Most of us would get bored of eating the same food for a week. But one man from Arizona named Doug Parker walked into the same restaurant every day for years and ordered the same meal: A roast beef sandwich and a coke with no ice.

While the order seemed bizarre to the restaurant's staff at first, they soon learned Mr. Doug's incredible life story; and when they did, they gave their most loyal customer an unexpected gift to make him feel extra special. Let's read more about this man's touching and heartbreaking story.

Never Missing a Day at Arby's

Arby's is undoubtedly one of the most popular fast food chains in the United States, with over 3,000 branches spread across the country. One of them is in Chandler, Arizona, which found a loyal customer in 98-year-old Doug Parker, who visited the place every single day without fail.

After frequenting the restaurant for years, Doug Parker became a beloved customer at Arby's. But he always came alone. The staff, who fondly referred to him as Mr. Doug, became curious about the elderly man's story. Where was his family? Why did he never bring anyone else with him to his favorite lunch place?

Treating Him Like Family

Because of his daily visits, the employees at Arby's showed him respect and kindness and often greeted him cheerfully when he arrived. A frail Parker always came in with a walker, so they would run to hold the door open for him whenever they saw him approaching.

Once seated, he would order the same thing every time: A roast beef sandwich and a Coke with no ice. This piqued the curiosity of a staff member, Travis Coye, who started wondering why the man loved Arby's so much. Did the senior simply find the food irresistible, or was there a more serious reason behind his decision?

Ordering the Same Meal

But one day, when Parker came in to place his usual order, he was confronted with an unusual situation. The manager, Christina Gamage, who had been working at Arby's for over two years, decided to approach the senior diner to ask him something she had been dying to know: where was his family?

The mysterious man refused to open up when the manager asked about his private life, and understandably so. It's awkward to share your deepest secrets with a total stranger, but the employees still wanted to find out the real story behind this man, so they waited for the right moment. 

Employees Devise a Plan to Get the Answer

It was obvious by now that Mr. Doug wasn't ready to open up about his past. But the mysteriousness around the elderly recluse made the employees even more curious. They often discussed Parker behind closed doors and wondered what could have happened that led him to their restaurant.

Coye decided to try his luck again, hoping to get answers from their longtime customer. This was when Mr. Doug, who was starting to warm up to the staff, finally divulged his story. Of course, everyone wanted to know why he ordered the same sandwich for lunch every day. And the answer surprised them!

Knowing Mr. Doug

Along with the rest of the staff members at Arby's, Coye learned that Mr. Doug was a World War II veteran staying at a retirement home. He didn't have any loved ones, so the restaurant employees were the closest thing he had to an actual family.

His answer was already heartbreaking, but the employees wanted to know why he chose Arby's instead of other restaurants that offer healthier meal options. After all, a man of his age should be cautious about what he eats. But it turns out that he had an excellent reason behind his food choice.

The Real Reason

The manager and Coye had never even considered that Mr. Doug's food choice could have something to do with his health. But it turned out that Arby's roast beef sandwich was the only thing that didn't give him a stomachache, unlike other foods.

That wasn't all; the 98-year-old also admitted that he genuinely loved the food at Arby's and didn't feel the need to look for another restaurant to satisfy his appetite without giving him digestive discomfort. The staff was surprised to receive such a touching reply from their loyal client. But what nobody had expected was how people would react to his story once it went viral!

Treating Customers Like Family

The employees at this particular branch of Arby's had an interesting way of rewarding customers for their loyalty. Coye revealed that regular diners were treated like family, and the staff did their best to make everyone feel welcome, especially Mr. Doug. They obviously succeeded at this since the veteran had previously revealed that he saw Arby's staff as his family.

Everyone at the restaurant knew him; when he came in for lunch every day; what he usually ordered; and where he preferred to sit as he enjoyed his roast beef sandwich and slurps his soda. But little did Mr. Doug know that he was about to walk in to an unusual surprise one day!

