The best deals and freebies on food, fun for those who served

Today, on Memorial Day, we remember the sacrifices made by those who died in service to the country and find ways to say thank you.

Several national restaurant chains are honoring active duty military members, veterans and Gold Star families on Memorial Day with deals and free meals at participating locations.

>> The BEST Memorial Day weekend events around Dayton

Below, are a few of those deals.

>> What’s open and closed on Memorial Day?

(Note: Not every restaurant in a chain may be honoring the deals, so be sure to check with local restaurants to confirm which deals are available before you go. Most offers are dine-in only and can’t be used with any other discount or coupons. Prices may vary with location.) 

>> MEMORIAL DAY SALES: The biggest deals and discounts at some of your favorite stores

FOOD DEALS

Applebee's: Active duty and retired service members and their families get 10% off their bill through May 31 at participating locations.

Chuck E. Cheese's: Active duty military, reservists and retired service members get special deals when they show their Common Access Card, Uniformed Services ID Card or Dependent ID Card. The deals are available year-around.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: On Monday, veterans, active duty military and Gold Star family members get a free entrée with the purchase of another entrée.

Hooters: Veterans and active military get a free entrée Monday from a special menu. Deal requires a military ID and drink purchase.

Logan's Roadhouse: Active-duty military and veterans get a free meal from a special menu Monday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with proof of service.

Outback Steakhouse: Get 20% off your meal through Monday if you are active duty military, veterans, police officers or firefighters. Must show ID.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop: Active duty military and veterans get a buy-one-get-one offer on sandwiches, salads and Pick-Your-Pair items. Must show ID.

ENTERTAINMENT DEALS

Cincinnati Zoo: To commemorate Memorial Day, members of the military — active and retired — can visit the Cincinnati Zoo for free Monday. The zoo offers free admission to the military on Memorial Day, July 4 and Veteran's Day. The offer also allows military personnel to purchase up to six half-price admission tickets for members of their immediate family.

Kings Island: Kings Island will pay tribute to members of the military by offering free admission on military appreciation days over Memorial Day weekend. Military who qualify for the free admission ticket include active military, retired military, National Guard, veterans with honorable or medical discharge and Reserve Officers' Training Corps with government issued ID.

About the Author