Your guide to 40+ Veterans Day deals

And that gratitude translates into more than 40 deals for veterans and active duty service men and women. In case you were wondering where to find them, we’re making it easy.

If you’re hungry, head over to:

• Applebee’s. One free entrée. Details.
• Bar Louie. Free appetizer or entrée for veterans and active duty military. Details.
• Bob Evans. Free all-you-can-eat hotcakes. Details.
• Bonefish Grill. All active and retired service members will receive a complimentary Bang Bang Shrimp. Details.
• California Pizza Kitchen. One free entrée. Details.
• Carrabba’s. One free appetizer. Valid through November 15. Details.
• Chick-Fil-A. Active military and veterans get a free chicken biscuit between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. and/or a free chicken sandwich between 10:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. with military ID. Details.
• Chili’s. One free entrée. Details.
• Cracker Barrel. Complimentary Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake. For civilians, 10% of your purchase of a Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake or select Old Country Store items will go to the USO Transition 360 Alliance. This is big; their goal is to help military personnel and families transition back into civilian life smoothly when their service is complete. Details.
• Denny’s. Free Build Your Own Grand Slam. Valid 5 a.m. to noon. Details.
• Fatz Eatz & Drinks. Free World Famous Calabash Chicken. Details.
• Friendly’s. One free entrée. Details.
• Golden Corral. One free entrée. Details.
• Hooter’s. One free entrée. Details.
• IHOP. Free Red, White, and Blue Pancakes for both veterans and active duty military. Valid 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Details.
• JJ’s Red Hots. One free all-you-can-eat special. Valid at both Charlotte locations. Details.
• Krispy Kreme. Free doughnut and small coffee. No ID required. Details.
• Little Caesar’s Pizza. One free pizza or $5 Hot-N-Ready Lunch Combo. Valid 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Details.
• Longhorn Steakhouse. One free Texas Tonion and non-alcoholic beverage. Details.
• Mellow Mushroom. Free large pizza with proof of service. Details.
• O’Charley’s. Free $9.99 meal for veterans. Details.
• Olive Garden. One free entrée. Details.
• On the Border. Free “Create Your Own Combo.” Details.
• Outback Steakhouse. Free Bloomin’ Onion and non-alcoholic beverage. Details.
• PDQ. One free sandwich or 3 tenders for veterans or active military in uniform or with ID. Details.
• Red Lobster. One free appetizer or dessert. Valid through November 12. Details.
• Red Robin. Free Red’s Tavern Double and Bottomless Steak Fries. Details.
• Shoney’s. Free All-American Burger. Details.
• Showmar’s. Look for 50% off a single item with valid military ID at the following locations:
• Arrowood. Open until 9 p.m.
• East Boulevard. Open until 9 p.m.
• East 7th Street. Open until 9:30 p.m.
• Emerywood Drive. Open until 9 p.m.
• Northlake. Open until 9 p.m.
• Park Cedar Drive. Open until 9 p.m.
• South Park. Open until 9 p.m.
• Steele Creek. Open until 9:30 p.m.
• University. Open until 9 p.m.
• Windsor Square. Open until 10 p.m.
• Starbucks. Free tall coffee for active duty service members, veterans, and military spouses. Details.
• Taco Mac. 25 percent off for veterans and active military. Details.
• Texas Roadhouse. Choose one of ten free meals. Includes sides and a soft drink, coffee, or tea. Details.
• T.G.I. Friday’s. All retired and active duty military get a free lunch. Valid between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Details.
• Zoe’s Kitchen. Free entrée to those with ID. 10% off the check for all family members included. Details.

If you’re overdue for something along the lines of a haircut or car wash, visit:

• Grace for Vets. This program provides free car washes to veterans and active duty military. It happens at most 7-Elevens. Find one near you here.
• Food Lion: 10% off for military families. Details.
• Great Clips. Free haircuts for veterans and active duty military. Details.
• Harris Teeter. 11% off total purchase. Details.
• Lowes Food: 10% off. Details.
• Meineke. Free oil change. Details.
• Publix. All active and retired military get 10% off their purchase. Details.
• Shear Excellence. 1/2-price haircuts for veterans and active duty military. Details.
• UFC Gym. Free access for military families. Valid until November 15. Details.

If you’re looking for fun, head to:

• Discovery Place Museums. Veterans and active duty military get free admission to all museums plus a free IMAX movie. $2 discount for family members included. Details.
• The Bechtler Museum. Active duty, retired military and their families always get in free. Details.

Thank you to both our veterans and active duty military for your service.

(Photo credit: Charlotte Fire Department via Flickr — Creative Commons)