Arby's Employees Chipped in for a Surprising Gift

The manager was also on top of everything, ensuring that the employees were attentive to their customers' needs, especially when it came to Mr. Doug. Gamage had carefully instructed the staff about his dietary requirements and how he liked his sandwich prepared so that there was little room for errors.

Everyone believed that the war veteran was entitled to the best in return for his service to the country at his prime. Gamage was able to run the franchise smoothly for years until one day when something seemingly slipped from her watch. One of her employees put something unexpected in Parker's order.

An Unusual Day for Mr. Doug

One day, Parker walked in and ordered his usual lunch, but he had no idea that the staffers were onto something unusual. He patiently waited for his meal, unsuspecting of what would arrive at his table. After all, there was no room for mistakes since he had been eating there every day for years.

From a distance, Ethel Fishman, another patron at Arby's who happened to know the veteran, observed the employee prepare the elderly gentleman's meal. She noticed something odd, so she took out her phone to record the unusual event. Little did she know that she was about to capture something remarkable.

Putting Something in Doug's Meal

Fishman saw one of the young waiters at Arby’s slipping something in Parker's meal. What made her even more suspicious was when the employee looked around secretively, seemingly hoping that no one saw what he had just done.

Fishman was now more curious than ever. She had no idea what the staffer was doing or what they had just added to the old man's meal. But one thing's for certain: she wanted to get to the bottom of the matter. Knowing how heroic Mr. Doug was, she didn't think he deserved anything sinister. But the truth was far from what she was expecting!

A Detective Watching Close By

Fishman recorded the employee because she could only guess what the server had added to the meal from afar. If there was any indication of foul play, it would be caught on camera, leading to serious repercussions for the server and the restaurant...

Like an experienced undercover agent, Fishman turned off the flash to avoid getting caught while filming the unsuspecting employee. Soon enough, she saw the server slip something in Parker's lunch order. From afar, it looked like a red paper slip, but she couldn't be sure since it happened so quickly. Had she just caught the server red-handed?

Seeing a Red Packet in Mr. Doug's Bag

Fishman couldn't believe what she had just seen. How could an employee possibly put something suspicious in their most loyal customer's order? Thanks to her determined detective work, the photos would soon reach Facebook and other social media platforms, eventually making the story viral.

What she wanted to find out next was what was inside the red packet. But it wasn't long before the staffer's intentions were revealed to every diner present at Arby's. What do you think was in Parker's bag? Was it something sinister or a delightful gift?

Anticipating His Order

Fishman wasn't the only one keeping a close eye on the order; Parker was also waiting in anticipation for his favorite meal to arrive at his table. When he saw the server approaching with the food, Mr. Doug sat up excitedly. It was surprising how his eyes lit up when he received his favorite meal, despite having it every day for years.

The server placed the order in front of Mr. Doug, who thanked him with a warm smile. Nothing seemed off about the exchange, but the real surprise awaited when the 98-year-old opened the bag and fished for his sandwich.

Something Fishy Awaits Mr. Doug

Normally, the server would bring Mr. Doug his order, ask if anything was amiss or if he has any other requests. But on this particular day, the employee who served his food lingered around even when he tucked into his sandwich. It was an awkward sight, even for Fishman, who was still watching from afar.

She could only imagine the elderly man's confusion when he saw the employee hovering over him. He looked around, and to his surprise, there were more spectators around the establishment watching him intently. He couldn't understand what was going on until he grabbed the bag and looked inside. Suddenly, it all made sense.

Sharing The Evidence on Social Media

Just as Parker was checking the bag's contents, he saw a red paper at the bottom. Apparently, manager Gamage and the rest of the Arby's staff wanted to do something special for the war veteran, considering he was one of their most prized customers.

They considered him as part of their family already, so it made sense that they wanted to show him their gratitude in the form of a generous gift. Fishman, who witnessed the touching tribute in front of her eyes, penned a caption for the photos she had just taken and shared them on Facebook. But what was written on the red paper?

