For Veterans Day, I’d like to align myself with the hundreds of restaurant chains, c-stores and grocery stores that are honoring veterans with free meals, beverages or single menu items. Marketing aside, this might be one of the most crucial years ever to honor veterans. I’m not a veteran, but if I was, I’d be dealing with political and social questions that would make me wonder if my service was worth it. I won’t delve into any of the head-scratching national news we all read and hear about daily. Suffice it to say, it’s like the junior varsity is in charge and the coach is MIA.
But to the veterans, I join with the rest of the foodservice industry in saying, “Your service was worth it. You demonstrated courage; dealt with physical, mental and emotional pain; stood up and were present when called on; and kept your questions and doubts at bay. You “took it.” These are admirable qualities we wish everyone had, and we recognize you for it, so here is a token today to honor you for your service.”
Well, I don’t have anything to offer, but I’ll point out a few of the interesting tokens I’m aware of.
- California Pizza Kitchen gets the restaurant prize for doing more. Besides giving a free entrée and beverage for dine-in veterans, they are also providing them with a buy-one-get-one-free offer redeemable from Nov. 12-20. Plus the chain is donating 20% of all sales from Nov. 8-10 to Disabled American Veterans. Plus, several of the chain’s locations will feature a fallen hero table to honor those who lost their lives during their service. Kudos to CPK.
- C-store chain Sheetz wants to offer veterans a free car wash and turkey sub sandwich on Veteran’s day. They are champs.
- Grocery store chain Hy-Vee traditionally honors veterans on their day. They are offering veterans and active military members a free curbside pickup breakfast before 10 a.m. and 15% off groceries.
- Then there are truck stops: Petro Stopping Centers and TA Stopping Centers. Some have the restaurants Country Pride or Iron Skillet. They are offering a complimentary meal from a select menu that includes a beverage on Veterans Day.
But this is by no means a complete list of meal freebies, as any veteran knows. When it comes to physical refreshment, this day beats Trick or Treating by miles.
Veterans, this day is for you. A Hallmark card will not do. You must eat!
Thank you for your service!
Jody
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