Veterans and their families will have plenty of opportunities for dining out this week as restaurant chains offer special Veterans Day deals to honor those who have served the nation.
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, McCormick’s & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants, Outback Steakhouse, the Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouse chains, Smith & Wollensky, and UFood Grill are among the restaurant companies extending offers of free meals and discounts to past and present veterans with proof of service.
On Monday, for example, the Bonanza and Ponderosa Steakhouse chains offered a free buffet and beverage deal at participating restaurants throughout the two chains. Bonanza and Ponderosa are owned by Plano, Texas-based Homestyle Dining LLC.
The more than 1,900-unit Applebee’s is expecting to serve more than 1 million free meals to veterans and active duty military on Thursday. A special Veterans Day menu will feature signature dishes such as a 7-ounce house sirloin, a bacon cheeseburger, Three Cheese Chicken Penne, a chicken tenders platter, oriental chicken salad, Fiesta Lime Chicken, and Double Crunch Shrimp.
The offer will be available from 11 a.m. to midnight, though some locations will offer extended hours, Applebee’s officials said.
Also on Thursday, Outback Steakhouse locations across the country will offer veterans and active duty military a free Bloomin’ Onion and a non-alcoholic beverages.
In Boston, Texas and Ohio, the health-focused UFood Grill, owned by UFood Restaurant Group Inc., based in Boston, is also offering veterans and active duty personnel a free meal at participating locations within the eight-unit chain.
Charlie Cocotas, UFood Grill chief operating officer, said, “Our military personnel past and present have sacrificed a great deal. On Veterans Day, people honor them with words and parades. At UFood Grill, we wanted to do something more and provide them with a healthy meal experience.”
The eight-unit Smith & Wollensky steakhouse chain, based in Boston, is extending its Veteran’s Day events through the holiday season.
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group will host holiday appreciation dinners for select members of the armed services, their families and friends at each of the restaurants.
“To everyone who has made our steakhouse a home, we’re giving back this holiday season with these exclusive offers and an event for those whom it is our rare honor to serve,” said Michael Feighery, Smith & Wollensky president. “We give thanks for all of our guests, but in particular, the brave men and women who serve our country.”
McCormick & Schmick’s hosted its Veteran’s Appreciation Event on Sunday at its more than 80 locations by offering veterans a free lunch or dinner entree, a tradition at the chain for the past 12 years.
“Our Veteran’s Appreciation Event has become a tradition that our restaurants look forward to each year,” said Bill Freeman, McCormick & Schmick’s chief executive. “We’re proud to honor the men and women who have bravely served our country, and we enjoy providing them with VIP treatment and an opportunity to enjoy a great meal with friends and family on this special day.”
Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].