Parker Remains Clueless

The nonagenarian was completely clueless about what was happening around him. A few moments later, he realized that every onlooker was eagerly waiting for him to pull the red card out of the bag and announce what was written on it. At first, Parker thought that the staff was pulling a prank on him, But when he read the note, his heart skipped a beat.

Parker was surprised to know that he received a $200-gift card from the employees and expressed his gratitude to them despite not knowing if he would ever be able to come back the next day. But the real surprise was yet to come!

Employees' Efforts Paid Off

It was definitely a tear-jerking scene, one that seemed almost too good to be true. What made the present even more special was that it was the employees' initiative. They all chipped in for the gift card so that Parker could save money on his next few orders.

The kind gesture didn't go unnoticed, of course. When Arby's head office learned about this incredible act of kindness, they wanted to do their part, too. The company reached out to Gamage to discuss a big surprise. To add to this, Fishman's Facebook post started blowing up too. Mr. Doug was suddenly a superstar!

Parker's Lifetime Sandwich Supply

The manager of the franchise, Gamage, revealed that they always tried to do more for Parker because of everything he did for the country. The company also acknowledged the man's contribution and announced a generous gift that no one saw coming!

The chain awarded the war veteran free lunches for the rest of his life, meaning he would never have to shell out a single cent at his favorite sandwich at Arby's again! When Mr. Doug was told about the present one fine day when he came to order the usual, his reaction was absolutely priceless.

Rendering the Veteran Speechless

Mr. Doug was completely lost for words when Coye told him about the surprise. Like anyone else in his position, he found it difficult to come up with the right words to express his gratitude. There was no greater gift for an almost-centenarian in his retirement than that of free lunches for the rest of his life!

When reporters sought his reaction to the kind gesture, Parker said that he was extremely thankful. Moreover, he kept on praising Arby's employees, who always went above and beyond to make him feel at home. But that wasn't all he had to say about his favorite fast food restaurant!

Expressing Gratitude to the Employees

Mr. Doug had nothing but praise for the staff at Arby's for always making sure that his table was free when he arrived for lunch despite his insistence on taking another. Apart from lauding Arby's hospitality, he also praised the food quality and maintained that he was always satisfied with the service.

There found plenty of ways to make Parker feel special, even going as far as readying his staple meal before he arrived. But about the days when he was too ill to come to the shop? Well, the staff had come up with a solution for that too.

Preparing the Meal for the Veteran

Most of us can't even imagine walking into our favorite restaurant and have our food already prepared and waiting for us at our table. But for a veteran like Mr. Doug, this privilege was more than earned.

Often, people have to call days or even weeks in advance to make a reservation, but that isn't something the 98-year-old will ever have to worry about at Arby's because his meal would be there pronto when he arrives. Even on days when he couldn't come to the shop because of his health, the staff instantly sent his delicious sandwich to his doorstep. 

Roast Beef Sandwich Straight to His Doorstep

Unlike most people who have to use a food delivery app on their phone to order from their favorite fast-food chain, Mr. Doug didn't have to go through any hassle to have his meal delivered to his address.

The war veteran didn't have to listen to an operator or stay on call either because employees gave him their personal numbers to place an order directly. Mr. Doug had undoubtedly touched the lives of Arby's staff and many others. But the act of kindness didn't stop there because once the word spread in his community, Mr. Doug got another surprise.

Community Shows Appreciation for Mr. Doug

After his story became viral, Mr. Doug became popular in his community. It's not every day when a famous restaurant gives its patrons a lifetime supply of sandwiches, so when people heard the news, they were curious to know what was so special about Mr. Doug.

Soon, others were inspired by the veteran's story and tried to emulate the company's act of kindness. Among them was a local optometrist who also wanted to help Mr. Doug. And his offer was something the 98-year-old was in dire need of at the time!

Free Vision Check by an Optometrist

Hearing that Mr. Doug was 98 years old with very weak eyesight, the optometrist decided to pay him a visit at the sandwich shop to offer a full eye check-up, absolutely free of cost!

But his kindness didn't stop there. Upon the consultation, the doctor learned that the man needed a new pair of glasses, so he happily gave him an upgrade as a token of gratitude for his service to the people of his country. This move created a ripple effect and even drew more attention to the optometrist's business.

