This Arby’s location had a regular customer who walked through the doors each day at lunchtime. Every single day, without fail, he would arrive like clockwork. The manager never noticed him there, but she always wanted to know why he never had any company with him. What made him head to the restaurant every single day to eat his meal there? When she finally learned the truth, it took her by surprise.
The Real Reason This Old Man Ate At Arby’s Every Single Day Took Everyone By Surprise
An Old Man Called Doug Parker
The 97-year-old veteran was called Doug Parker. He always went to the Arby’s location and ordered the same thing for lunchtime. There was also a specific table that he liked to use. As the manager, Christina felt like it was her duty to befriend the regulars. She was also curious to know who this man really was.
An Old Man Called Doug Parker
They Were Fond Of Him
You can say that not many people are big fans of the selections at Arby’s. Despite this, Doug would always get the same thing and eat it for lunch. The staff at the restaurant liked to call him Mr. Doug. They were all quite fond of the older man. Christina once explained, “He comes in with a walker, as soon as we see him come to the doors, we try [to] grab the doors for him.”
They Were Fond Of Him
He Is Always By Himself
One day, Doug walked through the doors as usual. But, this time, Christina could no longer keep her curiosity at bay. She felt the need to know why he went there every single day! While he was a regular, they still did not know the reason. After all, it is not at all easy to share your private life with someone else.
He Is Always By Himself
She Wanted To Know Why
Of course, the people who worked there had their theories about why he got the same thing every day. They wanted to hear the truth from him. Christina said, “He’s gone through a lot being a veteran and living in a retirement home. And he doesn’t have family.” Still, this did not explain his preferences.
She Wanted To Know Why
He Was There Every Single Day
You probably want to know what meal he orders each day. Doug likes to get a beef slider with swiss cheese, as well as a Coca-Cola without ice. On that day, Christina got around to asking him, “Hey, Mr. Doug, we just want to know what keeps you coming back to this Arby’s location?”
He Was There Every Single Day
His Health Issues Made It Hard
In response, he told her, “This is the only place I can get a sandwich that doesn’t hurt my stomach.” This was the first time that they learned he had health issues. Whatever she was expecting, it was not this. Who would have thought that the reason had anything to do with the state of his health?
His Health Issues Made It Hard
He Is Like Family To Them
For the people who worked there, the regulars were a part of their family. Doug was not an exception to the rule. Once they heard his story, the word got out. Travis Coye is also part of the staff at the Arby’s location. “He’s expressed to us multiple times that we’re like his family, and we feel that ourselves so we try to make him feel welcome in any way possible,” he said.
He Is Like Family To Them
They Had To Tread Lightly
As the manager, it is only right for Christina to pay attention to the customers. She knew the importance of making them feel valued. When they hire a new person, she always mentioned the special dietary needs of this customer. She had no idea that his order would be made a little differently one day.
They Had To Tread Lightly
It Was The Only Thing He Could Eat
Doug went to the Arby’s for lunch due to his sensitive stomach. He could eat somewhere else, but it was not worth the risk of stomach pains. The staff members at Arby’s already knew how to make the sandwich to his liking. They were happy to prepare it for him like that. After all, he deserved this after all that he had been through! Sadly, something once made it to his sandwich when it should not have had.
It Was The Only Thing He Could Eat
Another Customer Was Watching
Ethel Fishman is yet another regular who visited the Arby’s store in question. She also knew Doug, of course. She had a gut feeling about one of the waiters who worked at the store. Then, one day, she saw him slip something into his meal. It shocked her. Clearly, the young man did not know she was watching.
Another Customer Was Watching
From Where She Was Sitting
She did not know what it was since she was too far away from them to make sense of it. The only thing she could do was watch and guess what was going on. Mr. Doug got his usual sandwich, but the waiter was looking around as if to check whether anyone had their eyes on him. Ethel did not plan to let this happen without doing anything about it. She took out her phone to record what was happening…
From Where She Was Sitting
She Caught It All On Tape
Before she pressed record, she first checked that the flash was turned off. Next, she took photos as evidence. At the time, she had no idea that this would make Arby’s location and the waiter famous on Facebook. Her view was obscured, but it was enough to see that the waiter slipped a red thing into the bag. This was not typical, to say the least. It did not take her long to learn what was really going on.
