THIS IS TOPEKA | NOVEMBER 11, 2026
It’s Veterans Day, and for the thousands of veterans living in Topeka and Shawnee County, today comes with more than a few thank-yous. Restaurants, retailers and service providers across the country are offering free meals, discounted shopping, haircuts and other perks to those who have served.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has published its annual list of Veterans Day offers, and we’ve narrowed it down to businesses with a presence in Topeka, along with a few opportunities worth a short drive.
Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner or simply a free cup of coffee, here’s what you may be able to take advantage of today.
Free food and drinks for veterans
| Restaurant | Veterans Day offer |
|---|---|
| Applebee’s | Free entrée from a special Veterans Day menu. Dine-in only. |
| Chili’s | Free entrée from a select menu at participating locations. |
| Denny’s | Free Original Grand Slam breakfast, 5 a.m. to noon. |
| Freddy’s | Free combo-meal card to use by November 25. |
| Golden Corral | Free buffet during Military Appreciation Night. |
| Red Lobster | Free Shrimp & Chips meal. |
| Red Robin | Free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with bottomless fries. |
| Starbucks | Free 12-ounce hot or iced brewed coffee for veterans, service members and spouses at participating stores. |
| Texas Roadhouse | Free meal for veterans and active-duty military; confirm local participation and redemption details. |
| Circle K | Free medium hot or iced coffee at participating locations. |
| Chipotle | Free chips with guacamole, queso blanco or salsa with a $5 purchase at participating locations. |
Most restaurant offers require proof of military service, and many are dine-in only. Taxes, gratuities and beverages may not be included.
Shopping discounts around Topeka
Veterans can also find several potential savings opportunities at stores around the city.
- Kohl’s: 30% off eligible in-store purchases November 10–11 for military members, veterans and families.
- Target: 20% off one qualifying purchase through November 11 for verified military members, veterans and their families enrolled in Target Circle.
- Tractor Supply Co.: 10% off for verified military members through its Hometown Heroes program.
- Walgreens: 20% off eligible regular-priced merchandise for veterans, active-duty personnel and immediate families.
- Rack Room Shoes: 20% off in-store purchases for eligible military members and dependents, where participating stores are available.
Exclusions apply, and some offers require advance verification through a store’s rewards program.
Free haircuts
Great Clips is offering free haircuts to veterans and active-duty service members today. Customers who aren’t veterans can also request a free haircut card to give to a veteran.
Sport Clips is offering free or discounted haircuts at participating locations. Veterans should check with their preferred shop before arriving.
Free car washes
The nonprofit initiative Grace for Vets coordinates free Veterans Day car washes through participating businesses nationwide. Veterans can check the Grace for Vets website for participating locations.
Want to get out of town?
Veterans willing to make a short road trip have additional opportunities.
The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene is offering free admission today from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City is offering free admission to veterans and active-duty personnel today, with half-price admission for the general public.
National Park Service sites that normally charge admission are also offering free entry to everyone on Veterans Day.
A note from This Is Topeka about the source
Important disclaimer: This list was compiled from information published by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on VA.gov and its VA News website. Given the current political climate and concerns surrounding the reliability of information coming from federal agencies, This Is Topeka believes readers should independently verify information provided by the federal government rather than accept it without question.
More importantly, the VA itself acknowledges that offers may change and that participation varies by location. This Is Topeka has not independently confirmed each offer with individual Topeka businesses. The restaurants and retailers listed above are potential local options, not guarantees that every Topeka location is participating. Some chains may no longer operate locally, so readers should verify the location as well as the offer before making a trip.
The list is provided as a public service, not an endorsement of the VA, its leadership or the businesses mentioned.
Readers can review the complete 2026 Veterans Day list published by VA News.
And to our veterans here in the 785: Thank you for your service. We hope you get a good meal, a little recognition and perhaps a few dollars back in your pocket today.
Editor’s verification note: The offers above come from the supplied VA list. Local store participation and current operating locations have not been individually verified.
