Veterans Day is November 11.
Last updated: November 5, 2026.
A free breakfast, a restaurant meal, or a discount on a shopping trip can be a welcome thank-you on Veterans Day. If you are a veteran or currently serving, this guide brings together food and retail offers at businesses with locations in the Omaha area.
The list includes Omaha and nearby communities such as Papillion, La Vista, Gretna, and Council Bluffs. National chains are included when they have Omaha-area locations. Offers apply at participating locations; check with the restaurant or store you plan to visit.
Before you head out: National announcements do not guarantee every franchise or store participates. Call your chosen location, confirm the offer, and bring proof of service. Each listing includes its dates and conditions, including notes about reported offers, pending confirmation, and year-round discounts.
What to Bring and Check Before You Go
- Proof of service: Bring a military or retiree ID, VA identification, a driver’s license with a veteran designation, or discharge paperwork. Each business decides which documents it accepts.
- Eligibility: A veteran’s offer usually applies to the eligible person. Spouses, dependents and guests qualify only when the promotion includes them.
- Order method: Many free meals require dining in. An online, app, drive-thru or delivery order may not qualify.
- Extra costs: Drinks, upgrades, taxes and gratuity may be extra. Check the offer before ordering and plan to tip for the service you receive.
- Account setup: Some shopping discounts require a free rewards account and military verification. Complete that step before reaching the register.
Times below are local. Participation and holiday hours may vary by location.
Omaha-Area Veterans Day Restaurant Offers
Browse food and drink offers at restaurants and cafés with Omaha-area locations. The details note when an offer is reported by an outside source, still needs 2026 confirmation or is available year-round. Confirm participation with your chosen location before visiting.
| Business | Offer | Dates and details |
|---|---|---|
| Applebee’s | Free entrée from a seven-item Veterans Day menu for veterans and active-duty military. | November 11. Dine-in only; proof of service required. Drinks and gratuity are extra. Offer details and source |
| Casey’s | Complimentary coffee or fountain drink for the military community on Veterans Day. | November 11. Ask the cashier about eligibility and bring proof of service. Offer details and source |
| Chili’s Grill & Bar | Free meal from a limited Veterans Day menu for veterans and active military. | November 11. Dine-in only at participating restaurants. Beverages and gratuity are extra; no substitutions or combining offers. Offer details and source |
| Chipotle | Free regular-size chips and a choice of guacamole, queso blanco or salsa with a purchase of at least $5. | November 11. Veterans and active-duty service members must show proof of service. In-restaurant only; the $5 minimum excludes the free item, taxes and tips. Offer details and source |
| Cracker Barrel | 10% off qualifying in-store restaurant and retail purchases for eligible military Rewards members. | Year-round. Enroll in Cracker Barrel Rewards and verify military status. Excludes alcohol, gift cards, specified meal offers, tax, gratuity, takeout, delivery and online purchases. Offer details and source |
| Denny’s | Free Original Grand Slam for veterans and active-duty military. | Reported for November 11, 5 a.m.–noon, dine-in only, with ID. The VA’s 2026 list reports this offer; the brand release located during research is dated 2025. Confirm the 2026 offer before visiting. Offer details and source |
| Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers | Free combo-meal card for veterans and active military who visit on Veterans Day. No purchase necessary to receive the card. | Pick up November 11; redeem through November 25, 2026. Bring proof of service and check the card’s redemption terms. Offer details and source |
| Golden Corral | Free thank-you buffet and beverage during Military Appreciation Night. | November 11, 4 p.m. until close. Dine-in event for people who have served, including veterans, retirees, active duty, National Guard and Reserves. Offer details and source |
| Hy-Vee | Free breakfast for veterans and active-duty military, plus 15% off groceries. | Breakfast: November 11, 6–10 a.m. Grocery offer: November 11, in store or on online orders placed that day using VETS2026. Ask your store about breakfast service and grocery exclusions. Offer details and source |
| IHOP | Free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo, with eggs, hash browns and a choice of bacon or sausage. | November 11, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Dine-in only at participating restaurants; one per eligible guest. Military ID or proof of service required. Offer details and source |
| Olive Garden | Complimentary entrée from a special menu for veterans and active-duty military dining in. | Reported for November 11 by The Military Wallet and The American Legion. Bring proof of service and confirm local participation and menu choices. Offer details and source |
| Outback Steakhouse | Free Bloomin’ Onion and a qualifying drink for active and retired military and veterans. Eligible Dine Rewards members can also earn a free Hero’s Meal reward for a later visit. | November 10–11. The appetizer-and-drink offer allows dine-in or direct phone To-Go orders. Earning the future meal requires dining in and using or joining Dine Rewards; redeem that reward November 16, 2026–May 2, 2027. Offer details and source |
| Pizza Ranch | A free Veterans Day buffet promotion has appeared in a local restaurant listing. 2026 offer not confirmed. | The available promotion text does not establish a 2026 date. Check with your preferred Omaha-area Pizza Ranch about November 11 participation, hours and beverage inclusion. Promotion source |
| Red Lobster | Free Shrimp & Chips meal for veterans, active-duty military and reservists. | Reported for November 11, dine-in only, by the VA’s 2026 list. Confirm the local restaurant’s offer and service hours; bring proof of service. Offer details and source |
| Red Robin | Free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries for veterans and active-duty military. | November 11. Dine-in only; proof of service required. No purchase necessary. Modifications, other burgers, tax and gratuity are excluded. Offer details and source |
| Starbucks | Free tall, 12-ounce hot or iced brewed coffee for veterans, military service members and military spouses. | November 11. Participating cafés and drive-thrus only. Cold Brew, Nitro and customizations are excluded. Confirm participation, especially at cafés inside another business. Offer details and source |
| Texas Roadhouse | Free meal voucher for veterans and active U.S. military. | The Military Wallet reports voucher distribution November 11, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., with redemption through May 31, 2027. Confirm pickup arrangements with your restaurant and bring proof of service. This is a voucher pickup window, so it may differ from dining-room hours. Offer details and source |
Omaha-Area Veterans Day Retail Discounts
Find holiday promotions and year-round military discounts at retail chains with Omaha-area stores. Check each listing for dates, account requirements, exclusions and any confirmation still needed.
