Shoney’s, the iconic, all-American restaurant brand that has served as America’s Dinner Table for nearly 70 years, will serve those who protect and serve America’s communities every day with a free meal, for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, for members of the U.S. law enforcement community during all hours of operation on July 27.

The gesture, conceived by Shoney’s CEO and chairman David Davoudpour, who has a rich track record of supporting law enforcement, was quickly and unanimously approved system-wide by Shoney’s franchise partners.

“America’s men and women in blue need to hear ‘thank you’ in a tangible and heartfelt way,” Davoudpour says. “Shoney’s opens its doors every day so that families can enjoy fresh quality food, friendly service for an incredible value, but it is never lost on us that none of that happens without our men and women of law enforcement across this great country of ours who make our communities safe. We want to thank them and we salute them with a free meal on the house. If you’re a police officer in your hometown or are traveling to place where Shoney’s does business, please know you are welcome here. I say let's eat for free.”

One of the pillars of the Shoney’s brand is community involvement, evidenced in particular by Davoudpour’s support of law enforcement.

 “Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it doesn’t matter; we just want to serve them our great food to show them we care and that we are grateful for them,” Davoudpour says.

In Shoney’s headquarters city of Nashville, Davoudpour also created the annual Shoney’s 5K Family Fun Run eight years ago. One hundred percent of the event’s proceeds, which Davoudpour has matched personally every year, benefit the Nashville Police Fund. The fund provides tuition assistance to police officers seeking college degrees and supports other educational pursuits and has raised nearly $180,000.

Shoney’s offer of a free meal to police officers and all members of law enforcement is available during all hours of operations on July 27 at all Shoney’s restaurants. There is a limit of one free meal per member of the law enforcement community. Members of the law enforcement community will need to be in uniform or show proper identification. Offer is valid for dine-in only.

Industry News, Philanthropy, Shoney's