Mr. Doug Truly Deserving of Arby’s for Life

Gamage was elated to know that so many businesses were following in their footsteps and extending their kindness towards the veteran. She believed that Mr. Doug deserved all the extra help he could get at this point in his life because he sacrificed so much for his country and its people.

The manager was also dedicated to fulfilling their promise of free sandwiches until one day when Mr. Doug suddenly stopped coming to the restaurant. Worried about his health, the staff tried to get in touch with him, only to receive some heartbreaking news.

Recognizing Arby's Efforts

Due to his declining health, Mr. Doug could no longer leave his home as of May 2019, so the employees had to deliver his favorite food to his retirement home. They only hope that he can get better and come back again to dine regularly once again!

Arby's efforts to lend a helping hand didn't go unnoticed. The veteran group Run for the Wall recognized its generosity toward Mr. Doug, but Gamage maintained aiding their avid diner was already a reward in itself. But Arby's had been giving special offers to veterans as a way to appreciate their contributions even before Parker's story went viral!

Making Mr. Doug a Worldwide Sensation

In 2016, Arby's celebrated Veterans Day by giving military personnel a free roast beef sandwich, coincidentally the same flavor that our beloved customer loves! While the residents of Chandler, Arizona, might have been familiar with Mr. Doug's story through local reports, it was Daniel Maloney who made the man popular across the globe.

This person was at Arby's when he caught wind that the employees were giving the man a gift card. Maloney captured the touching moment and shared it with the world. He also recalled the exact moment the workers told the veteran that they enjoyed serving him and having him in the establishment. 

Praising the Employees

On his Facebook post, Maloney underlined that there are still many kind souls, including the Arby's employees who pooled in money for their veteran customer. What made the selfless act more laudable was that the company didn't pay Fishman or any other diner to record the touching moment.

Considering how powerful social media is, it wasn't surprising that Mr. Doug's story reached thousands of people worldwide. The inspiring post also made people open up about their own experiences with businesses willing to help those in need.

Being an Online Celebrity

Arby's employees, especially Coye and Gamage, were happy that Mr. Doug's story gained traction online. Thanks to Maloney, the veteran became somewhat of an Internet celebrity. He touched the lives of people from all walks of life and inspired them to spread kindness.

The videos and photos elicited positive and heartwarming responses from people who praised the fast-food chain for its kind deed. Some underlined the importance of celebrating and appreciating war heroes such as Mr. Doug for their sacrifices, while others called Arby's actions 'exemplary' in treating others with generosity and goodwill. 

Story That Elicited Positive Reactions

Arby's Becoming More Popular

Arby's became more famous overnight, thanks to Mr. Doug's story. The restaurant, founded in 1964, would have been called Big Tex, but its founders learned that the name was already taken. Instead, they used their initials R and B and came up with the name we know today.

Leroy and Forrest Raffel opened their first sandwich shop in Boardman, Ohio, serving their roast beef meal. However, it was in 1978 when the company introduced its signature sandwich with the addition of cheese. Of late, Arby's became the talk of the town when its Twitter account became the only one followed by TV host Jon Stewart.

Commemorating Veterans Day

Mr. Doug's heartwarming tale also inspired others to give utmost attention to Veterans Day, a U.S. federal holiday celebrated every November 11th to commemorate military heroes who served the country. This occasion was originally called Armistice Day and is sometimes confused with Memorial Day.

Memorial Day celebrates those who lost their lives in battles or from wounds incurred during a war. In Great Britain, they call it Remembrance Day and celebrate it on November 11th, offering two minutes of silence for the fallen citizens, parades, and services.

Sharing Stories about Veterans

Several social media users also shared their own moving stories, including one commenter who narrated a personal experience. The person revealed that his late father fought in World War II and the Korean War, and just like Mr. Doug, he loved the food at Arby's.

