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Thank you Golden Corral.

by Dennis Gaskill
14 replies
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My wife and I just got back from eating at a Golden Corral restaurant. My meal was free. Each year on Veteran's Day veterans eat for free -- all you can eat.

They've had their Military Appreciation Day every Veteran's Day for the last 11 years, and have given out over 3.2 million free meals before today. They've also donated over $6.1 million dollars to the Disabled American Veterans organization in that time.

I was personally thanked for my service by the local franchise owner before we even had our coats off. Many civilians, children, and other veterans also thanked me. (You can tell who the veterans are because they give you a thank you sticker to wear when you go in.)

So, thanks Golden Corral. The food was excellent, and the appreciation you demonstrated is ... well, much appreciated.

I salute you!
  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Not only a nice gesture - good food, too. Ya know, we very much appreciate your time with the service. We'd appreciate ya more as a civilian, though, if ya had brought us a doggy bag.
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    • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      Not only a nice gesture - good food, too. Ya know, we very much appreciate your time with the service. We'd appreciate ya more as a civilian, though, if ya had brought us a doggy bag.
      Ha ha, good one, Sal. Of course, I wasn't trying to bring attention to my service, but to Golden Corral for their generosity. This kind of civic engagement is refreshing and rare in this day and age. They deserve a big dose of praise, and this is one man's way of ensuring they get some.
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  • Profile picture of the author RyanEagle
    Sounds delicious! They seem like an awesome restaurant for doing all of that.
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    It is a great way to thank vets. There was a pizza place that did that, too - and probably some local shops around the country. Least that can be done for people who risk lives so we can go out and eat in peace, eh?
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    • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
      Originally Posted by RyanEagle View Post

      Sounds delicious! They seem like an awesome restaurant for doing all of that.
      It's a buffet style restaurant. I always overeat when I go there. The dessert buffet is awesome, too. Everything from ice cream and pie to cake and cotton candy. My wife is in love with the chocolate fountain. I had one little girl come up and thank me who had obviously been to the chocolate fountain, as she had chocolate all over her face. I wish I would have had a camera. I told her she was welcome and thanked her for thanking me, but it was all I could do to keep from laughing at that chocolate mess on her face!

      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      It is a great way to thank vets. There was a pizza place that did that, too - and probably some local shops around the country. Least that can be done for people who risk lives so we can go out and eat in peace, eh?
      Applebee's gives vets a free meal too. They limit the selection though. It's still a nice gesture but it kind of makes you feel second class when the group your with chooses from the full menu while you have to choose from a limited menu. Still, it's free, so it's kind of petty to complain.

      Of course, free pizza would be awesome! One of my favorite foods.
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  • Profile picture of the author Don Schenk
    That is a nice gesture for Golden Corral to do. And word does get around because of postings online about their offer. Good PR.

    It's a buffet style restaurant. I always overeat when I go there.
    I was wondering if you came away from the restaurant with an extra 10 pounds.

    I remember seeing a teenage girl fill a plate until it held a mountain of food. She was about 5ft 7in, and maybe 100 pounds. Skinny as a rope. Wearing a tight T-shirt and shorts.

    About 15 minutes later I saw her back at the buffet creating another food mountain.

    While I didn't see her after that, I can only imagine she looked like a snake that had eaten gopher, with quite a tummy bulge.

    :-Don
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    • Profile picture of the author AprilCT
      Some of the restaurants around our area did that as well. Unfortunately my son got the day wrong and thought it was yesterday and these places were only doing it on Sunday.
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      • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
        Originally Posted by Don Schenk View Post

        I was wondering if you came away from the restaurant with an extra 10 pounds.

        I remember seeing a teenage girl ... I didn't see her after that, I can only imagine she looked like a snake that had eaten gopher, with quite a tummy bulge.

        :-Don
        I worked too hard to take weight off this past summer, so I took it easy. I only gained two pounds.

        Maybe that girl is like our dog ... hollow legs.

        Originally Posted by AprilCT View Post

        Some of the restaurants around our area did that as well. Unfortunately my son got the day wrong and thought it was yesterday and these places were only doing it on Sunday.
        Bummer. Around here Applebee's was on Sunday and Golden Corral was on Monday, so I got two free meals ... but I had to pay for my wife's meals, so I think she was the big winner!
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Originally Posted by Ken_Caudill View Post

    Do you have to show your DD214?
    Surprisingly, I've never had to at Golden Corral. Applebee's use to require that or a VA card, but I didn't have to show anything there this year either. Don't know if that holds true at all the franchises, but it wasn't needed here.
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  • Profile picture of the author Patrician
    I just got my beautiful new Christmas labels from DAV.

    I always take an opportunity to toss them a back link from here!

    If you didn't (like I didn't) remember it was Veterans Day in time to send a donation, it's never too late.

    Disabled American Veterans

    God bless all Vets living and otherwise and I pray that someday He will end all wars.

    I have to remember my dad (rip), Lt., USAF, Turret Gunner, WW2
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  • Profile picture of the author Eagernoob
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    • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
      Originally Posted by Eagernoob View Post

      Props to GOlden Corral. That's definitely a nice gesture. I love their their chocolate fountain? I put that stuff on EVERYTHING! Chocolate covered chicken wings are great.
      Puh-lease! Don't give my wife any ideas, she already eats a lot of strange combinations. :p
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  • Profile picture of the author perlongfiona
    Oh, that is great, thank you for your information.
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  • Profile picture of the author David Braybrooke
    Totally delicious looking food on the menu - Yum! Was going to say that I want to go join the army now but that takes away from the thoroughly impressive OP! Kudos to Golden Corral!
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