The Roanoke Times l File photo

I got a call today from Tom Noelke, the franchisee of two area Zaxby’s restaurant locations — the one on Hershberger Road in Roanoke and the one on Main Street in Salem.

Noelke wanted me to spread the news that he’ll be offering all veterans a free meal with a drink on Friday, which is Veterans’ Day. He has done this for a year or two and they served about 100 veterans last year.

This is not a chain-wide event; it is something that Noelke decided to do on his own. He said he lost an uncle and a good friend in Vietnam. “It is a personal thing with me,” he said. Last year on Veteran’s Day, a 102-year-old veteran came to one of his restaurants decked out in all of his metals.

These Zaxby’s locations are open from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday. They do not check military IDs; it is based on an honor system.

I’m surely not the only one who would like to thank Mr. Noelke for this kind gesture. If I hear of any other businesses offering specials to veterans, I’ll pass that along. And if you hear of anything I’ve missed, please share!