The commenter also noted that his dad adored the sandwich shop's meals because they didn't taste like those served in fast-food chains. Could it really be just a coincidence that both veterans fancied Arby's food? Well, you'll be surprised to find out what's inside their special sandwiches!

Arby's Meals Loved by Veterans

Mr. Doug's favorite meal isn't really the healthiest option for a person in their 90s, but it was the only food that didn't upset his stomach. Even though some people pointed out that he shouldn't be eating meals like this every day, Parker's preferred sandwich packs 210 calories per serving compared to Subway's Roast Beef sandwich with 280 calories.

Arby's version is a hit and miss among the crowd, but it remains one of its best-sellers. Because it is well-known for its roast beef sandwich, it didn't come as a surprise that the nonagenarian chose it. However, not everyone was impressed with Arby's gesture toward the veteran!

Detractors Surfacing

One of the skeptics of Arby's kind gesture toward the veteran was Pelle Stellato, who explained that the company was probably getting a lot of publicity for what they did for Mr. Doug, so they were making more money than they spent on his free lunches!

He pointed out that the brand would spend more on advertising than feeding the man for the rest of his life. Stellato also noted how it was a wise business strategy for Arby's, alleging that the sandwich company chose a man in his golden years and, in return, got powerful yet free advertising. He wasn't the only one who felt that way about the viral story.

Company's Support for Veterans

Watson Joe similarly believed that Arby’s didn't have to seek publicity in making such a gesture. He questioned the company's need to announce their move and pointed out that one should practice kindness purely with the intention of helping others instead of wanting their 15 minutes of fame.

However, it is worth mentioning that even before Mr. Doug came into the picture, the company expressed support for veterans. Apart from the aforementioned 2016 promotion, Arby's gave retired and active military service members a free roast beef sandwich in 2012 to celebrate Veterans Day.

Honoring Mr. Doug and Other Veterans

United States Beef CEO Jeff Davis previously announced his appreciation for these courageous heroes willing to defend and serve the country. So giving away free sandwiches was just a token of gratitude. Indeed, Mr. Doug might have been suffering from a stomach problem, and he might have lost his family, but he had found a new one in Arby's.

In 2015, the National Veterans Foundation revealed that 1.5 million of these heroes live in poverty. Although this group had a lower poverty rate than others, it still doesn't mean they should be living that way because they sacrificed their youth for ordinary citizens.

A Lifetime is not Enough

One reporter quipped about how Mr. Doug should live for more than a decade to enjoy his lifetime’s supply of roast beef sandwiches at Arby's. The veteran laughed at the joke and wished that he could get the most out of the exclusive offer. Well, at least we hope that he can enjoy every Arby's sandwich he gets to eat while he's alive!

Despite this story being a rare one, it underlines the importance of giving back to our heroes, who risked their lives in serving the country. But not every veteran's story gets a happy ending like Mr. Doug---well, at least not the next one...

Another Regular Veteran Customer

Mr. Doug was quite a pleasant patron, but not all customers are as gracious as him. One waitress, for instance, had an interesting experience with another veteran, a regular diner who disappeared suddenly. It was odd considering that he had been eating at the same restaurant regularly for seven years.

The first day of his absence was already strange for the server, but she knew something was off by the second day. What could have happened to the old man? She couldn't shake off this terrible feeling that something was wrong. 

Training during the First Week

Melina Salazar worked as a server at Luby’s in Texas for more than seven years. Being a waitress for so long, she already knew that not all customers who walked in through the doors were the same. Some were ill-tempered, while others were a delight to serve. Nevertheless, she always wore a smile on her face whenever she waited tables.

When she was first hired, she had to learn the ropes in service. By her first week, she had already picked up some tricks and memorized some familiar faces. Salazar also noticed that there was one regular diner who gained a bad reputation with her coworkers.

Veteran Earning a Reputation among Servers

This customer was a veteran named Walter 'Buck' Swords. The 89-year-old loved eating at the Brownsville eatery so much that he dined there every day. Unlike Mr. Doug, many employees weren't fond of serving him for his reputation of being a difficult customer.

