LIST: Free meals, celebrations for veterans across the CSRA

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Parades, ceremonies, free meals and discounts are planned across the CSRA on Wednesday for Veterans Day.

Veterans Day events

• Augusta Veterans Day Parade: The westbound lanes of Greene Street close at 8 a.m. Wednesday. The parade is set for 10 a.m. It begins at 13th Street and ends at the All Wars Memorial at Broad and Fourth streets. Normal traffic is expected to resume by noon.
• A.L. Corbett Middle School: Aiken County Schools will hold a joint Veterans Day celebration at 326 Seivern Road at 9:30 a.m.
• VFW Post 6445: Members will place a flag at each of about 315 veteran graves at Harlem Memorial Cemetery at 9 a.m.
• Brandon Wilde: The Evans community will honor more than 35 resident and team member veterans at 11 a.m. in the Georgia Room at 4275 Owens Road.
• Augusta University: Military & Veteran Services will hold a celebration from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Grover Maxwell Performing Arts Center. It includes a Donning of the Pin Ceremony, and a reception will follow.
• City of Orangeburg: Orangeburg city officials will hold a Veterans Day Celebration at 11 a.m. at 1643 Russell Street.

CSRA restaurants offering Veterans Day deals

These restaurants in the CSRA are offering deals to veterans and military members:

Finch and Fifth: Veterans get 20% off all day at the Surrey Center location.

Frog Hollow Hospitality Group: Veterans get 15% off at its restaurants year-round.

Metro Diner: Active-duty and retired military members get 50% off dine-in at the Washington Road location.

Commander Coffee: Veterans get a free 12-ounce drip or iced coffee at the veteran-owned coffee shop.

Randy Bradum, owner and operator of Commander Coffee, said community is the main reason to support local businesses.

“We want to encourage folks to support small businesses so we can continue to thrive as a community, but also strengthen the community,” Bradum said.

Fat Man’s Cafe, Bradley BBQ and Sno-Cap Drive in: Active-duty military members and veterans get 15% off.

Heather Reeves, general manager of Bradley’s Barbecue, said all of the group’s restaurants are offering the discount.

“We are super appreciative of their service and blessed to have such a large military community here locally with the base feeding right into our local community,” Reeves said.

National chains offering Veterans Day deals

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the American Legion, these national chains are among those offering deals. Check with your local location before you go.

Applebee’s: Veterans and active-duty military get a free dine-in entree from a special Veterans Day menu. Proof of service is required. Beverages and gratuity are not included.

Biscuit Belly: Veterans get a free breakfast biscuit sandwich and coffee or fountain drink at any location, including Evans. Dine-in only. The restaurant also offers veterans, active-duty military and first responders 10% off daily.

Bonefish Grill: Veterans, active-duty military and families get a free Bang Bang Shrimp entree and a nonalcoholic beverage with ID.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active-duty military get 10 free boneless wings and fries with proof of service at participating locations. Dine-in only.

Chicken Salad Chick: Veterans and active-duty military get 50% off any meal with up to two sides and a regular-size drink with a valid military ID or in uniform.

Chili’s: Veterans and active-duty military get a free entree from a select Veterans Day menu at participating locations. Dine-in only, and ID is required.

Denny’s: Veterans and active-duty military get a free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to noon. Dine-in only, and a valid military ID or DD-214 is required.

Golden Corral: Veterans, retired military and current service members get a free buffet and beverage during Military Appreciation Night from 4 p.m. to close. Dine-in only.

IHOP: Veterans and active-duty military get a free red, white and blueberry pancake combo from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at participating restaurants.

Little Caesars: Veterans, active-duty military and reservists get a free Hot-N-Ready Lunch Combo at participating restaurants.

Olive Garden: Military members who dine in get a free entree from a special menu. Entrees come with unlimited breadsticks and soup or salad.

Outback Steakhouse: Military Mates get a free Bloomin’ Onion and a Coca-Cola product or 16-ounce domestic draft beer on Nov. 10 and 11.

Red Lobster: Veterans, active-duty military and reservists get a free Shrimp & Chips meal. Dine-in only, and ID is required.

Shane’s Rib Shack: Veterans and active-duty military get a free chopped BBQ pork or chicken plate at participating locations. In-store only, and proof of service is required.

Starbucks: Veterans, service members and military spouses get a free 12-ounce hot or iced brewed coffee at participating stores.

Texas Roadhouse: Veterans and active-duty military can pick up meal vouchers from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday. Proof of service is required. Vouchers can be redeemed through May 31, 2027.

Twin Peaks: Veterans and active-duty military get a free entree all day. Dine-in only, and a valid military ID is required.

Wendy’s: Veterans and active-duty military get a free Dave’s Single at participating restaurants.

Dunkin’, Krispy Kreme and Panera Bread also are offering Veterans Day deals. Dunkin’ and Krispy Kreme are offering free coffee or doughnuts, and Panera is offering a free bagel and coffee.

Other deals for veterans

Great Clips: Veterans and active-duty military can get a free haircut, or a card for a future visit, on Nov. 11. Anyone who gets a haircut that day can request a free card to give to a veteran. Cards can be redeemed through Dec. 4.

Jiffy Lube Allied: Locations are offering 50% off oil changes.