To thank those who have served their country in uniform, some restaurant chains are offering military specials this upcoming Veterans Day weekend, as they have in past years. Although the practice is not universal, the variety of such culinary experiences is considerable.

For the 17th consecutive year, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar locations will offer veterans and active military a free meal from a select menu on November 11th.

Likewise, Chili's restaurants will offer active military and veterans a free meal from a special menu selection on Veterans Day.

On November 11, Denny's Restaurants will offer a special Veterans Day Original Grand Slam Breakfast for eligible military members and veterans from 5 a.m. to noon.

Golden Corral will host its annual Military Appreciation Night on November 11th from 5:00 p.m. A free “thank you” meal is offered to all who have served their countries.

Veterans and active military can enjoy a free Red's Tavern Burger at Red Robin restaurants on November 11th. Red Robin also promotes its “Buy a Vet a Gift Card” program to give all customers the opportunity to show their appreciation to those who serve or have served their country. Cards purchased through the program will be donated to local veterans organizations.

Starbucks locations across the U.S. will honor active and former military members — and their spouses — with a free 12-ounce coffee, either hot or iced, on November 11th.

Texas Roadhouse locations take a slightly different approach to thanking veterans. The brand is offering free meal vouchers to veterans on November 11th from 11am to 2pm. The vouchers can be redeemed for a later order of a meal on site or to take away from a selected menu. The vouchers must be redeemed by May 2025.

Because most of their restaurants are operated by franchisees, major quick-service restaurant chains such as McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's and Chick-fil-A do not mandate a Veterans Day program. However, many franchisees offer discounts or free items to veterans on November 11th. Therefore, it makes sense to call ahead and ask if this is your dining destination.

There is also some general advice associated with taking advantage of Veterans Day deals at restaurants. Almost all such offers require a military ID or proof of military service and are likely limited to dinner only – no takeout or delivery orders.

Drinks, side dishes and drink replacements are usually available additionally and tips for servers are the guest's responsibility.

It's also important to remember that many big brand restaurants are operated by individual franchisees who have either opted out or are offering their own alternative offerings. Therefore, it's best to call specific locations in advance to confirm what's available and get details on requirements so you can enjoy this special Veterans Day. “Thank you.”

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Supplements:

Friendly's Restaurants have introduced their “Fall into Winter” menu, which will be available at participating locations through December 31st.

The new menu includes Angus beef and barley soup and the Harvest Stack, an open-faced turkey sandwich with mashed potatoes, stuffing and cranberry sauce.

A Crispy Orange Chicken Sandwich is offered along with a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich.

Two new Fribble creations, Peppermint Stick and Hot Chocolate, are now available, as is a Choco Java Crunch Sundae. The brand's Anniversary Ice Cream Cake also returns to the menu seasonally.

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Nadim Kashouh of Nadim's Downtown Mediterranean Grill in Springfield is planning a “Cooking with Nadim” session on November 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Taking place at the restaurant's 139 Main St. location, “Cooking with Nadim” is an interactive gathering during which Kashouh demonstrates some of his favorite recipes and techniques.

Reservations for the event, priced at $140 plus an additional fee, can be made through Eventbrite.com.

An additional “Cooking with Nadim” course is planned for December.

Nadim's Restaurant answers at 413-737-7373.

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On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina is celebrating its 42nd anniversary with an upgrade to its Mesquite Fire Fajitas.

The fajitas are now made with premium thick-cut steak and chicken, as well as a new spice blend that includes pasilla chilies, cumin, Mexican oregano and achiote. Sizzling fajita vegetables and grilled jalapenos are also part of the presentation.

There are On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina locations in West Springfield and Rocky Hill, Connecticut.

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Enrico Giovanello, executive chef at Table 3 Restaurant Group in Sturbridge, will host a “Cooking with Rico” evening on November 13th.

The session, which begins at 6:30 p.m., will feature porchetta, the traditional Italian roast made from seasoned pork tenderloin. Giovanello demonstrates how to make porchetta and creates a selection of side dishes to accompany the roast.

The entry fee is $52 per person, excluding taxes and gratuities. Wine, beer and cocktails are available at an additional cost.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Avellino Ristorante at 508-347-2321.

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Sonic Drive-Ins is currently offering a Double Queso Smasher Burger, which features two smashed Angus beef patties covered in two slices of American cheese. The sandwich is served on a soft potato bun and topped with white queso, tortilla strips, sliced ​​jalapenos, diced onions and Southwest sauce.

Sonic also promotes three limited-time drink options. Buttery Brew is a mix of root beer, caramel and sweet cream, while Sparkling Sugar Dr Pepper has hints of sugar cookies and caramel. A Red Velvet Cake Batter Shake is also available.

There are Sonic Drive-In locations across from Five Mile Pond in Springfield and on Buckland Street in Manchester, Connecticut.

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Storrowton Tavern in West Springfield has announced that Sunday brunch will return on November 10th.

Brunch takes place every Sunday from 11am to 2pm and features a wide selection of breakfast favorites as well as a range of additional offerings.

Reservations can be made by calling the tavern, located on the Big E property, at 413-732-4188.

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The Monson Polish Club will host a “Homemade Polish Dinner” on Saturday, November 9th from 4 to 9 p.m.

The menu includes golumpki, pierogi, kielbasa, kapusta and rye bread; The cost of the treat is $20 per plate.

For more information, contact the Polish Club at 413-267-5574.

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There has been a flood of news surrounding Seattle-based Starbucks in recent weeks.

After Starbucks reported a 10% decline in customer visits last quarter, new CEO Brian Niccol announced a series of strategic changes for the brand, including a renewed focus on product, operations and marketing.

The change agenda outlined by Niccol sounds daunting. It commits the brand to better employee relations, improved store operations, menu simplification and a reduced emphasis on the Starbucks Rewards program as the chain's preferred marketing tool.

Niccol also calls on Starbucks to re-cultivate its status as a “Third Place” community destination.

The brand has already taken several concrete steps to implement the approach described by Niccol. Discounted offers and special bonus rewards have been discontinued, and last week Starbucks announced it was discontinuing its Oleato beverage line. The olive oil-infused oleato espresso drinks, which the chain introduced in 2022, are to be completely phased out by mid-November.

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Buffalo Wild Wings offers two limited-time sauce options to enjoy on wings.

A slightly spicy maple chipotle sauce combines the sweetness of maple with a smoky hint of chipotle pepper, while a Cajun sauce uses traditional Cajun spices to create a spicier flavor profile.

There are Buffalo Wild Wings locations on Memorial Drive in Chicopee and on Poquonock Avenue in Windsor, Connecticut.

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Sunday brunch is a weekly attraction at East Village Tavern in East Longmeadow. Brunch in the East Village is served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features morning classics complemented by a few lunchtime options.

The former includes an Irish omelette filled with Swiss cheese, corned beef and sauerkraut. For those who prefer something heartier, the tavern offers chicken and waffles and steak and eggs dishes.

From the lunch lexicon, the menu suggests dishes like a chicken Caesar wrap and a classic cheeseburger.

The East Village Tavern on North Main Street can be reached at 413-525-7777.

Hugh Robert is a faculty member in the Hospitality and Culinary Arts Program at Holyoke Community College and has nearly 50 years of restaurant and educational experience. Robert can be reached online at [email protected].