Free Meals
We Continue Serving Those Who Serve Us This Veterans Day At Applebee's
For the 18th consecutive year, we’re offering Veterans and Active Duty Military a special Veterans Day meal on Tuesday 11/11, where they can select from delicious entrées at Applebee’s across the country (Dine-in only). Stay tuned for news and updates.
Available on November 11, 2025, at participating Applebee’s® only. Dine-in only. Not valid with other coupons or discounts. Beverage and gratuity not included. U.S. Veterans and Active-Duty Military simply show proof of military service. Proof of service includes U.S. Uniformed Services ID Card, U.S. Uniformed Services Retired ID Card, current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), Veterans organization card (i.e., American Legion, VFW), photograph of yourself in uniform, wearing uniform, DD214 and citation or commendation. Limit 1 meal per U.S. Veteran or Active-Duty Military.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Military Appreciation Night, where we will continue our tradition of honoring our active and former military members. Military Appreciation Night will be held on Tuesday, November 11 from 4pm – close. We will once again honor our military heroes with a free “thank you” meal.
Military Appreciation Event 2025 FAQs
Golden Corral® is proud of the U.S. military members who defend our country and our rights. We honor them every year with a special thank you dinner on our Military Appreciation Night. To date, we have served nearly 6.7 million free meals to our active duty and retired military heroes. But our commitment does not stop there. Over the past 24 years, Golden Corral restaurants and their guests together have raised over $20.5 million dollars for Disabled American Veterans.
Q: What is the date for 2025?
A: Military Appreciation Night will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 from 4pm – close.
Q: Who is eligible for the free “thank you” dinner?
A: Any person who has served in the U.S. Military (retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard or Reserves).
Q: Why does Golden Corral provide this dinner?
A: We appreciate the men and women who are serving and who have served, and we are honored to offer this special event to thank them in person.
Q: Can I bring my family?
A: We know that spouses, children, mothers, and fathers deserve a heart-felt thank you, too, for their own personal sacrifices here at home. Family and friends are welcome to come join the celebration for our military heroes; however, the free ‘thank you’ dinner is for the person who served. Other guests will pay the regular dinner menu pricing.
Q: Can I have a rain check for another night?
A: There are no rain checks for Military Appreciation Night. We hope you can arrange your schedule to join us.
Q: Can I have my free “thank you” meal as a takeout meal?
A: There are no take-out meals associated with this dinner as most veterans feel that this is a great opportunity to renew old friendships, make new friends, and simply enjoy the evening as Golden Corral’s special guest.
Q: How many meals has Golden Corral served over the past 24 years?
A: Golden Corral restaurants have served nearly 6.7 million free ‘thank you’ meals to our heroes in the military over the past 24 years.
Q: How much has Golden Corral donated to the Disabled American Veterans over the past 24 years?