Veterans Eat Free @Applebees Nov 11

All U.S. veterans and active duty military with proof of current or former military service will eat free at all Applebee's nationwide on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009.

* Proof of service includes: U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans Organization Card, photograph in uniform or wearing uniform.

* For additional details, visit: http://applebees.com/vetsDay/default.aspx

One thing left off this list but is on the Applebee's advertisement is that a DD214 is also acceptable ID. All veterans were issued one of these upon discharge.

Cool. Have the DD214, and photographs of a much younger and thinner me.

This is a wonderful gesture by Applebee's!

Valid Veteran and Active Duty Identification to Obtain Free Entree:
U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card
U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card
Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW)
Photograph in uniform
Wearing uniform
DD214
Citation or Commendation

Good for Applebee's.

Bill Moritz wrote:

One thing left off this list but is on the Applebee's advertisement is that a DD214 is also acceptable ID. All veterans were issued one of these upon discharge.

veterans of the Mo. National Guard were not issued a dd214. we received something from the state not the fed. mine is at my mothers, but it is not a dd214.

It is a nice touch to say show vets they are appreciated. Don't think I'll be using my DD214 on Wednesday for a free meal. A nice night at home sounds better than the craziness that will be at some of these restaurants with this wonderful offer.

Happy Veterans'Day to all that served.

Vinny,

Probably a smart decision. My hubbie and I went to the one in Arnold over the weekend and the food was horrible. Everything on the menu has changed. Since IHOP has taken them over the are not the same. My hubbie didn't even finish his meal which says something because he usually eats everything. He said the food was just that bad. We should have gotten the hint when at 12:00 the parking lot was almost empty and there were only three tables occupied. My hubbie and I are starting to wonder if they are sincere with his free dinner or if it is just a gimmick to get people back into their restaurant.

Surprised to hear you say that. No, maybe not. Topix is always a good place to hear the spin, even when veterans and good deeds are involved.

Applebees will be providing our United States veterans a free meal; something that costs them money to ship, cook, and serve. To hear their generosity being called a gimmick is an insult to veterans such as myself.

I would normally agree with you, Will. My dad is a veteran and was planning to go until what my hubby and I witnessed at our visit. The whole restaurant was almost empty at a very peak time and the food was horrible. I would hate to think that they would pull such a stunt, butcwith how empty their restaurant was and how bad the food was, I don't think it would be above them to do that to make some money. If it is a gimmick, then they should be ashamed of themselves for using our veterans in such a manner.

ArnoldCC wrote:

I would normally agree with you, Will. My dad is a veteran and was planning to go until what my hubby and I witnessed at our visit. The whole restaurant was almost empty at a very peak time and the food was horrible. I would hate to think that they would pull such a stunt, butcwith how empty their restaurant was and how bad the food was, I don't think it would be above them to do that to make some money. If it is a gimmick, then they should be ashamed of themselves for using our veterans in such a manner.

My husband and I have been to Applebees and had no problem with the food.
I to would also like to say thanks to Applebees for acknowledging our service men and women. We may go haven't really made up our minds. Hope all enjoy their meal.

I do not have a problem at all with Applebees. While I really do like their food, I am not one that likes crowded restaurants. So, I would enjoy a quiet night more than a hectic night at a busy restaurant.

I could see a stop at Karen's

It was quite good Dave. My wife and I arrived at about 4:15 PM and were told that it would be 35-45 minutes. We were seated in 15 and served 10 minutes after that. One of the hostesses said that they had been preparing for this day for over a month getting the food stocked, work schedule set, and such. I believe that it went off very well. I showed a photo of me in uniform which served as satisfactory ID. Several veterans and active duty military were there in uniform.

The Arnold Applebee's store did a very good job pulling this off.

Wonderful. Glad to hear they were up to the challenge. Wehn they are on, they are on.

My husband and I went by the Applebees but the parking lot was packed and people were standing outside so we decided no to wait.
We talked to one of my sons and he and his wife went to the one in South County. He said it was really nice but they did have about an hours wait.
Since he and his wife are both veterans they only had to pay for their drinks and the kids meals.

Sorry cleared my computer so have to sign in but it is me. lol

Will wrote:

Surprised to hear you say that. No, maybe not. Topix is always a good place to hear the spin, even when veterans and good deeds are involved.
Applebees will be providing our United States veterans a free meal; something that costs them money to ship, cook, and serve. To hear their generosity being called a gimmick is an insult to veterans such as myself.

There will always be people in the world who are always negative.
Applebees is to be applauded for acknowledging our Veterans. Hopefully this will catch on and next year more businesses will join in. It is good to see our Vets honored and also those who are currently serving our country.

Shirlav,

You really are a piece of work.

I would hope that if other businesses do it, that it is truly genuine. Texas Roadhouse did it a few years ago and it was great.

And Will, just for the record, I was bashing Applebee's, not veterans. Only in Topix could someone twist it that way. I think that if they did it to get butts in the seats, then they are the disrespectful ones. And FYI, my father is a veteran.

CC
CC,
Why would you think they did it to get butts in seats? They did not make money on Veterans day giving away meals. Giving Vets a free meal is not being disrespectful in any way.
You may have had a bad experience there but that does not mean that everyone has. I for one have not had a bad meal there.
Im sure this was planned months in advance.
I would rather look at the positive side and not the negative regarding Applebees.