Free Meals Offered to Black Hills Veterans on Veterans Day
James Bialota | Nov. 11, 2026
Black Hills Harley kicked it off first this year, and a list of other local establishments offering veterans free meals can be found here.
Black Hills Harley Davidson gets the credit for kicking off the traditional showing of veteran appreciation when they offered a free chili lunch and free beer. The food and drink were served by volunteers from the Rushmore chapter of the Disabled American Veterans, who also sold raffle tickets and accepted donations. Their link is here:
Mike, the general manager of Black Hills Harley, gave an interview to the Bialota Network. There is good news for Americans, the workers and the economy; all Harleys sold in America will be built in America in 2027. Consumers are proud to own American products built by Americans.
He also described the relaunch of the Sprint model, which hasn't been seen since the 70's. It's a lightweight model series already launched in Europe. Harley and other American manufactures have recently tried to compete in the lightweight motorcycle market against foreign competition. Is this time different? Polaris another American brands have competed with major foreign markets in off road models and UTVs and stood strong.
With fuel costly, is a motorcycle with 80 miles per gallon a fit for American buyers? The 2027 Harley-Davidson Sprint 440 costs $5,999 in the US, making it the lowest costing gas-powered Harley you can buy. Compare that to an F150 with 25mpg fuel economy, costing the average person $2,496 a year to get to work with a 30 mile commute and $4.00/gallon of gas. The new Harley Sprint, using the same metrics, would cost only $780 a year in gas to commute. That means that the cost savings in fuel alone would pay for the new purchase after 3.5 years.
That's is a win for every frugal consumer. Instead of depreciating after driving off the lot, the vehicle cost is recouped in full by cost savings. Any use after that is free money. This is a strong win from American manufactuer Harley Davidson.
Now, for all the other Black Hills area veterans hoping to save money on Veterans Day; where are the free meals?
Please remember to patronize such businesses year round to ensure their continued existence and support. Also, be kind to wait staff (tipping is not just a city in China). While businesses give generously and we appreciate that, the common wait staff works too. My daughter is a busser and hostess at one of these local restaurants.
Please check ahead for local inclusion at all restaurants, and present a valid proof of Military ID, VA ID, or similar verification as requested. Many of the below restaurants have special offers or special menus.
If your business offers a free veteran meal item and were not featured, and would like your efforts to be known, please email news@bialotanetwork.com and we will update this list as soon as possible.
Breakfast
Perkins (traditionally offers a Magnificent 7 breakfast all day)
IHOP (a free red white and blue pancake breakfast)
Pilot (a free offer on their app)
Starbucks (a free 12oz coffee)
Scooters (a free coffee)
Circle K (a free medium coffee)
Lunch
Freddy's
Pizza Ranch
Wendy's (a free Dave's single)
Texas Roadhouse (11-2 pick up a free meal voucher)
Applebee's (veteran's menu)
Chili's (veteran's menu)
Olive Garden (veteran's menu)
Red Lobster (shrimp meal)
Blaze Pizza
Buffalo Wild Wings
Wings and Rings
Little Caesars Pizza (11-2)
Outback steakhouse (free Bloomin Onion)
Ruby Tuesday's
Taco Johns
The Load American Roadhouse
Dinner
Many lunch locations and:
Golden Corral (free buffet)
Piedmont American Legion (w/ membership, 5:30)
Rapid City DAV (w/ membership, 6:30)
I am a disabled combat veteran and proud member of the DAV, VFW, and the American Legion. My membership was gained through qualified service and sacrifice.
God bless all veterans and their families!