Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, November 11, this year, and several restaurant chains with locations near Waxahachie are picking up the tab for veterans and active-duty military members. The lineup includes Cotton Patch Cafe, Applebee’s, Chili’s, and Texas Roadhouse, each with its own menu, rules, and timing.

Cotton Patch Cafe is the homegrown story here, founded in Nacogdoches in 1989, and it’s offering a free Chicken-Fried Steak or Chicken-Fried Chicken to dine-in guests who show proof of service. Applebee’s is serving a free full-size entrée from its Veterans Day menu and adding a $5 Bounce Back Card for a future visit. Chili’s has a limited free menu, dine-in only, with beverages and gratuity not included. Texas Roadhouse takes a different approach, handing out meal vouchers between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on November 11 that can be redeemed through May 31, 2027.

Before you head out, plan for two things: bring a military ID or proof of service, and call your specific location to confirm it’s participating. Offers can vary from store to store, and several are dine-in only. Ellis County has a strong veteran community, and this is one small way to say thank you.

Know a local restaurant offering a veterans deal we missed? Tell us in the comments.