variety, Nov. 11 through Nov. 13. No purchase is necessary.
— McCormick & Schmick’s: Veterans get a free entree from a special menu on Sunday, Nov. 13. Reservations are strongly recommended. The restaurant at The Greene in Beavercreek is participating.
— Golden Corral: Veterans and active duty military get a free meal Nov. 14.
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