She Caught It All On Tape
When He Checked His Order
Mr. Doug had been waiting patiently for his order to arrive. He watched as the waiter moved towards him from across the room. The server handed him the paper bag, which caused his breath to quicken. Even though her view was partially obscured, she saw the waiter smile as the older man checked the bag.
When He Checked His Order
Not Part Of His Order
The veteran started eating the roast beef sandwich. The entire time, the waiter lingered by his side. It looked like the older man was confused. He had yet to realize then that there were reporters inside the Arby’s. As usual, he checked the bag to ensure that it was in the right order. And then he saw the red card.
Not Part Of His Order
She Wanted To Share It With Everyone
All of a sudden, Mr. Doug said something that made Ethel well up with tears. She chose the best photo she took and whipped up a post before hitting the “share” button. After that, she asked for her bill. To her surprise, her phone started to beep again and again. She had no idea that she had just made the restaurant famous! Unfortunately, it was too late by then. It was time to face the consequences of their actions…
She Wanted To Share It With Everyone
It Was Not A Joke At All
When Mr. Doug looked up, he noticed the reporters. They were filming his reaction to the card inside the bag! At first, he assumed that it was a joke of some kind. Then, it slowly dawned on him what was really going on. Once he realized that no one was pulling his leg, the elderly veteran expressed, “Thank you. I never know if I’ll be here the next day, but thank you so much for this!”
It Was Not A Joke At All
They All Chipped In For His Meals
What did the card say anyway? The truth is that the staff pooled their money together to give Mr. Doug a gift card worth $200. They wanted to help him out with this act of kindness. This is not something that you hear about every single day. Unfortunately, that is also the case for the head office of the restaurant chain. When the head office learned what happened, they reached out to the manager to talk about the incident.
They All Chipped In For His Meals
As Many Arby’s As He Wants
“We try to go above and beyond for him because he needs the extra love,” said Christina. The kind staff members at this Arby’s location clearly cared a lot about Mr. Doug. This was also their way of showing him their appreciation for his service. In the end, the head office stepped in to ensure that the war veteran would not pay for his sandwich and coke ever again. Yes, the restaurant chain gifted him a lifetime’s supply of free lunches! His reaction to this incredible act of kindness was just as priceless.
As Many Arby’s As He Wants
He Was At A Loss For Words
“He was shocked,” shared the manager. “He was absolutely speechless.” Travis and Christina told the older man that he no longer had to worry about paying for his meals. There were journalists there to tape the moment too. Mr. Doug got to talk to them about the staff members of the Arby’s.
He Was At A Loss For Words
They Treated Him Like A King
Mr. Doug told them that the staff never failed to look after him. For example, they tried to keep the table vacant for him even though he did not mind using a different table. “Anything I need, they give it to me,” he said. He also had good things to say about the food there: “It’s just so satisfying.” But that was not all.
They Treated Him Like A King
Always Ready And Waiting For Him
The staff at the restaurant already knew what he likes to eat. This is the reason they prepare his meal before he even gets to the restaurant. They keep track of his gift card too. So even when it has run out, he is still allowed to eat his meal for free. They also help him out when he can’t personally go to the store.
Always Ready And Waiting For Him
When He Could Not Go There
The Arby’s employees even gave him their personal numbers. They asked him to get in touch with them if he felt too unwell to go to the store for his lunch. When this happens, they deliver his meal to him! His story has since spread far and wide. Other people expressed their desire to help him out too.
When He Could Not Go There
They Had More Good News For Him
People in the community knew and liked Mr. Doug. This is the reason the regulars and employees at the Arby’s were delighted when the head office gave him a lifetime’s worth of meals. In addition, a local optometrist got wind of the story and wanted to extend him some kindness by giving the older man a free checkup.
They Had More Good News For Him
Everyone Wanted To Support Him
After the eye doctor heard about Mr. Doug, they offered to give him a complete check-up. Of course, the offer would be on the house. This was how they learned that Mr. Doug needed to upgrade his prescription. The optometrist was kind enough to offer him a free pair of glasses as well! Isn’t that nice?
