From a free donut at Dunkin to 20 % off at Target, dozens of businesses are honoring veterans and their families this November.
Key points
- Veterans Day (Nov 11) and Military Family Appreciation Month feature free food items at major chains such as Dunkin’, Starbucks, Chipotle and In‑N‑Out.
- Retail discounts include 20 % off at Target, 30 % off at Kohl’s and 20 % off at Walgreens, all requiring valid military identification.
- Apparel discounts range from 10 % at Academy Sports + Outdoors to 50 % off site‑wide at Devil‑Dog Dungarees during early November.
In honor of Veterans Day and Military Family Appreciation Month, a range of U.S. businesses are offering limited‑time discounts to active‑duty service members, veterans, retirees and their families, according to a November 4, 2026 report from the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS). Eligibility typically requires a military ID or veteran designation, and offers may differ by state or region.
Restaurants are leading the celebrations with several free‑food promotions on November 11. Dunkin’ locations will give a free donut to all active and retired service members, while Starbucks offers a complimentary 12‑oz brewed coffee to veterans, service members and their families. Chains such as Applebee’s, Bob Evans and Chili’s are providing a free entrée from select menus, and Chipotle adds free chips with a choice of guacamole, queso blanco or salsa on a $5 purchase. In‑N‑Out Burger will serve a free burger, fries and beverage to eligible military personnel, and also provides a special‑edition Veterans Day decal.
Restaurant Specials
Retailers are matching the food‑service offers with sizable price cuts. Target’s Circle Military Appreciation program grants a 20 % discount to verified military members and families from November 5‑11. Kohl’s offers a 30 % in‑store discount on November 10‑11 for active‑duty, veteran, retiree and immediate‑family shoppers, subject to exclusions. Walgreens and Duane Reade will apply a 20 % discount on eligible items nationwide from November 8‑11.
Apparel and gear brands are also participating. Devil‑Dog Dungarees provides a 50 % discount site‑wide for active duty, retirees, veterans, spouses and family members between November 2‑13. Academy Sports + Outdoors extends a 10 % discount to active‑duty service members and veterans for purchases online or in‑store from October 30‑November 11.
Retail Savings
The NGAUS list notes that most discounts require proof of service and that some offers are limited to dine‑in or specific menu items. Because many restaurant locations are independently owned, veterans are advised to confirm participation with local franchises. For a more comprehensive compilation, the report points readers to Military.com and the Department of Veterans Affairs’ regularly updated discount directory.
Reader questions
What proof is required to receive a Veterans Day discount?
Most participating businesses ask for a military ID, veteran designation on a driver’s license or another official proof of service.
When are the major restaurant and retail discounts available?
Many offers are limited to November 11, while others run from early November (Oct 30) through November 13, depending on the retailer.
Do the discounts apply nationwide?
The deals are advertised as national, but eligibility and specific terms can vary by state, region or individual franchise.
Source: ngaus.org
