Military Salute

Veterans Day 2023 deals in Dallas that honor military service members

Veterans and active duty military will get all sorts of deals on November 11.

Photo courtesy of Tarrant Co. Veterans Council

Military servicemembers and veterans typically get discounts at certain places throughout the year, but restaurants and other venues around Dallas-Fort Worth really step it up on Veterans Day to make sure that those who have served know how appreciated they are.

Below are all of the Veterans Day deals Dallas-Fort Worth restaurants, bars, and other vendors are offering on November 11, 2023 (and in some cases, even longer than November 11). Unless otherwise stated, all deals are only for veterans and active-duty military with valid ID.

Bar Louie: Restaurant/bar chain which has five locations in Dallas-Fort Worth, will offer a free Bar Louie craft burger, such as the Bourbon BBQ Burger, GastroBurger, and more. The deal is good for dine-in only on November 11.
Barrel & Bones: Craft bar and smokehouse with three locations in The Colony, Carroltonm and North Dallas, will offer 50 percent off food purchase on November 11.
B&B Butchers & Restaurant: The Fort Worth restaurant will offer a complimentary sandwich, chips, and non-alcoholic drink on November 11.
bb.q Chicken: Korean fried chicken chain, which has seven DFW locations, will offer 25 percent off in-store on November 11 at participating locations.
Black Agave: The Mexican restaurant in Farmers Branch will offer 50 percent off food purchase on November 11.
Bonefish Grill: Seafood restaurant chain, which has locations in Allen and Southlake, will offer a free order of the restaurant’s Bang Bang Shrimp with a soft beverage on November 11. Bonefish Grill gives a Heroes Discount 10 percent off to service members, veterans, and first responders year round.
Bombshells Restaurant & Bar: Texas-based military-themed dining chain which has two locations in Dallas and Arlington, will offer free entrees on November 11; other items will be discounted 20 percent. In addition, families accompanying veterans as well as active service members and accompanying families will receive a 20 percent discount on entrees and other items. Alcoholic beverages are not included.
Bowl & Barrel: Dallas bowling alley/bar will offer a free "Burger in a Bag" on November 11. Active and retired military members and first responders get 25 percent off food year-round.
Cantina Laredo: The Mexican food chain, which has locations in Frisco and Addison, will offer an entrée of their choice up to a $25 value on November 11.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Italian restaurant chain, which has three locations in Dallas, Plano, and Hurst, will offer a complimentary dine-in appetizer or dessert paired with a soft drink on November 11. Carrabba’s gives a Heroes Discount 10 percent off to service members, veterans, and first responders year-round.
Cotton Patch Cafe: The casual dining restaurant chain, which has 15 locations in Dallas-Fort Worth, will offer a free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken on November 11 for dine-in only orders. In addition, the Texas-inspired restaurant will donate $1 to Homes For Our Troops for every Chicken Fried Steak and Chicken Fried Chicken sold on Veterans Day.
Crisp & Green: The health-conscious chain, which has five locations in Dallas-Fort Worth, will offer a free salad or grain bowl on November 11.
Dairy Queen: The fast food chain, which has locations all over Dallas-Fort Worth, will offer a free medium Blizzard on November 11.
Dallas Veterans Job Fair: Veterans looking for a job can connect with employers at this job fair on November 16 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Dough Bro’s: Italian food chain, which has four locations in Dallas-Fort Worth, will offer 50 percent off food on November 11.
Dunkin: The doughnut chain, which has many locations around Dallas-Fort Worth, will offer a free donut on November 11.
El Chico: Fast casual Mexican food chain, which has four locations in Granbury, Pantego, North Richland Hills, and Rockwall, will offer an entrée of their choice up to a $25 value on November 11.
El Chingon: Fort Worth Mexican restaurant/nightclub will offer no cover charge and a 50 percent discount on their bill, including food, beverages, and bottle services, on November 10 and November 11.
El Fenix: Mexican restaurant chain with 11 locations throughout Dallas-Fort Worth will offer a free meal on November 11, dine-in only. Guests can choose between an Enchilada Plate with a choice of two cheese, chicken, or beef, or the Taco Plate that includes two chicken or beef tacos.
Evan’s Meat Market: The butcher shop in Dallas will offer 15 percent off total orders on Veterans Day. The same deal is available for veterans year-round.
54th Street: Casual dining chain with eight locations across Dallas-Fort Worth, will give $10 off any entree deal on November 11 with the code "Veterans Day.” 54th Street gives active military, healthcare, and first responders 10 percent off year-round.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: The American restaurant and steakhouse chain, which has locations in Plano and Fort Worth, will offer a free lunch or dinner entrée with the purchase of an entrée of equal or greater value on November 10. The deal is good for dine-in only.
Fish City Grill: Casual coastal restaurant chain, which has 10 DFW locations, will offer a free entrée up to $23.99 in value on November 11.
Ford's Garage: Plano restaurant with vintage Ford Motors auto theme will give 25 percent off meals. Veterans who dine on November 11 receive the discount with up to three guests per table (alcohol excluded).