Everyone knew how hard it was to serve him, and Salazar was tasked to wait his table when she was still new. One could say that it was a baptism by fire and because her coworkers had already warned her about his ways, she understandably became nervous whenever she approached the man. 

Waitress Staying Positive

Despite feeling the jitters, Salazar made sure to stay optimistic. She tried to calm herself by thinking of all the times she had charmed her diners with her calm and jolly demeanor. Keeping her assumptions aside, the waitress was set on giving Swords her best service.

That says a lot about Salazar, who was the type of waitress who was always in high spirits at work and tried to give her customers the best service possible. She didn't want her positive attitude to be clouded by unconfirmed perceptions of those around her. However, she was about to learn that her senior diner wasn't going to be easy to please!

Not the Sweetest Customer

Swords was notorious for being rude toward the restaurant staff, so much so that many were reluctant to serve him. He was short-tempered and often demanding. The veteran was also described as irritable, cranky, and impatient. If you were a waiter, he was someone you would want to avoid!

Salazar had her first encounter with the man while she was still training, and his request took her by surprise. He wanted his food served piping hot and told her that it didn't matter if it burned his tongue. The customer was specific with what he fancied, and things could get messy if he didn't get his way... 

Dealing with a Complicated Customer

There were days when Swords would really test her patience, but the waitress was keen on giving the elderly man the service he deserved. One time, he was so irritable that he swore at her, but he failed to rain on Salazar's parade.

She continued to have a happy mindset throughout that day and kept her smile no matter her poor experience. Her first impression of Swords was intimidating, but it didn't dampen Salazar's spirits. However, it was just the start of a grueling relationship with a customer who would soon become her worst nightmare!

The Customer Goes AWOL

Unlike other restaurant staff, Salazar was kind to Swords and always smiled at him. She would often ask him about his day and how he had been doing, proving how dedicated she was to know the customer despite his rudeness.

It's true, they didn't have an ideal relationship, but she developed a fondness for the elderly man. Plus, because he had been a regular customer every day, he was somewhat considered a fixture at Luby's. Despite their difficult interactions, she was surprised when the grumpy veteran didn't come by one day.

Waitress' Crippling Worries

On the second day, Salazar became worried when Swords was nowhere to be found in his usual spot at the eatery. The veteran didn't show up the next day either, leaving the waitress truly curious about his whereabouts. However, she didn't know the man personally and had no details about him or his relatives, so she didn't have anyone to ask.

That day, the thought that something might have happened to the crabby man kept pestering Salazar. Even after her work, she couldn't take her mind off the fact that there was no sign of the regular diner for a few days.

Pondering What Might Have Happened

This led Salazar to wonder if something bad had happened to him. She would come to work hoping that Swords would be seated in his usual spot at Luby's but feel gutted when she saw a vacant table.

One day, before her shift started, the waitress headed to the back of the establishment and browsed the local newspaper while waiting for her shift to start. She wasn't expecting to find anything particularly interesting in that day's news, but what she saw in the paper broke her heart. Suddenly, Swords' absence started to make sense...

Seeing the Customer's Name in the Paper

Salazar didn't even expect to see Swords name in the newspaper, let alone in the obituary section. Upon reading his name, her eyes welled up with tears. It did answer her query about her irritable client's whereabouts, but unfortunately, the thought of never seeing him again broke her heart.

All she could think about was that she would never be able to serve him again, even though he was often mad or demanding. Still, she had to put on a brave face because her shift was about to start. Salazar powered through that day with a heavy heart, but she had no idea of what was in store for her.

Appreciating the Waitress' Efforts

Despite all the years she remained kind and diligent toward her cranky customer, she never showed any sign of irritation or impatience, even when he threw a tantrum or raised his voice at her. His rudeness was matched with the waitress's contagious smile.

This admirable gesture didn't go unnoticed. Even Swords himself was taking note of how he was dealt by Salazar. Little did she know that her efforts weren't going to waste and were, in fact, about to be rewarded by her grumpy client as his first and last act of kindness towards her...

