Claim: Restaurant chains are offering free meals to U.S. military personnel in conjunction with Veterans Day.
Origins: In recent years, some national restaurant chains have begun the practice of demonstrating appreciation for U.S. military personnel (both veterans and those on active duty) by offering them free meals in observance of Veterans Day (November 11). Here are a few of the chains that will be participating in such programs in 2010:
Participating Applebee's locations are offering a free entree of choice from their Vets Day Menu to all veterans and active-duty military personnel from 11 a.m. to midnight on Thursday, November 11. Although Applebee's requests some form of military ID, "We're not going to argue with folks who might forget to bring it," said Sam Rothschild, senior vice president of operations.
For the 12th year in a row, participating locations of the McCormick & Schmick's restaurant chain in 25 states are offering free entrees to veterans on Sunday, November 7. This chain also requests military ID and highly recommends reservations. The promotion is held on Sunday instead of Veterans Day proper "because it allows vets to bring their families who might not be available during the week," CEO Bill Freeman said.
The Golden Corral family-style restaurant chain is offering free buffet meals, including beverage and dessert, to veterans and current military on Monday, November 15, from 5 to 9 p.m. No military ID is required for Golden Corral's tenth annual Military Appreciation Monday. The event is being held on the Monday following Veterans Day, said Dolly Mercer, the chain's national events manager, "so we don't interfere with Veterans Day activities."
The Outback Steakhouse restaurant chain are offering free Bloomin' Onion appetizers and beverages to veterans and active duty military at all of their U.S. locations on Veterans Day.
