WWII Veteran Visits Arby's Every Day for Lunch, So They Gave Him Free Food for Life
Thanks to a kindhearted team of employees at an Arizona Arby’s restaurant, a World War II veteran has a family and free Arby’s meals for life.
Ninety-seven-year-old Doug frequents the Arby’s in Chandler, Arizona, almost every day. He drives himself, gets out of the car and uses a walker to come inside.
The employees spring into action, opening the door for Doug and helping him settle into his favorite table. He eats the same meal every afternoon: a roast beef sandwich with Swiss cheese and a coke with no ice.
He says his stomach never hurts after eating Arby’s food, one of the few meals his aging body can tolerate.
For over two years, Doug has been coming to Arby’s and says the staff has become like family to him.
Doug even has everyone’s phone number written down. If he can’t make it to the restaurant on any given day, one of the employees will drive a meal to his house.
On Dec. 11, Daniel Moloney went to Arby’s with his mother-in-law and spotted an aged gentleman sitting down to eat.
WOW! @ANITAROMANFOX10 visited a Chandler Arby’s this morning to learn the story about Doug, a regular customer who visits the restaurant every day.
Employees chipped in to buy Doug a gift card, but now, the manager says Doug gets free Arby’s for life!!! https://t.co/Rbh1OaZwIo pic.twitter.com/lsmoNOvZlx
— FOX 10 Phoenix (@FOX10Phoenix) December 13, 2018
As Moloney watched the interaction between Doug and the restaurant staff, he was moved with emotion.
Moloney witnessed the beautiful moment when the manager told Doug they had a gift for him. The employees had all pitched in their and bought Doug $200 dollars worth of Arby’s gift cards.
“We really enjoy you here and we always want you to come back,” the manager said.
The veteran cracked a joke, saying, “I never know if I’ll be here the next day, but thank you so much for this.”
Moloney was so moved by the scene that he snapped a quick photo and told the story on his Facebook page.
“This is one of those moments that make you happy to be alive,” Moloney wrote.
“There are so many good people in the world,” he wrote. “These employees selflessly put in their own money, so a elderly (sic) man could come in and enjoy dinner on what he never knew could be his last.”
Doug’s story quickly spread, piquing the interest of local media.
Manager Christina Gamage told KSAZ-TV that in light of Doug’s heartwarming story, Arby’s has now decided to give Doug free Arby’s food for life.
Gamage added that a local optometrist stopped by the restaurant, too, offering free eye care to the veteran.
“Please be good with each other,” an inspired Moloney concluded. “Lift one another up and share goodness.”
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