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Let's celebrate patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good! Observed annually on November 11, we come together to recognize Veterans Day—the official United States holiday that honors the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, past and present.
VETERANS & FRANCHISING: FAST FACTS
- According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), becoming a business owner attracts approximately a quarter of all U.S. veterans.
- Over 600 franchise companies are members of VetFran, leading their industries in making a tangible commitment to recruiting veterans.
- Even though veterans account for about 7% of the population, 14% of franchisees are vets. (VetFran)
- Veteran franchisees are more likely to hire veterans as employees, and 65% of franchisors have indicated that their rate of hiring veterans has increased in recent years. (VetFran)
- According to the International Franchise Association (IFA), one out of every seven franchises in the United States is owned by a veteran.
- An unbelievable 99% have reported that veterans have proven to be a good fit as corporate employees, and 97% said the same thing about their veteran franchisees. (VetFran)
Military experience makes for skilled franchise owners. Veterans emerge from service with strong leadership skills and a thorough understanding of strong camaraderie through teamwork. Military experience includes leading and motivating people, improving processes, and accomplishing a defined mission. Like the military, successful franchisees and employees accomplish the mission with a dedicated team.
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To commemorate this special holiday, we're giving a star-spangled salute with our yearly round-up of how franchises are celebrating those that protect the American Dream of franchising.
Famous Dave’s Announces System-Wide Veteran’s Day Promotion
Famous Dave's, the beloved 127-unit barbecue restaurant franchise, is rolling out a Veteran’s Day promotion at all restaurants across the US in an effort to give back to the community and show its appreciation to veteran guests and active-duty military personnel.
2020 has been a very tough year for many, and we look forward to continuing to be a source of comfort for our guests. Our Veteran’s Day offer is our small way of showing how grateful we are for our veterans and all they do for us and our communities.
On November 11, in honor of Veterans Day, Famous Dave's is offering a free Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich and side at all locations to all active and retired military personnel. The promotion will be available for Dine-In and To-Go orders. When ordering online, guests will choose the sandwich and enter the coupon code “VETERAN” at checkout on Famous Daves To Go webpage.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Salutes Nation’s Heroes with Food Donations and Special Offer this Veterans Day
Ever since Travis Dickey founded Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in 1941 after serving in World War I, honoring Veterans has been ingrained in the world’s largest barbecue concept’s core.
From Nov. 9-15, when guests make a purchase through Dickeys Online or the Dickey’s App, they will have the option to add one, five or 10 Pulled Pork Classic Sandwiches to be delivered to local Veteran organizations. Additionally, the Dickey family has pledged to match every sandwich donated to double the efforts to feed Veterans.
Dickey’s roots date back to Veteran Travis Dickey starting our family business. So we’re extremely passionate about giving back and supporting Veterans however we can. This Veterans Day, we’re celebrating by donating food and giving away a free sandwich to the brave men and women who defend our freedom.
The Texas-style barbecue brand also offers various ongoing discounts for Veterans. They can receive 25% off Dickey’s initial franchise fee for their first store, and Veterans and active military personnel get 10% off their in-store orders daily at participating locations.
Meineke Ranked in Entrepreneur Magazine’s List of Top Franchises for Veterans
Meineke Car Care Centers, has been named to Entrepreneur magazine’s “2020 Top Franchises for Veterans” list. The comprehensive lineup of franchise brands details the best opportunities for military veterans, with considerations made for discount and support programs. Meineke was ranked in the top 25 percent of the list, at #36 out of 150 franchises included.
At Meineke, we are honored to provide a strong business opportunity for those who have served our country. We recognize and value the unique skill set that veterans can bring to our franchise system. Our veteran owners are extremely talented and make up a significant part of our network. They clearly understand the value of being part of a franchise that offers a proven model to follow.
Meineke currently has more than 800 locations open nationwide and is known for its comprehensive line of car care services. Continuing its monumental growth with multi-unit operators, Meineke has available territories in key markets like Chicago, Los Angeles and Detroit.
Dunkin’ Gives Veterans a Sweet Salute with Free Donut Offer on Veterans Day
Dunkin’ is once again celebrating Veterans Day by showing its appreciation and support for those who truly keep America running. In a sweet salute to the brave members of the armed forces, on Wednesday, November 11, veterans and active duty military are invited to participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide for a free donut of their choice, no purchase necessary.
