Brevard restaurants offer discounts and other deals to service members on Veterans Day
Armed Forces Day, May 20, is when the country celebrates living members of the armed forces.
Memorial Day, May 30, is when we commemorate those who lost their lives while serving in U.S. military, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.
Veterans Day, Nov. 11, is the big one: when a grateful nation recognizes all who ever have worn the uniform, providing they were “discharged under conditions other than dishonorable,” and local restaurateurs have taken it to heart, with free food and/or discounts to all who can prove they’ve served.
A few at which to find military discounts or freebies this Veterans Day weekend are:
Cabana Shores, 5240 N. U.S. 1, Melbourne: Every day is Veterans Day at North Melbourne’s big, breezy tiki hut, where a “Vet Burger” with “freedom fries,” “Vet Mahi” with fries and “Vet Chicken” with fries are available at no charge. Each is accompanied by the soft drink of choice. Call 321-254-2004 or visit cabanashorestikibar.com.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 1575 Palm Bay Road NE, Palm Bay; 7620 N. Wickham Road, Suntree; 60 Palmetto Ave., Merritt Island: On Nov. 11,, the chain will offer a complimentary dine-in appetizer or dessert and a soft drink for veterans and active-duty military with show of ID. It will be available all day, with no purchase required. Carrabba’s 10% “Heroes Discount,” which goes to all service members, veterans and first responders, also will be available as usual. Call 321-956-1900 (Palm Bay), 321-253-0991 (Suntree) or 321-453-7045 (Merritt Island) or visit locations.carrabbas.com.
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Harvest Thyme Kitchen, 601 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne: Downtown Melbourne’s breakfast and lunch haven will offer one of its signature cinnamon rolls free to each veteran Nov. 11. The restaurant also offers a 10% discount daily to active and retired military members. Call 321-327-3577 or visit harvestthymekitchen.com.
Jersey Brothers Diner, 2162 Harris Ave. NE, Palm Bay: The diner, in conjunction with Giant Recreation World, will offer free breakfast and lunch to veterans, first responders and their families from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 321-676-1200 or find the diner on Facebook.
Luna at Kahuna, 8 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach: The intimate, stylish bistro offers a 10% discount to veterans and active duty servicemembers each Veterans Day and throughout the year. Call 321-613-5796 or visit lunafoodandwine.com.
Marker 99 Restaurant and Lounge, 4263 U.S. 1., Melbourne: Veterans can have that waterfront view, plus a 10% discount off each check (excluding alcohol) with military ID or VA card all day, every day. Call 321-353-1369 or visit marker99restaurant.com.
Merritt Island/My Island Pancake House, 950 N. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island; 165 Barton Blvd., Rockledge; 2447 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne: Pancake czar Steve Mardis is a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, and his restaurants always have perks for present and prior military members. This Veterans Day, each vet will get a free entrée with the purchase of a beverage. Not surprisingly, present and prior servicemembers are offered discounts every day. Call 321-509-5996 (Merritt Island), 321-806-3809 (Rockledge), 321-241-6383 (Melbourne) or visit merrittislandpancakehouse.com.
Red Lobster, 2355 W. New Haven Ave., Melbourne; 215 E. Merritt Island Causeway, Merritt Island: Red Lobster is giving away free printed meal vouchers for Veterans Shrimp & Chips, featuring six hand-breaded, butterflied and lightly fried shrimp, served with cocktail sauce, as well as fries and cole slaw from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. A valid military ID or proof of service is required. The voucher can be redeemed Nov. 13 through Dec. 10 for dine-in only. Visit redlobster.com.
Sonny's BBQ, multiple Brevard locations: The barbecue restaurant is offering a free Pork Big Deal combo, which includes a side and a soft drink, to all active service members, veterans and retirees. Visit sonnysbbq.com/veterans-day to verify your military status and receive a coupon to redeem for your meal.
The Soup Shop, 4100 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne; 145 W. Palm Bay Road, West Melbourne; and on the Melbourne campus of Eastern Florida State College: The growing Soup Shop, which is owned by a retired Air Force officer and his wife, offers a 10% discount to military members every day. Call 321-622-6914 (Melbourne) and 321-327-4508 (West Melbourne) or visit thesoupshop.org.
Starbucks, multiple Brevard locations: The Seattle-based coffee chain will offer free 12-ounce hot or iced brewed coffee for veterans, military service members and military spouses at participating Starbucks stores on Nov. 11. In addition, this November, Starbucks is donating $100,000 each to Team Red, White & Blue and Travis Manion Foundation to support the military and Veteran community.
Texas Roadhouse, 1975 Viera Blvd., Viera; 941 E. Eau Gallie Blvd., Melbourne; 1181 Malabar Road, Palm Bay: The steakhouse will honor veterans and active military with free lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Veterans Day. Proof of service, which includes military or VA card, or discharge papers, is required. Veterans and active military can choose from one of 10 meals, including a 6-ounce sirloin with two sides, plus all meals include a choice of any Coca-Cola product, sweet tea/iced tea or coffee. Visit texasroadhouse.com.
Tijuana Flats, multiple Brevard locations. The Tex-Mex restaurant will offer all active military and veterans with a valid military ID a free entree with the purchase of a medium drink, or a minimum purchase of $2.79. Offer is valid in-store or for to-go orders. Use the code VETSFREE to redeem. Visit tijuanaflats.com.
This list will be updated as often as information is received.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Here's where to find Veterans Day deals in Melbourne, Rockledge, Cocoa
