From free cake to free meals, here are some of the ways local chains are thanking our veterans

The men and women who have served and protected the country through a commitment to a branch of of the military will be honored and remembered Saturday.

Veterans Day will be observed on Nov. 11, and several local chains want to say “thank you” by providing free goods to those who served.

Here are some of the Veterans Day deal offered by chain restaurants. Local businesses may also choose to participate in Veterans Day activities with offers for veterans.

Food deals

• Applebee’s – Free entree for Veterans. Simply show proof of military service, such as a U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, DDT214 Citation or Commendation, your U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, a Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) or your Veterans Organization Card.
• Back Yard Burgers – Free Classic Burger for veterans and active duty military on Saturday, Nov. 11. Show military ID or dress in uniform.
• Chili’s – Free entree to veterans and active military on Veteran’s Day.
• Denny’s – Free Build Your Own Grand Slam for observed Veterans Day (Nov. 10) 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. Valid for inactive and military personnel with a valid military ID. Includes choice of breakfast items such as two fluffy buttermilk or hearty wheat pancakes, two eggs cooked to order, two sizzling bacon strips or hash browns.
• Golden Corral – Veterans and active-duty members get a free thank-you dinner as part of Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Night. The event will take place Nov. 13, 2017.
• Hooter’s – Free meal for veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11. Hooters Veterans Day menu includes the following items (choose one with beverage purchase): 10-Piece Traditional Wings; 10-Piece Boneless Wings; Buffalo Chicken Sandwich; Buffalo Chicken Salad or Hooters Burger. The dine-in only offer is valid for all military members, retired and active, with proof of military service.
• Little Caesars – Free lunch combo on Nov. 11 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Includes four slices of deep-dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi product. Must show proof of service. Order must be placed before 2 p.m.
• Olive Garden – Free entree from a special menu to active-duty military and military veterans on Veterans Day. The special menu features six of Olive Garden’s most popular items. Entrees are served with unlimited homemade soup or famous house salad and breadsticks.
• Texas Roadhouse – Free lunch on Saturday Nov. 11. Active, former or retired military can order from special Veterans Day Menu. Lunch includes choice of iced tea, sweet tea, soft drink or coffee. Present Military ID card, Veterans Affairs card or discharge papers. Dine-in only.
• TGI Fridays – Free lunch-menu item up to $12 for those who have served. Promo runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time. This promo also includes the Big Ribs entree in the half-rack portion. Military guests will also receive a $5 coupon for future use. Dine-in only.
• Cracker Barrell – Complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake on Nov. 11 at all 640+ Cracker Barrel locations. Cracker Barrel is also running a giving campaign benefiting Operation Homefront. Between Oct. 30 and Nov. 11, it will donate 20 percent of proceeds from Lodge Cookware online and in store to Operation Homefront to help support military families.
• Dunkin’ Donuts – Free donut for veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11. Show military ID. No purchase necessary, while supplies last. Limit one per customer.
• Huddle House – Free sweet cakes for the military on Nov. 11. Active and retired military, all day. Please provide military ID.
• IHOP – Free order of Red, White & Blue Pancakes for retired and active-duty military personnel on Friday Nov. 10 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at participating IHOP locations. Veterans and active-duty military can receive their free Red, White & Blue Pancakes by showing proof of military service, including: U.S. Uniformed Services ID Card, U.S. Uniformed Services Retired ID Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), veterans organization card (e.g., American Legion, VFW, etc.), photograph of self in U.S. military uniform, wearing uniform, DD214, military dog tags, and citation or commendation.
• Red Lobster – Free appetizer or dessert on Saturday Nov. 11, 2017, for veterans, active duty military and reservists. Show a valid military ID or proof of service to redeem this offer. Guests may choose their free appetizer or dessert from a special menu. The appetizers include: Sweet Chili Shrimp, Mozzarella Cheesesticks, Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp, Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms, Lobster and Langostino Pizza and Signature Shrimp Cocktail. Desserts include: Vanilla Bean Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie, Warm Apple Crostada, Chocolate Wave and Brownie Overboard.
• Ruby Tuesday – Free appetizer up to a $10 value for veterans, active duty and reserve service members on Saturday, Nov. 11. To participate, all military personnel can visit their favorite Ruby Tuesday, present military identification and let their server know which complimentary appetizer of their choice they would like to order.
• Outback Steakhouse – Free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage to guests with a military ID on Veterans Day. Military discount of 15 percent off total from Nov. 12 – Dec. 31 with valid military ID.
• Buffalo Wild Wings – Free small traditional boneless wings and side of fries on Nov. 11 for active and retired service members. Dine-in only, no substitutions or upgrades. Must be in uniform, or present proof of service (includes: permanent or temporary US military ID cards, a DD 214, veteran’s card, a photograph of yourself in military uniform, or dine-in at a participating location in uniform).

Retail discounts

Academy Sports & Outdoors - 10 percent off entire purchase for military members and Veterans, simply present your military ID at checkout. If you're ordering online, verify your military status with the Troop ID button on the Shopping Cart page. Once verified, your discount will be automatically applied to your order.

Lowe’s – The home-improvement store offers an ongoing 10 percent off discount to active-duty military and veterans. You must enroll in the discount program to receive this benefit, and you can do so (and see more program details) here.

Target – 10 percent off entire purchase Nov. 7 – Nov. 11 for active-duty military and veterans. You must register in advance to verify your eligibility. Once you register, you’ll receive a coupon sent via email that can be used once by Nov. 11. Exclusions include alcohol and some toys and electronics.

Tractor Supply Co. – 15 percent off entire purchase on Nov. 11 for current and former military personnel. Present valid military ID or other proof of service.

SportsClips – Free haircut with proof of service.

This story was originally published November 10, 2017 at 9:17 AM with the headline "From free cake to free meals, here are some of the ways local chains are thanking our veterans."