Is Golden Corral Giving Free Meals to Veterans?
As a token of appreciation for their service and sacrifice, Golden Corral, a popular buffet-style restaurant chain, has been offering free meals to veterans and active military personnel every year on Veterans Day.
Contents
History of the Program
The Golden Corral’s annual "A salute to the Military" celebration, which offers free dinner buffets to veterans, began in 2007. The idea was sparked by the restaurant’s owners, who wanted to express their gratitude to the nation’s heroes. Since its inception, the program has expanded to include over 4,000 Golden Corral locations across the United States and Puerto Rico.
Free Meals for Veterans and Active Military
All veterans and active military personnel are invited to participate in the special promotion on Veterans Day (November 11th) from 5:00 pm to close. Eligible individuals can enjoy a free dinner buffet with their families, as well as a 20-ounce soft drink or unsweetened iced tea.
Who is Eligible?
Here’s a breakdown of the eligibility criteria:
- All military veterans with an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions are eligible.
- Active-duty military personnel ( Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard) can participate, as well as those from the National Guard and Reserves.
- Retirees and those receiving medical discharge are also welcome to join.
How to Take Advantage of the Offer
If you’re a veteran or active military personnel, you can take advantage of this offer by following these steps:
- Arrive at your local Golden Corral restaurant on November 11th between 5:00 pm and close.
- Present a valid military ID, discharge papers, or other proof of military service to the host.
- Enjoy your complimentary dinner buffet and receive a 20-ounce soft drink or unsweetened iced tea with your meal.
Important Details
Here are a few more things to keep in mind:
- The offer is exclusive to the Veterans Day dinner and is not valid at lunch or other times throughout the year.
- You don’t need to purchase an admission ticket or purchase anything to receive the offer.
- Family members are welcome to join you at the restaurant for dinner, but they must also purchase their meals or dine from the children’s buffet.
Critics and Controversy
In recent years, the program has faced some criticism from those who feel it is too commercialized, as the offer is marketed extensively through social media and advertising campaigns. Others argue that the offer is unfair, as it excludes dependents of veterans and spouses who may not be technically classified as veterans.
Despite these criticisms, Golden Corral continues to stand behind the program, stating that its purpose is to simply say thank you to our nation’s heroes. The company has pledged to donate over 9.4 million meals to date, with a total of over $14.8 million generated from fundraising efforts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Golden Corral’s free meals for veterans on Veterans Day is an admirable effort to show gratitude to those who have served their country. With its 14-year history of hosting this event, the restaurant has become a go-to destination for veterans on November 11th. So mark your calendars and make plans to join in the celebration!
Schedule of Golden Corral Events:
| Date | Event | Time | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 11th | Veterans Day Celebration | 5:00 pm – close | Free dinner buffet and 20-ounce soft drink or unsweetened iced tea for eligible veterans and active military personnel |
Get the Details:
If you have any questions about the program or would like more information, you can visit the Golden Corral website or contact your local restaurant for more details.