Golden Corral: Buffet chain with nine locations in Dallas-Fort Worth will host a annual Military Appreciation Night on November 13, featuring a free dinner (buffet & beverage) from 5 pm to closing.
Goodyear Auto Service Centers: The car repair chain will offer a 10 percent discount from November 10-14. The discount can be combined with all current offers. They will also offer "Free Car Care for Vets,” which includes free tire, alignment, brake, fuel system, and fluid checks. The same deal applies at Just Tires company-owned locations. Those who can't make an appointment on those dates can schedule an appointment by November 14 and still receive the discount and free services through November 19.
Grimaldi's Pizzeria: The pizza chain, which has nine locations in Dallas-Fort Worth, will offer 25 percent off on November 10 and 11. If you can't make it those days, they offer 15 percent off for veterans every day of the year.
Half Shells: Coastal restaurant with locations in Dallas and Plano will offer a free entrée up to $26 in value on November 11.
Hat Creek Burger Company: Fast-casual burger chain, which has eight locations in Dallas-Fort Worth, will offer a free Big Hat Burger with valid military ID on November 11.
Hutchins BBQ: Barbecue restaurant, which has locations in McKinney and Frisco, will offer a free meal on November 11. Guests can choose between ½ pound of meat with a choice of two sides or one meat sandwich with a choice of brisket, pulled pork, house-made sausage, or smoked turkey, alongside two sides. The deal is good for dine-in only.
Ice House: Frisco restaurant will offer 25 percent off food and non-alcoholic beverages on November 11.
IKEA: The IKEA in Grand Prairie will offer 15 percent off in-store purchases, up to $3,000 pre-tax, November 10-22. Additionally, veterans can get a free meal in the Swedish Restaurant, November 10-12.
Joe Leo: Dallas Tex-Mex restaurant will offer a free Golden Taco plate on November 11.
La Madeleine: The fast-casual French restaurant chain, which has 22 locations in Dallas-Fort Worth, will offer 30 percent off entire purchases on November 11
Legacy Hall: Plano food hall will give out a $5 "hall pass" to active and retired military with valid IDs. The passes will be available at the Hall Host Desk on the first floor.
Lounge By Topgolf: The golf game-friendly restaurant in Frisco will offer 25 percent off food and non-alcoholic beverages on November 11.
Luckys: Oak Lawn diner will offer an entrée of their choice up to a $25 value on November 11.
Margaret’s Cones & Cups: Frisco ice cream shop will offer 25 percent off food and non-alcoholic beverages on November 11.
McDonald's: McDonald’s, which is everywhere, will offer free meals at participating restaurants on November 11-12. Guests can get a Combo Meal at either breakfast or lunch. The offer is available all day both days through the drive-thru or in-restaurant.
Perry's Steakhouse & Grille: Steakhouse chain with three locations in Uptown Dallas, Frisco, and Grapevine, will offer a free pork chop on November 10 from 10:30 am-5 pm when accompanied by a guest purchasing one lunch or dinner entree, as well as a three-course menu for $39 on November 11 from 4-6 pm. The deals are for dine-in only, and reservations are required.
PJ’s Coffee: Coffeehouse chain, which has eight DFW locations, will offer a free 12-ounce hot coffee or cold brew iced coffee on November 11.
Pokeworks: Poke fast-casual chain, which has seven DFW locations, will offer 20 percent off any order on November 11-12.
Ryder Cup Grille: Restaurant inside Fields Ranch Clubhouse in Frisco will offer 25 percent off food and non-alcoholic beverages on November 11.
Saltgrass Steakhouse: Steakhouse chain with 18 locations across DFW will give 20 percent off to veterans and their guests (valid on parties up to 4) when they dine in from 11 am-3 pm.
Scout: The restaurant inside The Statler will offer a free entrée on November 11.
Sickies Garage: The burger restaurant, which has locations in Irving and Fort Worth, will offer a free Garage Burger or 20 percent off an item of their choice on November 11.
Silver Fox: Upscale steakhouse with locations in Richardson and Fort Worth will offer a $30 discount on their total check on November 11.
Snuffer's: Fast-casual burger chain, which has eight locations in Dallas-Fort Worth, will offer one free burger or sandwich of their choice on November 11. The deal is good for dine-in only.
SPCA of Texas: Dallas Animal Care Center will offer free pet adoptions of adult dogs and adult cats on November 11.
The Swing: The 10-hole golf course in Frisco will offer a complimentary round between 9 am and 3 pm on November 11.
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe: Mediterranean restaurant chain with two locations in Plano and Southlake will offer a free Chicken Gyro on November 11.
Thirsty Lion Gastropub. Gastropub chain with five locations in Dallas, Irving, The Colony, Addison, and Euless, is offering all active and retired military members with a valid ID a free entrée and a nonalcoholic beverage on November 11
III Forks: The steakhouse in Frisco will offer a free entrée up to a $60 value on November 11.
Twin Peaks: The breastaurant chain, which has 11 locations in Dallas-Fort Worth, will offer a free lunch on November 11. Guests get to pick from choices including a Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders, Caesar Salad (Chicken or Shrimp), or Chicken Street Tacos.
Whiskey Ranch: The home of TX Whiskey in Fort Worth will offer 10 percent off tickets for their Veterans Day celebration on November 11 with the promo code 2023veteransday, plus 10 percent off at the Ranch Store, including all bottle purchases.
Yogurtland: The frozen yogurt chain, which has nine locations in Dallas-Fort Worth, will offer $5 off online orders of $30 or more (before taxes and fees), November 10-12, using the promo code FALL5.

