Veterans Day 2014 Freebies

Kathryn Scott Osler/The Denver Post via Getty Images Several businesses will be showing their appreciation for those who have served our country by giving them free meals, services and more on or around Veterans Day. Here's a roundup of the special offers available to veterans and military personnel. Note that some of these offers are available on days other than the Veterans Day holiday on Nov. 11. If you don't see your favorite establishment listed, call it directly to see if it will be honoring veterans and service members with any freebies. And check back because we'll be adding more deals as we learn about them. Free Food Applebee's is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free entree on Nov. 11 (dine-in only). Proof of service required. Bar Louie, with locations in 24 states, will honor veterans and active-duty military members with a free meal up to a $12 value on Nov. 10-11 when they show valid military ID or other proof of service. Bob Evans will let veterans and active-duty military enjoy free all-you-can-eat pancakes on Nov. 11. California Pizza Kitchen is offering a free entree from a special menu (dine-in only) Nov. 11 to veterans and active military members who come in uniform or bring proof of service. Cheeseburger in Paradise Bar & Grill, with locations in seven states, will give veterans and military personnel with proof of ID a free burger and fries on Nov. 11. Denny's is offering active, non-active and retired military personnel a free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast meal from 5 a.m. to noon on Nov. 11. Golden Corral will hold its annual free military appreciation dinner Nov. 17 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. to anyone who has ever served in the military (no ID required). The dinner is open to friends and family of military members, but they will have to pay the regular dinner menu pricing. Handel's Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt will be giving away free single-scoop ice cream cones to veterans and military personnel with valid ID on Nov. 11 at participating shops. No purchase is required. Handel's has 40 locations in seven states. Krispy Kreme will give a free doughnut and coffee to veterans and active military (no ID required) on Nov. 11. LongHorn Steakhouse will offer veterans and active military members a free Texas Tonion appetizer and non-alcohol beverage on Nov. 11 with proof of service. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants, with locations in 22 states and the District of Columbia, will offer veterans (with official ID) a free entree from a special menu Nov. 9. Dine-in only. Olive Garden will give active-duty military and veterans a free entree from a special menu on Nov. 11. On the Border is giving veterans and active military who dine in the restaurant Nov. 11 a free meal from its "create your own combo" menu. Red Lobster will be giving veterans and active-duty military members with valid ID or proof of service a free select appetizer Nov. 10-13. Shoney's will offer veterans and active-duty military a free All-American Burger on Nov. 11. Texas Roadhouse will honor veterans and active-duty military with a free lunch from a special menu Nov. 11. Proof of service required. Wayback Burgers will offer veterans and active-duty military a Wayback Classic Burger with the purchase of any side and drink on Nov. 11. Valid form of military ID required. Free Services and Product Discounts JDog Junk Removal & Hauling is offering free junk removal services for disabled veterans who book a service on Nov. 11. The franchise, which is owned and operated by veterans, has locations in six states. Sleep Number is offering special discounts on select Sleep Number beds to current and past military personnel through Nov. 16. Free Park Admission Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia is offering free admission Nov. 7-11 to active-duty military, reservists, veterans and retired military and their dependents. Knott's Berry Farm in California is offering free admission for veterans and active-duty military (with ID) and one guest Nov. 2 through Jan. 4. U.S. National Parks will waive entrance fees on Nov. 11 for everyone at the 133 parks that usually charge an entrance fee. Business Opportunities for Vets Baskin-Robbins is offering an incentive program to veterans who want to open a Baskin-Robbins franchise. It will waive the franchise fee of $25,000 and offer a zero percent royalty rate for the first two years for five qualified veterans.