Leaving an Impact on the Customer's Life

Salazar had no inkling that Swords was taking note of her good deeds toward him. Her gorgeous smile and diligence every day when serving the veteran were always, albeit secretly, appreciated. The veteran who served during World War II had his own trucking businesses, which made him successful.

Of course, the waitress didn't know about the man's line of work as the deceased wasn't really the friendliest and most open customer. However, Salazar finally learned that her service had meant so much to the elderly when she received a surprising call a few days before Christmas. 

The Call that Would Change Salazar's Life

All the staff of Luby's were busy tending to customers while some were preparing for Christmas. Salazar was busy waiting tables and serving food when one of her coworkers told her that there was someone on the phone who wanted to speak to her.

The waitress was taken by surprise because she never received calls on shift and didn't know who was on the other end of the line. However, she did get the surprise of her life when she learned that Swords left her something in his last will, as a way to thank her for the service she gave him all those years. 

Swords' Last Will and Testament

In his last will, it was clear that Swords wanted to reveal his appreciation for the server that showed him nothing but kindness despite his brash attitude. The veteran mentioned her name in the document and probably thought he was one of the most difficult men to serve at Luby's.

Salazar was expectedly shocked by what she heard and couldn't believe that a customer had left something for her. From the way he treated her while he was still alive, she had no clue that she had touched the cranky man's life. 

Leaving a Car and Money for Salazar

Swords had bequeathed his favorite server a whopping $50,000 according to his lawyers and his prized 2000 Buick vehicle. Never in Salazar's wildest dreams did she think that she would have that kind of money in an instant, and it's all because of her kindness toward a rude customer.

With that amount, all Salazar thought was that she could follow her lifelong passion. She had long wanted to become a chef, but she needed to go to school for that but had to prioritize working to make ends meet.

Understanding What Her Service Meant to the Veteran

More than any fortune in the world, Salazar was overjoyed to know that, at least, she made an impact on Swords' life. She was glad to know that someone appreciated her efforts and patience even though servers are expected to imbibe these virtues.

Although the waitress impressed the elderly man, he had never shown a hint of appreciation. To say that things took a turn for the better is an understatement! We can't help but be amazed at how she could keep her grace under pressure for years without knowing that a very generous reward awaited her.

Becoming a Celebrity

It didn't take too long before the media got a whiff of Salazar's extraordinary story. It spread like wildfire, and many people fell in love with the server, whose patience was always tried by difficult customers. Everyone felt the waitress's sincerity and compassion toward her customers, no matter their temperament.

Many were inspired by her story, while others pointed out that being kind always has a reward, tangible or not. Local stations got a hold of the famous restaurant staffer, making her an even more prominent personality. 

On Staying Calm and Collected

 

Salazar narrated that Swords, indeed, had been rude to her whenever she waited at his table. Established as demanding, the waitress also revealed that her former regular customer had always wanted things to go his way. However, she didn't let this trample her bubbly personality and simply took it as a part of her job.

Every time she would experience his meanness, Salazar would just do her job in her capacity. The waitress kept her cool, didn't mind the harsh words uttered toward her, and did her best to give what he specifically asked for.

Salazar's Advice for Wait-staff

Although she was given a huge amount of money, it wasn't clear if Salazar would continue working at Luby's as a server, but she did impart some words of wisdom to her coworkers and other waiters.

Not all customers are kind or generous, but if they did come across a rude one just like Swords, Salazar advised them to be nice and patient. People may cuss or verbally attack them, but it pays to ignore the words and remain above the situation. Plus, this could be useful in a person's daily life, too!

A Lesson to Be Learned

Being in the service and hospitality industry has never been a walk in the park, but Salazar and Swords' story certainly proves that people who choose to be the better person will reap the rewards. It is seldom that servers and waiters don't lose temper when dealing with difficult customers, making Salazar a rare gem.

Plus, what's impressive is that Salazar never did it for the reward. Her pure heart only wanted to serve every other customer the same way. Nonetheless, she received a present that's far from what she had imagined!