Everyone Wanted To Support Him
A Lifetime Supply Of Arby’s
Christina was happy to hear that other people stepped in to lend Mr. Doug a hand. If you ask her, all the veterans deserve the same treatment for their service to the country. “Let’s give him Arby’s for life!” she said even though it is not a good idea when it comes to their profit. “I have no problem with that.”
A Lifetime Supply Of Arby’s
It Was A True Honor
A veteran group called Run for the Wall recognized what Arby did for Mr. Doug. Christina has said that helping the older man is a reward in and of itself already. “It was truly an honor,” she explained. “There are so many amazing stories about our veterans and I thank them for everything they’ve done for us!”
It Was A True Honor
The Story Went Viral Right Away
The world learned of his story when Daniel Maloney, another diner at the Arby’s, posted about it. His post went viral in no time. That day, he and his mom had lunch when they saw the staff give Mr. Doug a gift card worth $200. Moments later, they shared that he would get food in the house for the rest of his life. It was such a moving scene that the diner wanted to share it with the world.
The Story Went Viral Right Away
A Lot Of Good People Out There
“We really enjoy you here and we always want you to come back,” Daniel quoted the Arby’s staff. They said this to him as they shared the good news with the older man. “There are so many good people in the world,” Daniel shared in his Facebook post. “These employees selflessly put in their own money, so an elderly man could come in and enjoy dinner on what he never knew could be his last.”
A Lot Of Good People Out There
The Story Made Rounds On Facebook
Daniel was not the only person in the restaurant who saw the moment and shared it on Facebook. Even so, his post was the one that fetched the most reactions. So what did netizens have to say about the story? Well, many of them chimed in to say that it was a heartwarming story that deserves to be celebrated.
The Story Made Rounds On Facebook
People Were Thrilled To Hear About It
“This makes me happy. We should be doing more for our veterans,” a netizen called Nancy Tucker said. “Wow! Love this news!! Thank you, Mr. Doug, for your service, and thank you, Arby’s, for what you did and are still are doing for him! God bless you all!” said Ofelia Lacaba. A different user added, “I love EVERYTHING about this!! A man that has served his country well, now strangers are making his life a little easier. This is how everyone should treat each other. Why not? If we all truly cared for each other, we’d be a MUCH happier country. Compassion.”
People Were Thrilled To Hear About It
The Least They Could Do For A Hero
“What a wonderfully uplifting story. Thank you for your service, Doug. I’ve always loved Arby’s and I’ll probably like them more now. So good to know that there are still great, caring young people with big hearts. Keep up the good work kids,” one of the comments said. It is amazing to see how much positivity poured in. People wanted to show Mr. Doug that they also appreciated what he did for the country.
The Least They Could Do For A Hero
Everyone Wanted To Thank Him
“Aww, awesome story thank you for sharing!! Always grateful for a Veteran!! Thank you Arby’s and staff for making this Veteran’s day everyday!! Sir thank you for your service!!!” a netizen gushed. A different user said, “What a great story to tell the world. This veteran deserves this and so much more. Thank you Arby’s for showing him respect and kindness. These are rare qualities in our world now.”
Everyone Wanted To Thank Him
An Incredibly Heartwarming Story
“God Bless you Doug, thank you for your service and loyalty. There are still a lot of good people out there! To the staff, good for you! It means the world to the “Dougs” out there who still need and crave the human touch and to feel that they still matter and have something to look forward to!” someone else said in the comments section. People found the story moving and incredible. A different user shared a story of his own to explain how personal this was to him.
An Incredibly Heartwarming Story
It Was A Real Meal
“My dad was a WWII and Korea veteran. He would have been 94 this year. This story hits home because he loved Arby’s. He said it wasn’t fast food but was a real meal,” he said, “Thank you for your service!” Despite this, some people chose to focus on the negative aspects of what had taken place.
It Was A Real Meal
The Chain Got Something Out Of It Too
Pelle Stellato, for one, implied that Arby’s was not only doing this out of generosity. He said, “It would cost Arby’s more money in advertising than feeding him for life. Great business plan, pick the oldest guy in town, give him free food for life, and in return get massive advertising.” In the same vein, Watson Joe did not think it was right to seek this much publicity for a good deed. He asked, “Why have the news announce it? Do kind acts because you want to, not because you want your 15 minutes of fame….”
