"On a typical day, we serve 100 to 115 lunches," said general manager Terry Heavner. "Today, we served 350."
Heavner estimated that 70 percent of his lunch business today consisted of veterans. "From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., it was very busy," he said in an interview conducted shortly before 5 p.m. Eastern Time. "It's a little quier right now," he continued as a steady trickle of veterans interspersed with other diners came through the front door, "but I think it may pick up again at dinner."
He described the servicepeople as "a very mixed group. There were many older veterans, but also many younger ones, and some still active. They chatted and reminisced with each other. They were an outstanding group of people."
But did they enjoy their meals? "They were very thankful," he said. "But we told them that thanks are due more to them, for they do more for us than we could ever do for them. This was just a small token of our gratitude."
Applebee's is one of several restaurant chains offering free food for veterans and active military personnel today and in the next several days. In addition to the offers listed in this article, Famous Dave's BBQ is serving free meals to active duty military and veterans today, and Golden Corral will offer them a free all-you-can-eat buffet from 5 to 9 p.m. next Monday.
Written by Sandy Smith
Exclusive to HULIQ.com
Posted November 11th, 2009 by Sandy Smith
