Doug Parker, a 97-year-old World War II veteran, has been coming to the Arby’s in Chandler, Arizona, nearly every day over the last two years, ordering the same meal each time — a Roast Beef Slider with Swiss cheese and a Coke with no ice.

It’s that routine that developed a special bond between Doug and the Arby’s team.

“Doug has been coming here since I took over the restaurant,” General Manager Christina Gamage said.

“We like to get to know our regulars, and with Doug it was really easy. He’s an all-around great guy who puts a smile on our faces.”

Over the years, Doug has become someone the Arby’s team considers family. So this holiday season, they worked together to do something special for him.

“Doug doesn’t have anyone for the holidays, and we wanted to get him a gift. So we pooled our money together to give him a $200 Arby’s gift card.

 

Sometimes Arby’s is his only meal, and we wanted to make sure he can get his food whenever he wants.” Christina Gamage, General Manager, Arby’s

Shortly after hearing about his story, Arby’s made Doug’s holiday surprise even better with the decision to give him free Arby’s for life.

The generosity from the Chandler Arby’s team doesn’t stop at the gift of free food, though, as they’ve even offered to bring Doug’s meal to him when he can’t make it into the restaurant.

“Doug has problems with his legs, so we gave him our number and told him to give us a call if he can’t make it in and we’ll bring him his food,” Christina said.

Thank you to Christina and the entire Chandler Arby’s team for making a difference in Doug’s life.

Arby’s guest Doug Parker of Chandler, Arizona.