Several restaurants and other businesses in the area are offering special deals for veterans and active-duty military personnel on or around Veterans Day, Sunday, Nov. 11.

Many of these businesses are chains, so we highly recommend calling the location closest to you in advance to confirm it is offering the deal.

Most places require that veterans and military members show proof of service. For example, T.G.I. Friday’s says veterans and military members can bring a U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans Organization Card, DD214, or photograph in uniform, or wear their uniform.

Here is a sampling of the ways in which local businesses are honoring our past and current military members.

• Texas Roadhouse: Veterans, including active, retired or former U.S. military members, get a free lunch between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12. They can choose from one of 10 entrees, including a six-ounce sirloin, and two sides, plus a choice of any Coca-Cola product, sweet tea, iced tea or coffee.
• Giovanni’s Pizzeria é Ristorante Italiano: The Fairborn restaurant is offering a free spaghetti dinner to veterans from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11. The dinner includes a side salad or cup of soup with homemade Italian bread. 
• bd’s Mongolian Grill: Show your military identification, and get half off stir-fry on regular priced bowls, now through Sunday, Nov. 11.
• Smashburger: Active-duty military members and veterans receive a free entree of their choice on Monday, Nov. 12. They can choose among any variety of Smashburgers, Smashchicken or Smashsalads.
• T.G.I. Friday’s: Veterans and military members get a free lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12.
• O’Charley’s: Veterans and active-duty military personnel get a complimentary meal from the “$9.99er” menu, Monday, Nov. 12.
• Jac & Do’s Pizza: The Fairborn restaurant is offering a 10 percent discount for veterans and military personnel, Sunday, Nov 11.
• Applebee’s: Veterans and active-duty military members get one of seven signature entrees for free, Sunday, Nov. 11. Beverages and gratuity are not included.
• Chili’s: Veterans and active-duty military members can choose from one of eight free entrees, and any dessert for $5, Sunday, Nov. 11.
• Denny’s: Active, inactive and retired military personnel get free, all you can eat pancakes 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12. A beverage is not included.
• Golden Corral: Any person who has served in the U.S. military gets a free dinner 4 to 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12.
• Hooters: Veterans and active duty military members get 10 free boneless wings with a drink purchase, Sunday, Nov. 11.
• Krispy Kreme Doughnuts: Active duty, retirees and veterans get a free doughnut and small coffee, Sunday, Nov. 11.
• Olive Garden: Veterans and active-duty military members can choose from one of six free entrees, Sunday, Nov. 11.
• Max & Erma’s: Veterans and active military personnel get a free Best Cheeseburger in America Combo, Sunday, Nov. 11. They can get a cup of tortilla soup or a side Caesar salad, a cheeseburger and fries, along with a chocolate chip cookie for dessert.
• Young’s Jersey Dairy: Active duty, reserve, guard, retired military personnel and their families receive 20 percent off their purchase at The Golden Jersey Inn, The Dairy Store, the Gift Shop, and Udders & Putters, now through Monday, Nov. 12.
• Little Caesars Pizza: Armed forces veterans and active military members get a free order of Crazy Bread, Sunday, Nov. 11.
• Outback Steakhouse: Military personnel get a free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca-Cola beverage, Sunday, Nov. 11, and Monday, Nov. 12. In addition, military personnel receive 10 percent off their entire guest check, excluding alcohol, applicable taxes and gratuity, Tuesday, Nov. 13, through Monday, Dec. 31.
• McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks: Veterans can choose a free meal from a special menu, Sunday, Nov. 11. Reservations are highly recommended.
• Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop: Active and inactive U.S. military veterans get a free donut, Sunday, Nov. 11.
• T-Byrds Sportsbar -n- Grille: The Trenton restaurant offers an eight percent discount for all military personnel every day.
• Select Registry Inns: Select Registry Distinguished Inns of North America is teaming up with B&Bs For Vets to offer a free night’s stay at an inn or bed and breakfast for active and retired members of the military and a guest Sunday, Nov. 11. In Ohio, Murphin Ridge Inn & Restaurant in West Union, and Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls in Logan are participating.
• Home Depot: All veterans and military members get 10 percent off their purchase, now through Monday, Nov. 12.
• Sport Clips: Active duty service members and veterans get a free hair cut, Sunday, Nov. 11.
• Mike's Car Wash: Veterans and U.S. Military Members get a free car wash at Any Mike’s Carwash on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11.