Tag: Veterans Day

Veterans Day Specials from Chef Nicola Blaque and H-E-B

On Tuesday November 11, H-E-B will distribute gift bags to veterans inside their stores. Photo: H-E-B, used with permission.

Honoring Veterans Day with Chef Nicola Blaque and H-E-B

Every year on November 11, we pause to honor Veterans Day, a time to recognize the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. This day reminds us that freedom comes at a cost, and it’s an opportunity to express gratitude to those who have sacrificed to protect it. From community parades to acts of service and remembrance, Veterans Day is about acknowledging courage, resilience, and dedication that continue to inspire generations.

This year, in celebration of Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, James Beard-nominated chef and U.S. Army veteran Nicola Blaque invites veterans and community members to come together over good food and shared appreciation. (The Jerk Shack/Freight Fried Chicken, 2025)

Celebrate with Chef Nicola Blaque

At her award-winning San Antonio restaurants, The Jerk Shack and Freight Fried Chicken, Chef Blaque is offering a special way to honor veterans, with a comforting fried chicken plate for just $10.

The Jerk Shack will feature its island-style fried chicken paired with bold Caribbean sides like pineapple slaw and masala fries.

Freight Fried Chicken will serve its signature boneless fried chicken plate, highlighting classic Southern flavors with sides such as mac ’n cheese, seasoned fries, and fried corn.

📍 The Jerk Shack
10234 TX-151, Suite 103, San Antonio, TX 78251
🕚 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025

📍 Freight Fried Chicken
312 Pearl Pkwy, Building 6, San Antonio, TX 78215
🕙 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025

About Chef Nicola Blaque

Lattoia Nicola Massey, known professionally as Chef Nicola Blaque, is a proud veteran, chef, and restaurateur based in San Antonio, Texas. Her Jamaican-inspired restaurant, The Jerk Shack, quickly became a local favorite after opening in 2018, earning a Bib Gourmand designation from the Michelin Guide in 2024.

In early 2024, she expanded her culinary footprint with Freight Fried Chicken, located in the Pearl district, a restaurant that pays homage to the formerly enslaved women who sold fried chicken in post-Civil War Virginia to support themselves and their families.

H-E-B’s Ongoing Commitment to Veterans

On Veterans Day and every day, H-E-B Partners across Texas honor the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans and their families through Operation Appreciation, a companywide initiative launched in 2013. (H-E-B, 2025)

This year, H-E-B stores across the state will distribute gift bags filled with H-E-B brand items and notes of gratitude to veterans both in stores and at local nonprofits such as VFW and American Legion posts.

Through Operation Appreciation, H-E-B has contributed over $17 million to military-based nonprofits in Texas, supported employment for more than 30,000 veterans and military spouses, and even provided mortgage-free homes to severely wounded veterans.

Customers can also give back by purchasing items from the Café Ole by H-E-B Commemorative Collection, with $0.35 from every purchase donated to military nonprofits across Texas.

A Shared Moment of Gratitude

Veterans Day is more than a holiday, it’s a moment to come together as a community to say thank you. Whether through a warm meal, a handwritten note, or a simple act of kindness, every gesture helps honor those who’ve served.

This Veterans Day, celebrate courage, community, and connection, one plate at a time.

Photo: Ann Compositions, used with permission.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar’s Veterans Day offer

Hopdoddy’s Classic Burger. Photo: Hopdoddy Burger Bar, used with permission.

This Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, Hopdoddy Burger Bar is offering a free Classic Burger (with or without cheese) to all veterans and active military service members. Qualified recipients can show their military ID or uniform to claim their free burger. This offer is available at all Hopdoddy locations and is redeemable for in-store dining or to-go orders placed by phone. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2021)

In 2010, four friends had a goal: to set a new standard for burger bars. Hopdoddy pushed the boundaries of what is expected by bringing together craft beer and unique burger concoctions – all with high-quality ingredients and even higher standards. With every purchase of a Goodnight Good Cause burger, a portion of the proceeds give back to Hopdoddy’s favorite community charitable organizations.

Taco Cabana’s special offers for veterans and active duty military

Taco Cabana celebrates veterans and active military with special offers. Photo: Giant Noise, used with permission.

To honor and show its gratitude for members of the armed services, Taco Cabana is inviting veterans and active military members to enjoy half-priced enchiladas this Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at all locations in Texas. Veterans and active military members can order a two-enchilada or three-enchilada plate for 50% off the regular price. The popular Tex-Mex chain is offering its cheese enchiladas with a choice of six sauces and guests can choose to add shredded chicken, ground beef, chicken fajita or steak fajita as well. (Taco Cabana, 2020)

Offer is valid Wednesday, November 11, 2020 only when ordered at the TC front counter or via the convenient TC drive-thru.  Not available through online ordering or the MYTC! App.  

In addition to the Veterans Day offer, Taco Cabana celebrates members of the US Military every day with a 20% discount (excluding alcohol and gift cards). Taco Cabana also celebrates Military Appreciation Day on the second Tuesday of every month where military personnel can enjoy a free shredded chicken taco or ground beef taco all day. 

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of Nov. 1, 2020, Taco Cabana operates 144 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering.

Veterans Day and First Responders Day freebies from Hopdoddy

Hopdoddy’s Classic Burger With Cheese. Photo: Hopdoddy’s Burger Bar, used with permission.

For National First Responders Day, on Wednesday, October 28, Hopdoddy Burger Bar at The Rim and The Vineyard are offering a free Classic Burger (with or without cheese) to all EMT, firefighters and police officers. First responders can show their badge or uniform to claim their free burger. This offer is redeemable for in-store dining or to-go orders placed by phone. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2020)

For Veterans Day, on Wednesday, November 11,  Hopdoddy Burger Bar at The Rim and The Vineyard are offering a free Classic Burger (with or without cheese) to all Veterans and active military servicemembers. Qualified recipients can show their military ID or uniform to claim their free burger. This offer is redeemable for in-store dining or to-go orders placed by phone.

The Rim – 17623 La Cantera Pkwy, Suite 101, San Antonio, TX  78257, (210) 434-2337

The Vineyard – 1301 North Loop 1604 W, Suite 101 San Antonio, TX  78258, (210) 728-3800