We all love to eat, right?! And sometimes it feels like a mini-vacation to find the time between busy schedules and busy homes to escape to a restaurant—or even a drive-thru so you don’t have to cook!
But there are some dining establishments that go above and beyond in their support of military members and their families, so when you look at one another and say, ‘Let’s go out!’ ‘Yes! Where do you want to go?’ ‘I don’t know, where do YOU want to go?’ we hope this list will make your decision process a bit less complicated. We’ve compiled a list of military friendly restaurants that recognize military families and give back to our community. Some of these places offer military discounts, and all are military friendly. Some establishments are well known for their service to the military community, Dunkin’ Donuts, for example, sends free coffee to deployed troops, while others work with veterans who are interested in purchasing a franchise. And, many of these restaurants can be found in proximity to military installations.
Rules vary, so be sure to check with each establishment before you visit for any military specials that might be available to you.
Fast Food
Arby’s, Burger King, Carl’s Jr, Chik Fil-A, McDonalds, Cousins Subs, Doubledave’s, Dunkin’ Dounuts. Pizzaworks Systems, Hungry Howie’s Pizza, Little Caesars, Port of Subs, Sertinos Coffee Cafes, Sonic, VooDoo BBQ &Grill.
Restaurants:
Restaurants from all price levels make our list of military friendly establishments. In 2012, GI Jobs named Cici’s Pizza as a top military friendly establishment. According to GI Jobs, ‘The company was recognized for its CiCi’s Patriot Program, one of the industry’s most extensive programs benefiting U.S. veterans. Through the CiCi’s Patriot Program, CiCi’s will waive its franchise fee for the first restaurant and offer a 50 percent royalty fee reduction for the first full year in operation for all qualified, honorably discharged U.S. veterans.’ Other restaurants with a military friendly atmosphere include: Applebee’s, Boston Market, Big Boy Restaurants, Dickey’s Barbecue, Golden Corral, Hurricane Grill &Wins, Hard Rock Cafe, Pizza Patron, Wet Willie’s, IHOP, Huddle House, Godfather’s Pizza, Dickey’s Barbecue, Big Boy Restaurants, Pancho’s Mexican Grill, Pizza, Hut, Sweet Tomatoes, Taco Bell, The Melting Pot Restaurants, Red Robin, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Wendy’s
Desserts
Some dessert shops set themselves apart, like Häagen-Daz. According to G.I. Jobs, Haagan Daaz tops the list. In an interview with Dawn Uremovich, president of Häagen-Dazs Shops, she noted, “As a company that began and is still currently based in the U.S., we are extremely passionate about supporting our nation’s military members. Our franchise can provide a solid business to the men and women who serve our country and we look forward to further growing our program for these military members.” Also topping the list are Friendly’s Ice Cream and Rocky Mountain Chocol
