Doug, a 97-year-old World War II veteran, has become a beloved fixture at Arby’s in Chandler, Arizona. He visits the business almost every day and the staff knows him well. Appreciating his loyalty, they decided to interview him to learn more about this military hero with refined taste.
When Doug walked into Arby’s one day, curious employees stopped their busy work to connect with him. With genuine curiosity, they asked him, “Hey Mr. Doug, we just need to know what keeps you coming back to this Arby’s location.” They expected a light-hearted response, perhaps about the deliciousness of Arby’s meat offerings, but what Doug shared was a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of appreciating what we have.
Contrary to what the workers expected would be a funny response like Arby’s knows how to serve the meat it likes, Doug came back with a note that reminded the staff how fleeting life can be and how we must cherish everything we have, as long as it is. still with us because it could all be gone tomorrow.
Doug told them that Arby’s in Chandler is “the only place I can get a sandwich or something or something to eat that doesn’t make my stomach hurt.”
Due to his stomach condition, Doug always orders the same food and automatically eats it. He uses the same desk every day.
According to prototype team member Travis Coy, he has indigestion. Unfortunately, it is the only food he can consume.
He comes in with a walker, and once we notice he’s having trouble opening the door, we try to open it for him, says Christina Garnage, restaurant manager and friendly employee.
Garage claimed that shortly after she started working there, about 32 months ago, Doug quickly incorporated it into her daily schedule.
She stated that he is an orphan and that he is a veteran with a lot of experience behind him. He also lives alone in a retirement community.
As Doug was forgotten for giving his life for America and the rest of the globe in the 1940s, the Arizona Arby community did what the government should have done a long time ago – welcomed Doug into their family.
For no other reason than to show Doug that they care, Arby’s today invited FOX 10 to take a picture of the crew giving him a $200 gift card. He was provided with a buffet lunch.
Another manager commented: “He was surprised and had hardly anything to say.”
In his senior year, Doug is alone, so Arby’s crew gives him their phone information and instructs him to contact them anytime. If for any reason he is unable to visit the restaurant, the selected food will be delivered to his door.
The manager has now presented Doug with a contract that includes free Arby’s for the rest of his life because he can no longer refuse it.
To show his continued commitment to Doug, the manager even presented him with a contract guaranteeing him the freedom of Arby’s for the rest of his life, a heartwarming testament to their genuine care and gratitude for his presence.
In a world often characterized by fast-paced life and transient connections, this story of Doug and Arby’s community serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of compassion and the profound impact a simple act of kindness can have on someone’s life. Doug, a veteran who gave so much to his country, has found a second family in the friendly and caring team at Arby’s. Their actions speak to the importance of reaching out and making a real connection with those in need, especially our esteemed veterans who have sacrificed so much for us all.