The Chain Got Something Out Of It Too
Veterans Are Always Welcome
But the truth is that Arby’s has always supported veterans. On Veterans Day, the restaurant chain offers roast beef sandwiches to the heroes for free! Jeff Davis, the chief executive officer of United States Beef, shared, “This country is so blessed to have such courageous and dedicated men and women willing to serve our country and defend our freedom. Feeding them on Veterans Day is just a small token of our appreciation, but we wanted them to know we’re thinking of them and supporting their mission.”
Veterans Are Always Welcome
He Deserves Respect And More
It is indeed sad that Mr. Doug is dealing with health issues. On top of that, he does not have any family left either. We are glad that Arby’s is there to fill in the gaps. We are talking about a man who risked his life for the nation all the way back in the ‘40s. Arby’s just decided to make him feel as special as it could.
He Deserves Respect And More
To Make The Most Out Of It
Mr. Doug is now entitled to all the roast beef sandwiches that he wants at Arby’s. A journalist jokingly told him that he had to live at least a decade more to make the best out of this deal. “Well, wouldn’t that be nice,“ the old man replied. He is truly a delight. But, sadly, not all customers are as pleasant as him.
To Make The Most Out Of It
He Did Not Show Up Again
The server looked at the table in the corner, expecting to see a familiar face there. But, to her surprise, it was still empty. This was the second consecutive morning that he did not show up. It struck her as strange since he had been occupying that table at this time of the day for seven years! She already felt worried the previous day, but it was even weirder that he did not return the day after his first absence.
He Did Not Show Up Again
From The Very Beginning
For more than seven years already, Melina Salazar worked as a waitress at a restaurant called Luby’s in Brownsville, Texas. It is not easy to wait on tables, but she never fails to smile and give the customers the best possible service. In her first week, she got to know more about the regular customers. In particular, there was one man that was rather infamous among the staff.
From The Very Beginning
He Was Notoriously Hard To Please
The staff was very familiar with an elderly gentleman called Walter “Buck” Swords. The 89-year-old war veteran liked to go to Luby’s to grab a bite every day. Melina was still a trainee when his table was assigned to her. It was her first week on the job, but this turned out to be a baptism by fire! By then, the staff members already knew that he tended to be a difficult customer.
He Was Notoriously Hard To Please
She Stayed Positive No Matter What
Melina felt nervous as she walked up to him. Even so, she smiled at him once she reached his table. She planned to give him the same treatment that she gave everyone else. However, she tried not to let his reputation get to her. As you can see, she is the sort of person who prefers to see the best in the people she meets.
She Stayed Positive No Matter What
He Was Not Their Favorite Customer
The restaurant staff was not very fond of him since he was short-tempered. On top of that, he was rude as well. They found him cranky, impatient and demanding. If you have worked in a customer service job, you must already know what we mean. Melina was initially surprised when he asked to bring his food piping hot. He even told her that he did not care if it was hot enough to burn him!
He Was Not Their Favorite Customer
She Gave Him The Best Service Possible
This marked the beginning of her relationship with the cranky older man. This went on for the next seven years. Melina had never given up on him no matter what happened. It sometimes got bad enough that he would swear at her when he was in a terrible mood. Despite this, she did not lose her temper with him. Without fail, she was always ready to flash him a smile and ask, “How you doin’ today?”
She Gave Him The Best Service Possible
One Day His Table Was Empty
One day, she was surprised when she saw that he was not at his table. As a matter of fact, he did not show up at all! They did not have the best relationship, but Melina had somehow grown fond of him. By then, he had turned into a permanent part of her job. She could not stop wondering if he was all right.
One Day His Table Was Empty
He Was Nowhere To Be Seen
He did not show up the next day either. Then, three days later, there remained no sign of him. Melina was worried, thinking that something must have happened to the older man. It sucked because she did not know his address or any of his relatives. She wanted to check in on him, but how? It nagged at her day in and day out. She could not stop thinking about the older man even when she was not at work.
