Vicki L MorrisonThe old saying is, there is no such thing as a free meal. Applebee’s restaurants would like to change that for those they consider to be very deserving customers.
On Remembrance Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, in what has become a neighbourhood tradition, eighteen Applebee’s restaurants throughout Canada will again honour veterans and active duty Canadian Armed Forces members by thanking them for their service with a free meal from a special Remembrance Day menu.
“We’re taking seven items on our menu and offering them to vets and members of the military as our way of recognizing them for all that they do. It’s all about them never saying ‘no’ and always saying ‘yes’. We acknowledge that,” said Kenney Goldman, operations manager, Applebee’s Canada.
The celebration began six years ago as a way for Applebee’s to express gratitude to the men and women who serve this country, and quickly grew into a tradition. Since its inception, Applebee’s restaurants have served nearly 10,000 free meals to current and former members of the CAF as a show of thanks and respect.
Remembrance Day at Applebee’s is about more than the free meal, it is also about being a gathering spot for neighbourhood heroes. Active CAF members and veterans are invited to come in to the restaurant to share stories and experiences with friends, families and other military members. Additionally, through their ‘Neighbours Thanking Neighbours’ campaign, Applebee’s encourages guests to leave a note of gratitude for the veterans and CAF members on ‘Thank-You’ wall posters at their local Applebee’s, or online on the Applebee’s Canada Facebook page. The posters will hang in the restaurants beginning November 1 for guests to leave their story or message of thanks to the members of the CAF for their past and current service and will be distributed to local bases and Royal Canadian Legions after November 11.
“Our staff get really keyed up about this day and this event. It comes with a lot of planning and all the managers are on board. We see a lot of returning armed forces members. That means a lot to us. We really want to make the day special,” said Goldman. Applebee’s will offer seven of their best loved dishes for free including, 7 oz. House Steak, Chicken Fingers, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger, Oriental Chicken Salad, and Three Cheese Chicken Penne.
All veterans and active CAF members will need to provide proof of service to receive their free dine-in meal. Qualifying proof of service includes, permanent ID card for active personnel, temporary ID card for reservists, veteran’s card or a photograph in uniform or the wearing of their uniform.
Applebee’s is the world’s largest casual dining chain. Locations in Canada include Winnipeg, Calgary, Regina, Windsor, Brandon, Barrie, Ajax, Cambridge, Brampton, Mississauga, Thunder Bay and Niagara Falls. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, Applebee’s takes pride in providing a welcoming, neighbourhood environment where everyone can enjoy the dining experience.
Find your neighbourhood Applebee’s by visiting http://locator.applebeescanada.com.
