Today is Veterans Day, and businesses across Ohio are saying thank you the way they know best: with a free meal on the table, a coffee on the house, a clean car, a fresh haircut, or a day at the zoo. From national chains founded right here in Ohio to hometown breweries and museums, dozens of businesses are offering free food, drinks, services and admission today, Tuesday, November 11, to veterans, active-duty service members, and in many cases reservists, National Guard members and retirees.
Almost every offer works the same way: show proof of service — a military ID, a VA or veteran ID card, a DD-214, or an Ohio driver’s license with the veteran designation — and the offer is yours. Most restaurant deals are dine-in only, many are limited to a special Veterans Day menu, and individual locations can vary, so a quick call ahead is worth it. NewsForce247 checked the offers below against company announcements and this year’s roundups from USA TODAY, Military.com and Ohio event guides. Here is where Ohio veterans can be thanked today.
Ohio’s own chains go first. Bob Evans — founded in Rio Grande, Ohio, and still headquartered in New Albany — is offering veterans and active-duty military a free meal from a special menu today, dine-in with valid proof of service, according to the company. Dublin-based Wendy’s is giving veterans and active-duty personnel a free Dave’s Single hamburger at participating restaurants. And in Cincinnati, Fifty West Brewing Company is serving every veteran a free meal today — any sandwich, a regular side of fries and a non-alcoholic drink — at its Deerfield Township location, with its courts open free at both locations, first come, first served…