Oct 31, 2019

HMSHost Veteran Chefs Debut Specialty Meal in Support of Military Families

Military members receive complimentary burger on Veterans Day; Proceeds benefit Folds of Honor

In honor of Veterans Day and Military Family Month this November, veteran chefs are feeding world travelers and giving back as part of global restaurateur HMSHost’s Food Fight for Veterans.

Military veterans turned HMSHost chefs teamed up to create an exclusive burger benefitting military families. The hand-crafted Pimento Cheeseburger debuts at more than 70 restaurants at dozens of U.S. airports just for the month of November.

This Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, all active-duty and retired U.S. military members can enjoy a complimentary Pimento Cheeseburger at participating locations.

Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from the Pimento Cheeseburger and Copper Lager pairing sold throughout November will benefit Folds of Honor. The non-profit provides educational scholarships to the children and spouses of our fallen and disabled service members while serving our nation. The donation will be made by HMSHost Foundation, as one of its five pillars of giving is to honor veterans and their families.

The Pimento Cheeseburger is topped with crunchy fried onions, pickle chips, lettuce, tomato, and finished with pimento cheese on a brioche bun. The culinary team paired the burger with Budweiser’s special release Copper Lager, a collaborative brew with Jim Beam celebrating the 85th anniversary since Prohibition’s repeal.

“With Food Fight for Veterans, we’re offering travelers a meaningful connection between a great meal and doing good. As a chef, this is a great way to combine our culinary passions while giving back to fellow veterans through food,” said HMSHost Chef Patrick Malone, one of the veterans turned HMSHost chef that created the Pimento Cheeseburger. “As a veteran, I understand the immense sacrifices not only of fellow soldiers, but that of our families. This year, we’re honored to partner with Folds of Honor in alignment with our foundation’s mission to support our military veterans and their families.”

As part of the Food Fight for Veterans campaign, HMSHost will also hold special veteran appreciation events in select airports. HMSHost invites travelers to pause and write messages of gratitude for veterans. A simple message of thanks can uplift others in positive ways and these events give travelers a unique opportunity to come together and share their thoughts with veterans. The messages will be compiled and sent to United Service Organizations (USO) airport lounges for service members to enjoy.

In addition to the complimentary burger on Veterans Day, HMSHost offers a year-round 15 percent military discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages at all HMSHost airport and travel plaza locations throughout the United States. The 15 percent discount is valid any day of the week for military members with valid identification. HMSHost has an ongoing commitment to military appreciation whether through partnerships with the USO and local military support organizations, or through our yearly discounts on great food and drinks.

Last year’s Food Fight for Veterans campaign raised approximately $25,000 to support veterans in need. The campaign was also recognized for its efforts to raise funds and bring awareness for veterans in need. This includes recognition from: Stevie’s American Business Award for Best Restaurant Marketing Campaign of 2018; a Gold Adrian Award by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International; as well as being named Best CSR-Focused Campaign by The Moodie Davitt Report’s The Moodies award.

Participating 2019 HMSHost Locations:
On Monday, November 11, 2019, HMSHost invites U.S. active-duty military and military veterans with valid identification to enjoy a complimentary Pimento Cheeseburger. The complimentary burger is available while they dine-in at more than 70 participating HMSHost-operated airport restaurants. Below is the list of HMSHost participating restaurants:

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Flying Dog Tap House

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
1897 Market
Bad Daddy's Burger Bar
Whisky River

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Stanley's Blackhawk Kitchen & Tap

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
Christian Moerlein Malt House Taproom
Hop & Cask
Max & Erma's
Samuel Adams Pub
The Local @ CVG

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
Sammy's Beach Bar & Grill

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
PGA TOUR Grill
Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill
Le Ahi Market
The Local @ HNL
Makai Plantation

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Dallas Cowboys Club

Dayton International Airport (DAY)
12th Fairway Bar & Grill

Denver International Airport (DEN)
Denver ChopHouse & Brewery

Fairbanks International Airport (FAI)
The Local @ FAI

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
Home Team Sports Bar & Grill
John Muir Tavern

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Atlanta ChopHouse & Brewery

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
PGA Tour Grill

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Soho Bistro
The Local @ JFK

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
PGA TOUR Grill

John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Anaheim Ducks Breakaway Bar & Grill

El Paso International Airport (ELP)
Home Team Sports
Carlos & Mickey's
PGA Tour Grill

Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
Boulevard Brewing Company
KCI Brew Pub
Pork & Pickle

Las Vegas's McCarran International Airport (LAS)
PGA TOUR Grill
Sammy's Beach Bar & Grill
Las Vegas ChopHouse & Brewery

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Point the Way Café
Rolling Stone Bar & Grill

Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)
Book & Bourbon Southern Kitchen
Coals Artisan Pizza Restaurant

Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Gibson Café

Norfolk International Airport (ORF)
Here’s to the Heroes
James River Grill
The Local @ ORF

Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
Sam Snead's Tavern
Rooney's Public House

Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
PGA Tour Grill

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
ACC Café
Whisky River

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Kapnos Taverna

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Market Street Grill

San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
Gervin's Sports Bar

San Diego International Airport (SAN)
PGA TOUR Grill
Craft Brews on 30th St

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
Dewar's Clubhouse

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
Southbound Taphouse
PGA Tour Grill

Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Dungeness Bay Seafood House

Southwest Florida International Airport (Fort Myers) (RSW)
Beaches Boardwalk Café
Casa Bacardi
Dewar's Clubhouse
Palm City Market

St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
Bud Brewhouse
Eighteen 76

Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Cigar City Brewing (Airside C)

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse
Norton Sound Seafood House
Pork & Pickle

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Washington Redskins Burgundy & Gold Club
District ChopHouse