Doug is a 97 year-old veteran of World War II who visits his local Arby’s nearly every day. He likes going there not only for the food, but also for the friendships he has formed with those who work at the restaurant.

Doug always drives himself to the restaurant and uses a walker to get inside. He explained that he always orders a roast beef sandwich with Swiss cheese and a Coke without ice because this meal does not make his stomach disorder act up.

The staff members at the Arby’s love Doug so much that they have each given him their phone numbers so that he can call them if he can’t make it to the restaurant that day. When he calls, they’ll drop everything to deliver right to his home!

Daniel Moloney was eating at the Arby’s with his mother-in-law one day when he was struck by how kind the staffers there were to Doug. He watched in awe as the restaurant’s manager Christina Gamage presented the senior with a special gift. The employees had pooled their own money to buy Doug $200 worth of Arby’s gift cards!

“We love that you come in and see us … We really enjoy you here and we always want you to come back,” Christina told him.

Doug was shocked at first, saying, “You got to be kidding me?” He then laughed and jokingly said, “Thank you. I never know if I’ll be here the next day, but thank you so much for this.”

Christina explained that all the workers at the restaurant love Doug dearly.

“He’s gone through a lot being a veteran, coming in, being in a retirement home, but he doesn’t have family,” she said.

Daniel snapped a photo of what was happening and posted it to Facebook, where it quickly went viral.

“This is one of those moments that make you happy to be alive,” he wrote. “There are so many good people in the world. These employees selflessly put in their own money, so a elderly (sic) man could come in and enjoy dinner on what he never knew could be his last.”

After Doug’s story went viral, Arby’s announced that they would be gifting him free meals at their establishments for life! On top of that, a local optometrist also offered Doug free eye care!

It’s so nice to see a restaurant chain come together to help a veteran in such a beautiful way. We hope Doug enjoys his Arby’s meals for many years to come!