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Hemp news

Texas cannabis businesses sue state to block ban on smokeable hemp

Photo by CRYSTALWEED cannabis on Unsplash

Texas is cracking down on smokeable hemp.

Texas hemp industry leaders and advocacy groups have sued the state to block new regulations that eliminate natural smokeable hemp products and increase licensing fees.

The Texas Hemp Business Council, Hemp Industry & Farmers of America, and several Texas-based dispensaries and manufacturers filed for a temporary restraining order in state district court in Travis County against the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission on Tuesday, April 6. They argue that the agencies have overstepped their constitutional authority by rewriting the statutory definitions of hemp established by lawmakers in 2019.

“Under current Texas law, hemp is defined by its delta-9 THC concentration of not more than 0.3 percent,” said David Sergi, an attorney for the hemp coalition, in a press release. “These Texas officials and state agencies are clearly attempting to create new law in direct contradiction to what the Texas legislature intended.”

The background
Even though Texas law bans marijuana, lawmakers legalized hemp in 2019. State law defines hemp as containing less than 0.3 percent levels of intoxicating Delta-9 THC.

To get around the law’s Delta-9 THC restrictions, manufacturers started cultivating hemp plants with another type of THC, called THCA, that, when ignited in a joint or smokeable product, can produce a high. Many lawmakers have said this legal loophole has allowed a recreational THC market to appear overnight without direct approval from the state.

Last year, the Texas Legislature voted to ban the products out of fear that these intoxicating products were consistently getting into the hands of children. But, Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed the decision last summer, before asking the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and DSHS to increase regulations on the industry instead.

The Texas Department of State Health Services released regulations on consumable hemp-derived THC products that went into effect on March 31. These new regulations include child-resistant packaging, a significant increase in licensing fees, new labeling, testing, and bookkeeping requirements. The rules also codify the legal purchasing age to 21, which went into effect last year as an emergency directive.

Why the hemp industry sued
Also under the new rules, laboratories tests now measure the total amount of any THC in a product. If the THC levels exceed the 0.3 percent threshold, even if it’s only activated upon being smoked, the product will be noncompliant under state regulations. As a result, some of the most popular hemp products, like THCA flower and pre-rolled joints, have been banned.

Hemp businesses caught selling noncompliant products face a range of penalties and fines, including license revocation and up to $10,000 in violation fees for each day these products were sold in stores.

“An administrative agency may not substitute its own policy judgment for the outcome produced by the constitutional lawmaking process,” the lawsuit states. “The Texas Constitution vests legislative power in the Legislature, not administrative agencies.”

Retailers cannot sell hemp to out-of-state customers either.

The rules also increase licensing fees for manufacturers of hemp-derived THC from $258 to $10,000 per facility and retail registrations from $155 to $5,000, which industry leaders say will fulfill the ban by forcing businesses to close. The hemp business community’s lawsuit is not challenging the other new regulations, including the age verification or ones they say protect consumers.

“Texas hemp businesses wholeheartedly support those regulations, as they fall within the agency’s authority,” said Sergi. “We are seeking to halt rules that would effectively end the in-state production of hemp and the sale of hemp products — items the Legislature chose not to ban during recent legislative and special sessions.”

What the state says
Concerns about the safety of these high-THC products among youth led lawmakers to attempt to ban hemp-derived THC products outright last year. While the overall ban didn’t succeed, lawmakers successfully banned vape pens containing THC and other hemp-derived intoxicating chemicals.

Data provided from the Texas Poison Center Network confirms a sharp increase in cannabis-related poisoning calls starting in 2019, a year after hemp-derived THC was legalized by the federal government, from 923 to a 10-year high of 2,592 in 2024. Calls climbed to 2,669 last year. The majority of these calls involve suspected poisoning of children under the age of five and teenagers.

Drug policy experts said these numbers seem alarming, but it is natural for poisoning calls to increase when a drug has become legalized, and the data needs additional context before making conclusions from it.

Jennifer Ruffcorn, spokesperson for HHSC, directed questions about the lawsuit and what it means for the new hemp regulations to DSHS.

Lara Anton, spokesperson for DSHS, declined to comment on pending litigation.

What’s next
The hemp industry’s battle to stay alive in Texas started back in 2021 when the state health agency classified any amount of a natural intoxicating hemp compound called delta-8 THC as illegal. The hemp industry sued the state over its ban on delta-8 and the Texas Supreme Court is expected to consider the case this year.

The delta-8 lawsuit will have an impact on the outcome of the most recent lawsuit over the smokeable hemp ban because both lawsuits challenge the authority of a state health agency to make changes to the market without approval from lawmakers or the public.

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This story was originally published by The Texas Tribune and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.

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