Many retailers in metro Toledo area are mustering up special salutes for Veterans Day on Friday, trying to ensure that those who wear or wore the uniform understand that their service is valued.
Toledo-based Marco’s Pizza is leading the charge by hosting free pizza parties for military veterans at local VFW posts, VA hospitals, and American Legion posts nationwide throughout November. The goal, said spokesman Laura Johnstone, is to have pizza parties in every large metro area where Marco’s does business.
Also, Owens Corning and Arnold’s Home Improvement Co., both of Toledo, will team up Friday to help a Korean War vet who lives in Oregon with a new roof. And Kroger Co. is offering veterans something less tangible but just as important: job interviews. Among many businesses honoring veterans, Churchill’s Markets, in Maumee and Perrysburg, is holding parties on Thursday to honor veterans, J.C. Penney is giving a 5 percent in-store discount on merchandise from Thursday through Sunday, and many area restaurants are offering other specials for veterans.
At Marco’s, Ms. Johnstone estimated the company will hold about 60 parties for veterans nationwide.
“This was really just to set Marco’s apart because we got feedback that ... vets already get a lot of offers. One more isn’t especially meaningful, and many have celebrations on Veterans Day and don’t take advantage of what’s offered,” Ms. Johnstone said. “So, we said, let’s just make it the whole month and bring the party to them, as opposed to just saying come in and have a free pizza on us.”
At the parties, some veterans will get surprise gifts, she said. For example, one will get an offer to build a wheelchair ramp for his house, another will get mortgage assistance, another medical bill assistance, and some plane tickets to visit family.
“Many companies donate money for vets on Veterans Day, which should be continued and recognized,” Marco’s President Bryon Stephens said. “The pizza parties and surprise certificates are just a small gesture to recognize the national holiday.”
OC, a building products manufacturer based in downtown Toledo, and Arnold’s Home Improvement remodeling company will give veteran Wayne McGee a new roof. OC is donating materials and Arnold’s will do the work. It’s the 19th free roof OC has provided to military families since April.
“This has been something we’ve been regularly interested in. We donate to Support Our Troops organizations, but this is the first time we’ve been able to do [a roof for a vet],” said Mike Kerin, project manager for Arnold’s.
Kroger said its stores will hold open interviews nationwide today for all veterans and their family members. Candidates can apply at jobs.kroger.com and go to a store between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. today with no appointment necessary. The grocery chain hired more than 7,000 veterans in 2015 and more than 35,000 veterans since 2009 through its “Honoring Our Heroes” program.
A local Korean War veteran who owns two supermarkets, former Marine Walt Churchill, is inviting everyone to celebrate the birth of the U.S. Marine Corps. His USMC saber will be used to slice cake at 11:30 a.m. at the Briarfield location in Maumee and at 12:30 p.m. at Churchill’s store in Perrysburg.
Hungry veterans and their families should have no problem this week finding a good meal.
No fewer than 21 area restaurants are offering active military and veterans goodies ranging from appetizers to free meals to discounts for them and their families.
Not all are to be held on Friday, and some discounts are not being offered on the entire day.
Restaurants offering either a free dinner, free breakfast, free lunch, other food, or special deals such as buy one/get one on Friday are: Applebee’s, Bar Louie, Bob Evans, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chipotle, Chuck E. Cheese, Cracker Barrel, Denny’s, Famous Dave’s, Hooters, IHoP, LongHorn Steakhouse, Max & Erma’s, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Red Robin, Texas Roadhouse, TGI Fridays.
Spaghetti Warehouse is offering veterans a three-day coupon good Friday through Sunday that features a special of buy one entree, get one free.
Red Lobster is offering veterans, active military, and reservists a free appetizer or dessert on Thursday and Friday. Outback Steakhouse is offering active military or veterans a free bloomin’ onion and beverage on Friday but also will give all military members and their families 15 percent off their entire check from Nov. 12 to Dec. 31.
Lastly, Golden Corral will hold a Military Appreciation Night on Monday and give free dinners to military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard, and Reserve.
Contact Jon Chavez at: jchavez@theblade.com or 419-724-6128.
First Published November 9, 2016, 5:00 a.m.
