Veteran's Day, celebrated annually on November 11th, is a time to recognize and express gratitude to those who have served in the United States military. In the greater Wilmington area, businesses are stepping up to show their appreciation by offering a variety of discounts and free meals to veterans and active-duty personnel.

Savoring the Gratitude: Wilmington's Veteran's Day Dining Deals

Applebee's: A Heartfelt Meal for Those Who Served

For the 17th consecutive year, Applebee's, including the Leland location, is offering a free dine-in meal to veterans on Veteran's Day. Diners can choose from a selection of six entrees, ranging from a bacon cheeseburger to three-cheese chicken penne. Additionally, veterans will receive a $5 card to redeem for a future meal within the next three weeks.

Carolina Ale House: A Complimentary Rib Platter

The Wilmington location of Carolina Ale House on College Road is offering a special Veteran's Day deal – a free half-rack rib platter with coleslaw and fries for those who have served.

Carrabba's Italian Grill: Dine-In and Take-Home Discounts

Carrabba's Italian Grill is offering two Veteran's Day promotions. On Sunday, veterans can enjoy a dine-in entrée and receive a second entrée of equal or lesser value for free to take home. On Monday, veterans can indulge in a complimentary dine-in appetizer or dessert paired with a free non-alcoholic beverage.

Chicken Salad Chick: A Complimentary Chick Meal

Chicken Salad Chick is offering a free Chick Meal, which includes a scoop of salad or a sandwich, one side, and a drink, to service members in uniform or those with appropriate identification on Veteran's Day.

Chili's Grill & Bar: A Variety of Complimentary Entrees

Chili's Grill & Bar is offering a selection of free dine-in entrees for veterans on Veteran's Day, including the Oldtimer burger with cheese, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadilla, and Chicken Crispers, all served with a choice of chili or soup and a side salad.

City Barbecue: A Free Sandwich Meal

All City Barbecue locations, including the newly opened one in Wilmington, are offering a free sandwich meal, complete with one side and a drink, for veterans on Veteran's Day. The offer is valid for in-person dining.

Denny's: The Original Grand Slam Breakfast

At participating Denny's restaurants, veterans can enjoy the iconic Original Grand Slam breakfast, which includes two buttermilk pancakes, two strips of applewood-smoked bacon, two pork sausage links, and two eggs, available dine-in from 5 a.m. to noon on Veteran's Day.

Dunkin': A Complimentary Donut

Active and retired military personnel can receive one free donut of their choice at Dunkin' locations on Veteran's Day, while supplies last.

Floriana Restaurant: A 20% Discount

In downtown Wilmington, veterans can enjoy a 20% discount on their meal at Floriana Restaurant, located at 2 Market Street, during their dinner service on Veteran's Day.

Golden Corral: A Milestone Celebration of Military Appreciation

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Golden Corral's Military Appreciation Night, which takes place from 4 p.m. until closing on Veteran's Day. During this event, those who have served in the U.S. military can enjoy a free, dine-in meal. Since the inception of this tradition, the restaurant chain has served more than 6.4 million free meals on Veteran's Day.

Hooters: A Complimentary Meal from a Special Menu

Hooters locations, including the one on Market Street in Wilmington, are offering veterans a free meal from a special menu that includes items such as 10-piece wings, Buffalo chicken salads, and a burger and chicken sandwich.

IHOP: Red, White, and Blueberry Pancakes

IHOP is offering a free order of Red, White, and Blueberry Pancakes, which are two buttermilk pancakes topped with glazed strawberries, blueberry topping, and whipped topping, to those with appropriate identification during the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Veteran's Day.

Little Caesars: A Free Hot-N-Ready Lunch Combo

Little Caesars is continuing its Veteran's Day tradition by offering a free Hot-N-Ready Lunch Combo, which includes four slices of deep-dish pizza and a 20-ounce beverage, at participating locations from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

McDonald's: A Free Breakfast Combo Meal

At participating McDonald's locations, veterans can enjoy a free breakfast combo meal, which includes menu items such as the Egg McMuffin or Bacon Egg Cheese Biscuit, served with a hash brown and a beverage.

Mission BBQ: A Complimentary Sandwich

The Mission BBQ location in Wilmington is offering veterans a free sandwich on Veteran's Day.

Red Robin: A Complimentary Red's Big Tavern Burger

Red Robin is offering veterans a complimentary, dine-in Red's Big Tavern Burger, topped with their Secret Tavern Sauce, American cheese, lettuce, and tomato on a toasted brioche bun, served with Bottomless Steak Fries.

Riverside Greens Salad Bar: A 10% Discount

Riverside Greens Salad Bar, located at 106 N. Water Street in downtown Wilmington, is offering a 10% discount to veterans and active-duty military personnel, which includes their featured Riverside Spring Salad, featuring greens, seasonal fruit, nuts, and a choice of protein.

San Felipe Mexican Restaurant: A Free Meal

The San Felipe Mexican Restaurant chain, with locations in Southport, Leland, and Shallotte in Brunswick County, is offering veterans a free meal on Veteran's Day.

Sheetz: A Free Half-Turkey Sub and Fountain Drink

Sheetz, the gas station and convenience store chain that recently opened in Wilmington and Hampstead, is offering veterans a free half-turkey sub and a regular-size fountain drink.

Smoothie King: A Free 20-Ounce Smoothie

Smoothie King is offering veterans a free 20-ounce smoothie in select red, white, and blue flavors at participating locations.

The Spot: A Free Meal

In Carolina Beach, veterans can visit The Spot at 1006 S. Lake Park Blvd. and receive a free meal from their regular menu on Veteran's Day.

Starbucks: A Free 12-Ounce Coffee

Veterans, military members, and military spouses can receive a free 12-ounce hot or iced coffee at participating Starbucks locations.

Texas Roadhouse: Free Meal Vouchers

Texas Roadhouse is distributing free meal vouchers to veterans from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Veteran's Day. These vouchers can be redeemed for one of 10 entrees, including a six-ounce sirloin and two sides, as well as a choice of any Coca-Cola beverage, coffee, sweet tea, or iced tea, and are valid until May 31, 2025.

Vicious Biscuit: A Free Entrée and a Year-Round Discount

Vicious Biscuit, which has a location in Wilmington on Military Cutoff Road, is offering veterans a free entrée on Veteran's Day. Additionally, the restaurant provides a 20% discount to both military and first responders every day throughout the year.

Wendy's: A Free Breakfast Combo

During Wendy's breakfast service hours, veterans can enjoy a free breakfast combo, which includes options such as a sausage, egg, and cheese English muffin, Breakfast Baconator, or Honey Buddy chicken biscuit combo, served with seasoned potatoes and a beverage.