| Business | Offer | Dates and details |
|---|---|---|
| Bass Pro Shops | Legendary Salute: 10% off eligible merchandise; 5% off eligible firearms and ammunition. | Year-round program for eligible verified military and other qualifying groups. Product exclusions apply. Offer details and source |
| Cabela’s | The shared Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Legendary Salute program offers 10% off eligible merchandise and 5% off eligible firearms and ammunition. | Year-round; verify eligibility and review exclusions before checkout. Offer details and source |
| The Home Depot | 10% off qualifying purchases for eligible military members, veterans and spouses. | Year-round after enrollment and verification. Maximum $400 in military discounts per calendar year. Numerous exclusions apply, including many appliances, commodities and services. Offer details and source |
| Hy-Vee | 15% grocery discount for veterans and active-duty military. | November 11. Valid in store or on online orders placed that day using VETS2026. Ask your store about grocery exclusions. Its breakfast and grocery promotion are listed together in the restaurant list above. Offer details and source |
| Kohl’s | The VA’s 2026 list reports 30% off qualifying in-store purchases for eligible military shoppers and families on November 10–11. | Call to confirm the 2026 promotion. The brand’s holiday announcement found during research still specifies 2025. Its confirmed ongoing offer is 15% off qualifying in-store purchases on Mondays, with ID and exclusions. Offer details and source |
| Lowe’s | 10% off most qualifying full-price merchandise for eligible military shoppers. | Year-round. Verify military status through ID.me and link a Lowe’s personal account. Sale items, major appliances, services and specified commodities are among the exclusions. Offer details and source |
| Nike Factory Store | 10% off most eligible items for qualifying military shoppers. | Year-round. Nike’s U.S. store policy requires valid military ID at checkout; product restrictions apply. Nike Company Stores are excluded from the program. Offer details and source |
| Target | 20% off one qualifying storewide purchase for verified military members, veterans and their families who belong to Target Circle. | November 5–11. Join Target Circle and verify military eligibility in the app or online before shopping. Check the offer in your account for exclusions. Offer details and source |
| Tractor Supply Co. | 10% off eligible purchases on designated Honoring Heroes Days. | November 7 and November 11 are listed in the company’s 2026 announcement. Join Neighbor’s Club and verify Hometown Hero status through ID.me. Check the program terms for exclusions. Offer details and source |
| Walgreens | The VA’s 2026 list reports 20% off eligible regular-price merchandise in store for veterans, active-duty military and immediate families. | Confirm 2026 dates and requirements locally. Walgreens’ linked promotion page still specifies November 8–11, 2025, so those dates are not treated here as a confirmed 2026 promotion. Expect exclusions, including prescriptions. Offer details and source |
Common Questions About Veterans Day Discounts in Omaha
Do veterans need to live in Omaha to use these offers?
The listed national promotions generally rely on military eligibility rather than Omaha residency. Follow each offer’s terms and the participating location’s requirements.
Can my spouse or family get the discount too?
Sometimes. Starbucks includes military spouses in its coffee offer. Target includes verified military families in its promotion. Several ongoing retail programs also include eligible spouses or relatives. Most free restaurant meals apply only to the veteran or service member unless stated otherwise.
Do all the offers happen on November 11?
No. Target’s promotion begins November 5, Outback’s runs November 10–11, and some programs distribute a card or voucher for later use. Check both the pickup date and the redemption deadline.
Can I use a free-meal offer for takeout?
Only if its terms allow it. Most offers listed here require dining in. Outback specifically allows the appetizer-and-drink offer on direct phone To-Go orders, while its future Hero’s Meal reward requires a qualifying dine-in visit.
Do all Omaha-area locations participate?
Participation can vary by restaurant, franchise or store. Confirm the offer, availability and holiday hours with the location you plan to visit. The businesses listed here have Omaha-area locations, but a national announcement does not guarantee participation at every branch.
The Bottom Line
Omaha-area veterans and service members have several ways to enjoy a meal or save on a shopping trip around Veterans Day. Pick the offers that fit your plans, check the details with the local business and keep your proof of service handy.
If you are new to the area, MoveToOmaha.com can help with the rest of settling in, too. Start with our First 30 Days in Omaha guide, review Omaha utilities, or compare local internet providers. For more ways to get to know your new hometown, browse our Explore Omaha articles.
To everyone who has served, thank you.
Sources and Updates
This local guide began with The Military Wallet’s Veterans Day meals roundup and Veterans Day retail roundup. Additional checks used the VA’s 2026 discounts list, The American Legion’s 2026 guide, brand offer pages and official local store directories. Individual source links appear with each listing.
Offers can change or end. This page reflects information reviewed on November 5, 2026 and should be checked again before use in a later year.
