Applebee's Thanks Nation's Veterans

In what has become a neighborhood tradition, Applebee’s in New Jersey, including Forked River, will once again thank our nation’s veterans and troops by inviting them to their local Applebee’s for a free meal on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, 2011.

For the third year, Applebee’s will salute our nation’s military, hoping to top the 1,024,000 free meals served last year from coast-to-coast.  A year ago, New Jersey Applebee’s served over 17,000 meals to deserving men and women veterans and members of the active duty military on Veterans Day, a day of remembrance and respect.

“We say ‘Thank You’ with a free meal, but this day at Applebee’s is really more about creating connections,” said Mike Archer, president of Applebee’s Services, Inc. “At every Applebee’s on Veterans Day across the nation, military gather to share stories, meet up with old friends and make new ones. It’s our favorite day of the year and we are honored to serve and thank them again this year.”

Thirty-nine participating New Jersey Applebee’s restaurants are offering veterans a special menu including some of its signature and favorite items:

• 7 oz. House Sirloin
• Bacon Cheeseburger
• Three Cheese Chicken Penne
• Chicken Tenders Platter
• Oriental Chicken Salad
• Fiesta Lime Chicken®
• Double Crunch Shrimp

New Jersey Applebee's restaurants will open at 11:00 a.m. for lunch and serve dinner until closing at midnight or later.  The honored guests will need to provide proof of service, which 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, DD214, Citation or Commendation.

Offer is valid for Dine-in only. Traditional sides are included with the free entrees.  Appetizers, upgraded side items, beverages, desserts and gratuity are not included.  For more information, visit www.applebees.com. 

In the weeks leading up to Veterans Day, Applebee’s is kicking off its Thank You Movement, a campaign aimed at collecting over 3 million personal thank yous written by guests to thank those in our military. Starting November 1st, guests are invited to take a moment to write out a special thank you card at any Applebee’s restaurant. Those cards will be bundled and sent to our troops. You can also visit Applebees.com, ThankYouMovement.com or Applebee’s:  Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.com/ ThankYouMovement page to participate.