Applebee's a real treat for veterans

On Nov. 11, my wife planned on going shopping with the girls - my two daughters, daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters and a friend - and "suggested" I meet them and buy lunch. Naturally, I agreed and suggested Applebee's in Geneva at noon.

The parking lot was full but the hostess seated our party of eight promptly and asked if there were any veterans in our group - looking at me directly. When I told her "Air Force, 1958-1962," she told me I would get a free lunch from a special menu. The menu specified military ID to qualify but Manager Paul Vanderbleek came over, asked me a question about my service and told me "no problem."

Looking around I noticed dozens of men wearing baseball caps with service logos and some in uniform including a gent who appeared to be in his 80s wearing an old Army uniform. I asked Paul about the free lunch program and he told me it had started last year with 100 or so restaurants but was rolled out this year to more than 1,600.

While we were there, I'd guess more than 100 veterans - World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan - got to enjoy Applebee's Veterans Day treat at this location alone. Despite the crowd, our waitperson, Kelsey K, was gracious and efficient and the food was excellent.

I'm retired and in no way affiliated with Applebee's but want to "salute" them for their service. It goes without saying that whenever my wife goes shopping again and "suggests" lunch, it will be at Applebee's.

Bob Terry

Sugar Grove