He Was Nowhere To Be Seen
She Was Not Used To His Absence
A couple of days later, she stole a glance at his usual table in the hopes of finally seeing him again. It was still empty. Melina went to the back of the restaurant and flipped through the paper in the hopes of getting her mind off him. All of a sudden, she saw a piece of news that floored her.
She Was Not Used To His Absence
His Obituary In The Newspaper
She did not expect to find the answer to her question here. Melina found his name in the obituary section! It read, “Walter M. ‘Buck’ Swords, 89, of Brownsville, Texas.” Her eyes started to water as it hit her that she would never see him ever again. Still, life goes on. She reminded herself that she still had work to do. Her heart was heavy as she got through her shift that day. Mind you. It was not easy.
His Obituary In The Newspaper
She Always Showed Him Kindness
For seven years, she treated the crabby older man with great care and patience. Unfortunately, he had always been rude to Melina despite her best efforts. It is a good thing that she did not let it get to her. She knew that he could use some kindness in his life. In the end, it turns out that he actually appreciated all of her efforts.
She Always Showed Him Kindness
It Actually Meant A Lot To Him
It did not even occur to Melina that he appreciated her. She just kept it up even though he did not express any approval at all. She knew that he served during the Second World War and launched two trucking businesses after that. Not once did she think that he had good things to say about her. During the holidays, however, she received a call that went on to change her life.
It Actually Meant A Lot To Him
A Call She Did Not Expect
For Melina, it was just another normal day. They were all getting ready for the holidays. She had been working at the restaurant when the phone started ringing all of a sudden. The person on the other end wanted to talk to her. Can you imagine her surprise when she learned that she was in his will?
A Call She Did Not Expect
He Put Her Name In His Will
In his will, he mentioned the waitress by her name. It turns out that he wanted to leave something for her as a token of gratitude. This means that he appreciates how she put up with him for seven years. However, he probably knew that he was not an easy customer. Melina was floored when she found out the truth.
He Put Her Name In His Will
It Was A Huge Sum Of Money
The lawyers informed the waitress that Walter actually left a huge sum of money for her. To be specific, she was getting $50,000. On top of that, the veteran also left her his 2000 Buick. This news must have been a lot to take in. Melina did not ever think that she would have this much money in her name. On top of that, this would allow her to go to chef school as she had always wanted.
It Was A Huge Sum Of Money
She Made A Difference In His Life
This was unexpected news, but Melina was just happy to know that she made an impact on his life. It turns out that he appreciated how patient and caring she was toward him. Not once did she show him any malice, even though he was not the kindest customer. It was clear that she left a huge impression on him even though he did not show it to her.
She Made A Difference In His Life
Once Word Got Out About It
Her story eventually got out. As you can imagine, it was a hit with the netizens. After all, this sounds like the sort of thing you see in movies, not in real life! They could not get enough of this incredible story. It goes to show that kindness pays off in the end, even though it might feel like a thankless job. News stations even picked up the story, which gave her a chance to talk about it on national television.
Once Word Got Out About It
Even Though He Was Very Mean To Her
When she spoke to KGBT-TV, she said that the old had always been “very mean” when she served him. He was the sort of guy who wanted everything to go “his way.” Melina just tried to do her job to the best of her abilities, so she complied with his requests. She did not lose her temper with him, nor did she get offended by his penchant for swearing.
Even Though He Was Very Mean To Her
She Had A Word Of Advice For Fellow Servers
She did not share if she was going to keep working at Luby’s after this windfall. However, she did have a piece of advice for other servers out there. Melina wanted to let them in on what to do when they are facing a difficult customer. You might want to listen close even though you do not work in the service industry!
She Had A Word Of Advice For Fellow Servers
It Is Not Hard To Be Nice
“I just hope that all the waitresses out there have patience with their customers. Sometimes they cuss to you, but just ignore them. Just smile. Be nice,” she said in an interview. Her compassion and patience won him over in the end. The best thing about this is that she did not expect him to write her down in his will! She did it out of the goodness of her heart, but it worked out for the best in the end.
It Is Not Hard To Be Nice