Golden Corral will once again salute current U.S. service members, retired military, and veterans by inviting them to enjoy a FREE “Thank You” buffet and beverage at restaurants nationwide on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 4 p.m. to close for its 26th Annual Military Appreciation Night (MAN).
In partnership with DAV (Disabled American Veterans), Golden Corral will raise funds for local DAV chapters, with representatives stationed at participating restaurants for several weeks. Guests can support DAV by rounding up their checks at the register or by making a donation directly to their local DAV chapter. All funds raised will support DAV’s mission of providing no-cost services to veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. For the first time, the fundraising effort will continue through Sunday, Nov. 29, providing additional opportunities to support DAV beyond Veterans Day.
This year, also for the first time, Golden Corral will partner with retired U.S. Navy SEAL and veterans advocate Marcus Luttrell to promote Military Appreciation Night. “Marcus Luttrell is both a Navy Cross and Purple Heart recipient, and knows better than most how much the U.S. Military and their families sacrifice to keep America free. Golden Corral is honored to join with Marcus to raise more awareness for this important annual event,” said Skip Hanke, 4th-generation U.S. Navy veteran and Chief Marketing Officer at Golden Corral Corporation.
“Military Appreciation Night is one of the most meaningful traditions we have at Golden Corral, and each year we’re reminded of how much this night means to the veterans and active-duty military we welcome into our restaurants,” said Lance Trenary, CEO of Golden Corral. “For 26 years, our guests and team members have come together to say thank you in a way that goes far beyond a meal. It’s our way of showing our appreciation and gratitude, and we’re excited to partner with Marcus Luttrell to build on that tradition, support the incredible work of DAV, and most importantly honor the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country.”
In 2025, Golden Corral restaurants served nearly 180,000 complimentary “Thank You” meals and raised nearly $1 million for DAV chapters. Since 2001, Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Night has served nearly 6.9 million free meals and raised more than $21.5 million for local DAV chapters.
Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Night offer includes a free buffet and beverage and is available for dine-in only to current U.S. service members, retired military, and veterans. No military identification is required, and the meal does not extend to spouses, friends, or other family members.
The complimentary “Thank You” meal gives guests access to Golden Corral’s legendary endless buffet, featuring more than 150 items, including USDA grilled-to-order steaks, fried chicken, pot roast, meatloaf, mac and cheese, fresh salads, sides, desserts and the brand’s famous yeast rolls. With scratch-made, comforting favorites and new dishes regularly joining the lineup, guests have plenty to enjoy as they gather around the table this Veterans Day.
Throughout the year, Golden Corral builds on its tradition with additional initiatives that make a difference beyond the annual MAN event. Its support of Camp Corral helps provide children of wounded, ill, and fallen service members with summer camp experiences at no cost to their families. Through traditional camp activities and specialized programming, Camp Corral provides opportunities for children to build peer connections, strengthen self-confidence, and develop coping skills while spending time with others who understand the unique challenges of growing up in a military family. Since 2011, Golden Corral and DAV have raised more than $21 million for Camp Corral, with over $2 million raised in 2026 alone.
Golden Corral also continued its partnership with Project Healing Waters in 2026 following the success of its inaugural fundraising campaign in 2025. Through therapeutic fly-fishing programs, the nonprofit helps veterans and active-duty military personnel pursue physical and emotional rehabilitation while building skills, confidence, and connections with others. Golden Corral raised more than $385,000 for Project Healing Waters through this year’s campaign.
For more information about Golden Corral’s 26th annual Military Appreciation Night, including event details and local restaurant hours, visit GoldenCorral.com.
