Diners with a Military or Veteran’s Connection
There is something special about dining in a spot that has a military connection. My father Bill Disque served in the Navy during the Korean War, and my nephew Michael Salisbury, and Austin Rhodes also served, and Austin is still serving. When I think about those veterans that served and the freedom that they bought, I am inspired. I think dining at restaurants that honor the military is just right. I plan on adding diners to this blog. As I find them, I will add them so you will know about them too.
Some are local, and others are chains, but they all share military stories. Dining at these restaurants gives us a chance to honor our veterans throughout the whole year.
Freddy’s Steakburgers
This fun restaurant has a Steak N Shake vibe. In addition, Freddy’s Steakburgers offers a special French fry sauce. They also have great Sundaes and shakes. We recently stopped at the one at 3205 E Clear Lake Ave in Springfield, Illinois with our teenage grandkids. It was our grandson Cade’s idea to stop. Everyone was happy with the food and service. Good burgers, GREAT fries and more! On the wall they display some of the founder, Freddy Simon, his amazing military history.
His story is spelled out on their website, “Freddy – our namesake – grew up on a farm near Colwich, Kansas, just outside of Wichita. After finishing high school, Freddy enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the Pacific Rim region during World War II. A self-proclaimed “regular guy”, he was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during service, as well as a Bronze Star for valor. Freddy then returned to Kansas, started a family, worked hard in the hospitality industry for 56 years, and raised six children with his wife, Norma Jean.”
At Freddy’s, they also offer perks in November to veterans and service members. They also work with Folds of Honor.
Mission BBQ
This year for our family Christmas, we got pulled pork and sides from Mission BBQ located at 2401 Wabash, Springfield Illinois. The food was delicious and plentiful. When you stop, you will notice what appears to be a military truck. In all actuality is a BIG BBQ! My daughter-in-law Stacy said at noon the staff stop what they are doing and play the National Anthem. It doesn’t get more patriotic than that!
On their website they share their story, “MISSION BBQ opened its doors for business on September 11, 2011. Ten years after our world changed forever, in some small way we wanted to change it back. As the founders of MISSION BBQ, we strive every day to remind everyone what makes Our Country great—its heroes. Who are we? Two friends passionate about BBQ, patriotic for Our Country, and who believe in running a business with meaning and purpose. We believe there is nothing more American than BBQ. And nobody more American than the brave men and women who have sworn to protect and serve Our Communities and Our Country. We do what we do for the love of our soldiers, firefighters, police officers, first responders—all our loved ones in service.”
Like Freddy’s, at Mission BBQ, they give back. “. …At MISSION BBQ, we’re right there with you helping out with time, service, fundraising and great food to fuel those extra efforts. Through the generous support of our loyal customers and communities we serve, more than $20 million dollars and counting has been donated for national and local charitable organizations.”
At Mission BBQ they partner with several groups. These include: The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, Wreaths Across America, Honor Flight Network, USO, Special Operations Warrior Foundation, Navy Seal Foundation, Semper Fi & America’s Fund, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Concerns of Police Survivors and CIA Officers Memorial Foundation.
These are the first two diners I am profiling. Let me know if you know of other diners with veterans’ connections, I’d love to add them to this list.