- Dunkin’ is proudly making a $10,000 donation to A Million Thanks and is giving fans the chance to show their appreciation to veterans by crafting their own digital letters via Dunkin’s Instagram story on Monday, November 9.
- To aid United States military families with critically ill children, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation proudly is gifting the Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation a $25,000 grant.
- Dunkin’s Veterans Day initiatives are part of the brand’s continuous commitment to supporting the U.S. armed forces. Through the Dunkin’ Coffee for Our Troops program, the company has donated more than 300,000 pounds of coffee to troops deployed overseas.
Huddle House Honors Our Military With “Homestyle” Gesture in Remembrance of Veterans Day
Known for bringing friends and family together and its commitment to the community, Huddle House locations are showing support for those who have and continue to protect our country by serving in the armed forces. Huddle House is offering a FREE MVP Breakfast Platter.
The meal is available to all active military members and veterans with proper I.D. on Veterans Day, November 11.
This delicious meal is a Huddle House favorite with its 45 customizable platter combinations with delectable items including eggs, bacon, hash browns, grits, a waffle and an old-fashion buttermilk pancake as the starting points for a great breakfast.
FirstLight Home Care Named a Top Franchise for Veterans by Franchise Business Review
FirstLight® Home Care was identified by independent research firm, Franchise Business Review, as being one of just 80 franchise brands to be named an award-winning franchise in its 2020 report on the Top Franchises for Veterans.
Former military service members make extraordinary franchisees. We’ve always had a passion for supporting military veterans and an added appreciation for their service to our country. We continually look for ways to ensure they have the resources, training and support they need to transition into franchising. We also have proven programs in place that provide veterans with a solid foundation to help them open and grow their own FirstLight business.
FirstLight Home Care’s franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including training & support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, and financial opportunity.
Bombshells Invites Veterans & Active Service Members to Eat Free in Texas on Nov. 11, 2020
All 10 Bombshells Restaurant & Bar locations in Texas will provide free meals and soft drinks for veterans and active service members on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2020. Accompanying family members will receive a 20% discount.
Bombshells has always recognized the service of those who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe. This is even more so this year, when veterans and service members, along with others, are dealing with the added challenge of Covid-19.
Each Bombshells will set a "Missing Man Table," a place of honor set up in U.S. armed forces dining facilities in memory of fallen, missing, or imprisoned military.
Quaker Steak & Lube To Honor Servicemen And Women On Veterans Day
Quaker Steak & Lube®, is honoring veteran and active-duty military this Veterans Day. On Nov. 11, servicemen and women who have or currently are serving in the United States military can enjoy a complimentary meal at participating Quaker Steak & Lube restaurants.
We are humbled to have the opportunity to show our thanks and appreciation for these selfless heroes with free meals on Veterans Day. On a day of remembrance, we couldn’t think of a better way to commend, celebrate, and give back to these brave individuals.
Quaker Steak & Lube will also honor fallen military heroes with Fallen Soldiers Tables set up at participating locations. Fallen Soldiers Tables are set with a white table cloth signifying soldiers’ pure intentions in the call to serve.
Pet Supplies Plus Partners with Natural Balance® to Make $50,000 Donation to Patriot PAWS to Honor Veteran’s Day
As a result of this national partnership, Natural Balance® donated $50,000 to Patriot PAWS Service Dogs, a non-profit that trains and provides service dogs for disabled veterans, at no cost.
The local Pet Supplies Plus in Denton will host a check presentation, fittingly, on Veteran’s Day (November 11) at 9 a.m.
We know the positive impact a support animal can have on a healing veteran, and how difficult it can be to await the relief that they can bring, which is why we’re humbled to do our part and continue our partnership with Patriot PAWS for the fourth consecutive year. With over 50 disabled American veterans waiting for a Patriot PAWS Service Dog, we hope these funds will help expedite the process to allow more veterans to be united with their service dog.
During the month of November, a portion of the proceeds from Natural Balance® products purchased at any of the 500+ Pet Supplies Plus locations contributed to the $50,000 donation to Patriot PAWS.