Applebee's to Offer Free Meals to Veterans, Active Military

Once again this Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar will thank our nation's veterans and active duty military by inviting them to their neighborhood Applebee's for a well-deserved free meal. A selection of complimentary entrees will be available for these local heroes on this day as dine-in guests at all Applebee's restaurants throughout the United States including Applebee's at 2660 Sunrise Hwy. in Bellmore.

Due to the popularity of last year's event, the Long Island Applebee's will open one hour earlier for lunch starting at 10 a.m. and continue serving dinner until midnight or later in order to accommodate more of our deserving military.

Applebee's initiated this program nationwide for the first time last year. As a result, Applebee's provided over one million free meals to members of the military. Veterans Day turned into a military reunion at Applebee's in neighborhoods across the country. Veterans and active duty military from across generations enjoyed great food as they shared their service stories.

Locally, the Long Island Applebee's, which served over 10,000 meals to veterans last year, are looking forward to serving even more servicemen and women this year.

"It's an honor to host this event each year. It helps the neighborhood come together and say 'thanks' to our veterans and active servicemen and women," said Kurt Pahlitzsch, Director of Operations for Applebee's Long Island. "We feel a special connection to everyone who wears or has worn our nation's uniform to protect our freedoms. We're proud of their courage and happy to have this opportunity to offer a great meal with our compliments."

This year, Applebee's Veterans Day menu includes: 7 oz. House Sirloin, Bacon Cheeseburger, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Double Crunch Shrimp, Three-Cheese Chicken Penne, Chicken Tenders Platter and Oriental Chicken Salad.

All U.S. veterans and active duty personnel with proof of current or former military service can choose one complimentary entrée from this selection of favorites. Proof of service includes the following: 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, DD214, Citation or Commendation.

To locate the Applebee's restaurant nearest you or for more information, visit www.applebees.com.