Applebee’s Offers Free Meals to Veterans & Active Duty Canadian Forces on Remembrance Day

Editors Note: While not a normal practice to share corporate press releases verbatim and without editorial input, as a supporter of Canada’s military personnel, we are supportive of this initiative and are happy to permit the publication of the release without modification.

On Remembrance Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, in what has become a neighbourhood tradition, Applebee’s restaurants throughout Canada will once again honour our nation’s veterans and active duty Canadian Forces by thanking them for their service with a free meal from a special Remembrance Day menu.

The celebration began six years ago as a way for Applebee’s to express gratitude to the men and women who have served the country, and has quickly grown in to a beloved tradition. Since its inception, Applebee’s restaurants have served nearly 10,000 free meals to current and former members of the Canadian Forces as a show of thanks and respect.

But Remembrance Day is about more than a free meal, it is also about being a gathering spot for neighbourhood heroes. Active duty Canadian Forces and veterans are invited to come in to Applebee’s to share stories and experiences with friends, families and other servicemen and women. Additionally, through the “Neighbours Thanking Neighbours” campaign, Applebee’s encourages guests to leave a note of gratitude for the veterans and Canadian Armed Forces 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 Canadian Forces for their past and current service and will be distributed to local bases and Veteran’s Halls after November 11.

“Applebee’s is truly honoured to host the many Canadian men and women who serve the country. On Remembrance Day, it is our opportunity to serve them.” said Daniel del Olmo, President of International, Applebee’s. “It is the perfect opportunity for our franchisees, their team members and our guests to let them know just how much we appreciate their sacrifices and commitment to the country. It has become a six year tradition and one that our franchisees and all their team members find both incredibly moving and emotionally rewarding.”

Applebee’s will offer veterans and active military personnel a free meal from a special Remembrance Day menu that features some of the Grill &Bar’s most beloved dishes, including:

• 7 oz. House Steak
• Chicken Fingers Platter
• Double Crunch Shrimp
• Fiesta Lime Chicken®
• Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger
• Oriental Chicken Salad
• Three-Cheese Chicken Penne

All veterans and Active Duty Canadian Forces will need to provide proof of service to receive their free 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.

*Offer is valid for Dine-in from a limited menu only during normal business hours on November 11, 2014. Traditional sides are included with the free entree. Upgraded side items or extras, beverages, desserts and gratuity are not included. Must present proof of military service.

Applebee’s locations in Canada include Winnipeg, Calgary, Regina, Windsor, Brandon, Barrie, Ajax, Cambridge, Brampton, Mississauga, Thunder Bay and Niagara Falls.

Eric Novak

About Eric Novak

Eric Novak is a father of 4 who also thinks that environmental stewardship is a requisite of parenting. He's not a professional Dad nor is he an environmental scientist, but he's someone who gives a damn and is trying to make the right decisions as he lives his life as a father, environmentalist, part time professor and business owner. Eric has 4 children and resides in Ajax, Ontario.