NEW ALBANY — Veterans and active duty military personnel have a free Veterans Day meal coming their way, thanks to Bob Evans Restaurants.

This year, the restaurant will honor veterans with a choice of select free menu items, Nov. 11, at all Bob Evans restaurants. Along with serving a free meal on Veterans Day, Bob Evans is also offering a 10 percent discount to all veterans and active duty military from Nov. 12 through Dec. 31, for dine-in and carryout purchases.

“Bob Evans was a veteran, so we know that America is home of the free because of the brave,” said John Fisher, president of Bob Evans Restaurants. “Veterans Day gives us the chance to thank those servicemen and women for all they are doing and have done for this country.”

New this year, veterans and active duty military personnel will have the choice of select lunch and dinner menu items, in addition to the breakfast entrees available all day:

Guests wishing to enjoy a free meal on Veterans Day, or use the 10 percent discount throughout the end of the calendar year, must provide proof of service. Eligible identification includes a U.S. Uniformed Services (current or retired) Identification Card, a current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), or a veterans’ organization card (American Legion or VFW, for example). Guests wearing a military uniform on Veterans Day also are eligible.

Company Founder Bob Evans was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army during World War II in several posts. He was inducted into the Army in January 1945. In 2010, the late Bob Evans was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.

To reinforce the company’s commitment to the military, Bob Evans Farms painted its iconic barn purple, a color that represents every branch of service. Also, throughout 2016, in partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation and the Serving Heroes program, Bob Evans Farms Inc. will serve more than 6,000 meals to military heroes and their families at military bases, USO centers and VAs across the country. Guests are encouraged to visit the newly painted barn at Bob Evans Farm in Rio Grande and learn more about how Bob Evans is going purple.

For information and for local restaurant hours, visit www.BobEvans.com.