With Veterans Day taking place Friday, Nov. 11, a number of businesses are offering deals and free meals to honor those who have served the country.
Most in-person discounts will require proof of service, such a military ID or veteran organization membership card. Online discounts may require registration with ID.me to verify service.
Here's a roundup of freebies and deals running for Veterans Day in the Chicago area:
7-Eleven
7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes locations will offer a free Big Bite Hot Dog, which can be redeemed Friday in stores or by delivery through the 7NOW app.
Applebee's
Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free entree from a special menu Friday at Applebee's.
Local
Bed Bath & Beyond
The retail store is giving veterans, active-duty members and their spouses 25% off their entire purchase. The deal is running now until Friday.
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Bar Louie
Bar Louie will provide active-duty and retired military members who dine in Friday a complimentary craft burger.
Buffalo Wild Wings
The casual-dining eatery will give a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries for veterans and active-duty services members Friday. The offer will be available for dine-in or takeout.
California Pizza Kitchen
Veterans and active-duty military can receive a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage and entrée from a special menu Friday at California Pizza Kitchen.
Caribou Coffee
The coffee chain will give veterans, active-duty military members and their spouses a free hot brewed coffee Friday.
Chili's
Chili's will offer service members a free meal for in-restaurant dining Friday. Options will include soup and salad, boneless wings and more.
Dunkin'
Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free donut Friday at participating Dunkin' locations.
IHOP
The pancake house will thank veterans and active-duty military members with a free stack from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme will celebrate veterans Friday, providing them with a free doughnut and small brewed coffee, iced or hot, at participating locations.
McDonald's
Select Illinois locations of the fast-food giant will offer veterans a free breakfast meal combo from 6 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, according to a report by 44 News. Participating spots can be found here.
Red Lobster
Veterans and active-duty service members can receive a free order of Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, fries and coleslaw from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at Red Lobster. The offer will be available for dine-in and to-go orders.
Starbucks
The coffee chain will offer veterans, military members and their spouses a free tall hot brewed or iced coffee Friday at participating locations.
Target
Military members, veterans and their family members can save 10% on two purchases through the retailer's Circle program.
Walgreens
Walgreens is providing veterans, military members and their family members with 20% off eligible regular-priced items in stores. The discount is available Friday through Monday, Nov. 11.
