Military personnel past and present get delicious thanks this Veterans Day on Nov. 11 at various Wilmington restaurants.
 
Independent Wrightsville Beach restaurant South Beach Grill, 100 S. Lumina Ave., honors veterans with a free dinner “no strings attached, no limited time offers, no buy-one-get-one … just a free dinner. Our small way of saying thanks to those that served,” South Beach owners John and Elaine Andrews said in a letter to customers.
 
“We encourage you to bring in a photo, commendation, memorabilia or maybe just a great story of your service,” the couple added. They have been treating veterans to a free meal each Veterans Day for the past few years.
 
Wilmington-based coffee company Port City Java Inc. will serve a free, tall coffee to both veteran and active-duty service members at some Port City Java coffee shops in Wilmington. “No strings attached or special ID to prove you are who you say you are for this one – just a little thank you from us for their commitment,” Port City Java spokeswoman Megan Mullins said.
 
The Port City Java Veterans Day special is available at these locations: 21 N. Front St.; 1900 Eastwood Road; 2301 17th St., Suite A; 2512 Independence Blvd.; 5917 Oleander Drive; 8211 Market St.; 1112 East Cutler Crossing, Suite 100; 300 N. Front St.; and 132 Racine Drive.
 
On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, 1128 Military Cutoff Road, offers veterans and active-duty military a free selection from the restaurant’s “Create Your Own Combo” menu, the franchise restaurant’s best-seller and a list that affords more than 150 possible dinner combinations, On the Border reported.
 
To receive the free meal, guests must provide proof of military service, which include U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans Organization Card, DD214, Citation or Commendation.
 
Golden Corral, Krispy Kreme, Olive Garden, Red Robin, Outback Steakhouse, Chili’s, Applebee’s, TGI Friday’s, Texas Roadhouse, Denny’s, Longhorn Steakhouse, Carrabba’s, O’Charley’s, Hooters and Little Caesars are all offering Veterans Day specials, some of which are free meals at lunch and/or dinner. Call Wilmington-area locations for details.