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Arby's Gives 97-Year-Old Veteran And Loyal Customer Free Food For Life

Updated September 8, 2021

At 97 years old, Doug is perhaps the most dedicated Arby's customer there is.

According to Fox10, the World War II veteran shows up at the same restaurant location in Chandler, Arizona, every single day, always sitting at the same table and always ordering the same meaty sandwich to dine on in silence.

Unsurprisingly, after two years of the same daily routine, staff decided it was about time they got to know their loyal customer and sat down to have an actual conversation with Doug, beyond the usual, "Welcome to Arby's, how can I help you?"

The employees were gentle in their approach: "Hey, Mr. Doug. We just want to know what keeps you coming back to this Arby's location?"

Fox10 Phoenix

In response, Doug simply said, "This is the only place I can get a sandwich or get anything else to eat that doesn't hurt my stomach."

As it turns out, the seasoned vet has a stomach disorder, and his "regular order" of a roast-beef slider with Swiss cheese and coke (no ice) is all he can eat.

Restaurant manger Christina Gamage said Doug lives in a retirement home, but doesn't have a family.

YouTube | ABC15 Arizona

So, the staff at Arby's decided to adopt the veteran as their own and give him a place where he can feel appreciated and welcomed.

They started by giving him a $200 gift card.

"He was shocked," one unnamed staff member revealed, "hardly had anything to say."

Fox10 Phoenix

Employees also gave Doug their phone numbers, so if there's any day he can't physically come in to get his order, they'll deliver it right to him.

Once that gift card runs out, staff assured Doug he will still have his daily lunch covered.

YouTube | ABC15 Arizona

After hearing Doug's story, Arby's decided to take their Arizona location's kindness one massive step further and gave the veteran free food for life.

Now Doug always has a place to go where he can enjoy a delicious, free, hot meal and some good company, courtesy of his generous Arby's family.

h/t: FOX10, YouTube | ABC15 Arizona