Friday is Veterans Day, and many area restaurants, supermarkets and convenience stores will offer free or discounted food for veterans and active-duty military personnel in appreciation. (In some cases, first responders and spouses get the bonus, too.) You'll need to show a military ID or other proof of service to receive the freebies.
We've tracked down 38 places in Chattanooga and beyond that will offer some kind of discount. Keep in mind that many are national chains and participation may vary locally.
-- 7-Eleven: Free quarter-pound Big Bite hot dog.
-- Applebee's: A free full-size entree from an exclusive menu, plus a $5 Bounce Back Card for the next visit. Dine-in only.
-- Bonefish Grill: 10% discount for service members, veterans and first responders.
-- Buffalo Wild Wings: Ten boneless wings and a side of fries for free for dine-in or takeout. Must show an ID, be in uniform or have a photo in uniform.
-- Chicken Salad Chick: Free Chick Special and regular-size drink. Dine-in only.
-- Chick-fil-A: From 5 to 8 p.m., receive a free regular sandwich, waffle fries and beverage.
-- Chili's Grill & Bar: Free meal from a limited menu. Dine-in only.
-- Chuck E. Cheese: Free personal one-topping pizza with promo code 5970.
-- Cici's Pizza: Free adult pizza buffet. Dine-in only.
-- Cracker Barrel: Free slice of Coca-Cola cake when dining in. To order online, enter code VETSDAY22 at checkout.
-- Denny's: Free build-your-own Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon.
-- Dunkin': Free doughnut.
-- Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: Dine with a veteran or active-duty service member and their lunch or dinner is on the house (must be equal to or less than purchased meal). Reservations recommended.
-- Food City: With proof of service and a ValuCard, get a free meal from the deli hot bar (entree, two sides and a roll) and a 20-ounce fountain drink ($9 maximum).
-- Golden Corral: Free dinner on Military Appreciation Night starting at 5 p.m. Nov. 14.
-- Hooters: A free entree from a special menu of favorites with a beverage purchase. Dine-in only.
-- IHOP: Free stack of Red, White and Blueberry pancakes.
-- Krispy Kreme: Free doughnut and small coffee.
-- Little Caesars: Free Hot-N-Ready lunch combo (four slices of pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi product) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
-- McDonald's: Chattanooga-area McDonald's are offering a free breakfast combo (including a drink). Breakfast hours only.
-- Miller's Ale House: 50% discount on an entree of choice.
-- Mission BBQ: Free sandwich (and hear the national anthem played at noon).
-- O'Charley's: Free meal (up to $10 value) from a special menu.
-- Olive Garden: Free meal from a special menu, with unlimited soup or salad.
-- Outback Steakhouse: Free Bloomin' Onion and soft drink. Veterans, first responders and medical personnel get a 10% discount every day.
-- Pilot Flyin' J: Free meal Friday through Sunday, subject to verification through ID.me.
-- Publix: 10% discount on groceries.
-- Red Lobster: Free Walt's Favorite Shrimp order with fries and coleslaw for dine-in orders from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
-- Red Robin: Free Red's Tavern double burger served with bottomless steak fries.
-- Rodizio Grill: Veterans eat free with the purchase of an adult meal at the Hamilton Place location. The Broad Street location offers a 10% discount every day.
-- Ruby Tuesday: Free sandwich with fries or tots.
-- Scooter's Coffee: Free handcrafted drink of any size (not available through the mobile app).
-- Shane's Rib Shack: Free barbecue pork or chopped barbecue chicken plate Thursday and Friday. Dine-in only.
-- Sonic: Mix and match any two of the quarter-pound double cheeseburger, regular Fritos chili cheese wrap and small jumbo popcorn chicken for $5 plus tax.
-- Starbucks: Free 12-ounce cup of hot brewed or iced coffee to active-duty service members and veterans and their spouses.
-- Sticky Fingers: Free pulled pork sandwich and fries. Dine-in only.
-- Texas Roadhouse: Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., receive a meal voucher that can be used any time through May 2023. Locations not open for lunch will pass out vouchers in the parking lot.
-- Wendy's: Choice of maple bacon chicken croissant, honey butter chicken biscuit or Breakfast Baconator combo for free 6:30-10:30 a.m. Friday.
Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.