They served our country. Now it’s our turn to serve them (and yes, maybe grab a slice while we’re at it).
This Veterans Day, if you’re looking for a way to give back to the heroes who’ve given so much, there are plenty of ways to make an impact right here in Central Ohio. From dining at veteran-owned restaurants to volunteering or donating to local organizations, here’s how you can say “thank you” in a way that actually counts.
Also, let me take a second to shout out those who served in my family, including my grandfather R.P., Aunt Colleen, Uncle Jim, and cousins Ben and Paul. Love you all, and thank you for your service 🇺🇸
🍕 Eat at Veteran-Owned Restaurants in Columbus
Supporting local businesses is always a good thing — but when those businesses are owned by veterans, it’s extra meaningful. Here are a few local spots where your next meal can help support those who’ve served.
Sexton’s Pizza
In 2016, two veteran brothers, Joey and Jamey, bought a $6,000 food trailer and turned it into one of Ohio’s best pizza empires. Sexton’s Pizza is known for its crunchy crust, high-quality red sauce, and perfect balance of char and chew. Even Dave Portnoy gave it an 8.1 rating (which, if you know Portnoy, is basically like a standing ovation).
If you want to support a local success story that started with grit and hard work, this is the place.
Smash Buddies
📍 460 S Front St, Columbus, OH 43215
Two veterans from the Pacific Northwest turned their backyard cookouts into one of Columbus’s top burger spots. After perfecting their recipes, they launched a food truck — and now have a full restaurant downtown. Their smash burgers are crisped to perfection, their tater tots are homemade, and their signature sauce deserves its own fan club.
Smash Buddies was even crowned Best Burger in Columbus (2024) through a local competition, and once you taste it, you’ll know why.
💙 Give Back to Local Veterans in Need
Supporting veterans isn’t just about where you eat—it’s also about helping them get the care and resources they deserve.
Here are a few other ways to give back.
Volunteer or Donate to the VA
The Central Ohio VA Health Care System offers ways to directly help local veterans. You can volunteer your time, donate funds or goods, and help provide comfort and care to those who served. It’s one of the most direct ways to make a real difference in the lives of veterans in our community.
Support M.A.S.H. Pantry & Resource Center
M.A.S.H. Pantry is a nonprofit that serves veterans, military families, and survivors by providing food, household goods, and personal care items. Their mission is to make sure no veteran or military family ever has to choose between paying a bill and eating dinner.
You can help by donating food, volunteering your time, or spreading the word about their services.
Remember Those Facing Food Insecurity
Nearly 1.2 million veterans across the U.S. rely on SNAP benefits, and many right here in Central Ohio need extra support. If you or someone you know could use help finding meals or food assistance, check out and share our full guide to free meals and food pantries in Central Ohio.
🇺🇸 However You Choose to Help, Just Do Something
Whether it’s ordering a pizza from Sexton’s, grabbing a burger from Smash Buddies, or signing up to volunteer, your actions — big or small — add up. Columbus has a proud community of veterans, and they deserve more than just our thanks.
So this Veterans Day, let’s show up for the people who showed up for us.
Thank you, Veterans. Your sacrifices are not lost on us!
Food & Drink Guides
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