[SteveFromNY]

I passed the Golden Corral around 4:00 on my way to WalMart and there was a line outside all the way up the front of the building. On the way back, the line went around 3 sides of the building. Were they giving away free meals? Anybody know?

[zcaveman]

Originally Posted by SteveFromNY

I passed the Golden Corral around 4:00 on my way to WalMart and there was a line outside all the way up the front of the building. On the way back, the line went around 3 sides of the building. Were they giving away free meals? Anybody know?

Free meals for military members and veterans from 5-9 PM.

For some reason they did it tonight instead of Veterans day.

[Larryandlinda]

What a great way to say thanks for their service!
We hope the overwhelmed staff were tipped well! They really earn ours when we go.
LandL

[SteveFromNY]

Thanks Z. I figured it was something like that. That is a really nice gesture.

[Talk Host]

I was in the Marines and waited in line at the chow hall three times a day. I won't wait in live at Golden Coral to get free food. That's just me.

Monday nights are typically slow or dead nights in restaurants . So, if you give away free food to veterans, they will usually bring somebody with them who has to pay. Instead of making almost no profit that night, you make 50% of what you make on a regular night. They would do well to offer free food to some special group every Monday or Tuesday.

There are probably no slow nights in the Villages, but if its a national restaurant chain, the local ones have to comply even though they don't need to boost.

[SteveFromNY]

Originally Posted by Talk Host

I was in the Marines and waited in line at the chow hall three times a day. I won't wait in live at Golden Coral to get free food. That's just me.

Monday nights are typically slow or dead nights in restaurants . So, if you give away free food to veterans, they will usually bring somebody with them who has to pay. Instead of making almost no profit that night, you make 50% of what you make on a regular night. They would do well to offer free food to some special group every Monday or Tuesday.

There are probably no slow nights in the Villages, but if its a national restaurant chain, the local ones have to comply even though they don't need to boost.

Well, whether one thinks the food is worth the wait or not, or if is some kind of self serving profit boost for a dead Monday night, I still think it is a nice gesture, and a way to say thanks.

[LELANDJANE]

I also think it was a nice gesture and I hate to hear anyone being cynical in response to a good deed!

[twynsmom]

I too think it is a nice gesture. It's about time our country/citizens recognized the brave men and women that have served and are still serving our country and tell them thank you and welcome home!~~

[Talk Host]

Originally Posted by LELANDJANE

I also think it was a nice gesture and I hate to hear anyone being cynical in response to a good deed!

Oh, I'm not being cynical. I have had the opportunity to be in the advertising meetings of large restaurant chains. I have been involved in this stuff for 45 years. The conversation never starts out, "what can we do that's a nice thing for veterans." The conversation always starts, "what can we come up with to increase sales."

I agree, that if Veterans benefit, that's wonderful. I can guarantee this though, if sales don't increase for that day, it won't happen again next year.

[SteveFromNY]

Originally Posted by Talk Host

I agree, that if Veterans benefit, that's wonderful. I can guarantee this though, if sales don't increase for that day, it won't happen again next year.

Well, let's assume the restaurant made out and the diners made out, and call it a win-win situation for all.

[LELANDJANE]

I'm with you, Steve. Maybe if word gets out that Golden Corral did well, maybe other businesses will do nice things for the veterans next year!

[Talk Host]

Originally Posted by LELANDJANE

I'm with you, Steve. Maybe if word gets out that Golden Corral did well, maybe other businesses will do nice things for the veterans next year!

Applebee's has been doing it for several years.

[LELANDJANE]

Good for them

[zcaveman]

This is not Golden Corral's first year. They have been doing it for several years now. The one in Leesburg was doing the free Veteran's Day dinner long before the one on 466 was built.

I also heard that Subway had a free sub for veterans on Veterans Day.

[otherbruddaDarrell]

Don't forget Subway.
On Veterans day they gave away a lot of subs to Veterans.