For our men and women who serve in the armed forces, risking life and limb to ensure the safety of Americans both home and abroad is simply part of the job.

Asking for little in return, every measure of gratitude from the people they serve is not taken lightly. For such sacrifice, a few local restaurants are deciding to return the favor.

Minnow Creek Cafe & Seafood, Applebee’s and Outback Steakhouse are expecting to feed a full house of hungry veterans today as the restaurants will serve them free meals in a show of appreciation and support.

“It’s simply our way of saying thank you to our veterans,” said Michelle Ackerman-Banks, marketing director of local eatery Minnow Creek Cafe & Seafood. “Us here at the restaurant are all about God and our country, and our military personnel are included in those two. This felt like the best way to celebrate their devotion to our country.”

Veterans will have their own menu to choose from at Minnow Creek, which includes items like fried floun- der, grilled marinated chicken breast and chopped steak smothered in mushroom gravy.

Also available are the “Minnow Creek burger” and grilled chicken sandwich.

Each of the entrees comes with the choice of a side item and a beverage. Dinner begins at 4 p.m. at the restaurant, with veterans and active military eligible for the free meal after showing proof of military service. The restaurant is located at 211 Old Metal Road.

Minnow Creek stumbled upon the decision to feed local veterans for free in light of recent events, including the death of Lance Cpl. Chris Fowlkes, who was killed in Afghanistan earlier this year.

“We’ve been planning this since October, especially in light of the events occurring in Cherokee County and other portions of the Upstate,” Ackerman- Banks said. “But we’re excited to be able to provide them with a free complimentary dinner on us. It’s only a small token of our appreciation for all they do.”

Being able to serve the nation’s veterans has been a popular topic for employees at the Applebee’s on Floyd Baker Boulevard lately, gearing up for the number of customers who will walk through the doors throughout the course of the day.

There’s no grumbling going on about the prospect of having a full house according to Applebee’s manager Bruce Odle, who said his staff is looking forward to the opportunity of serving those who have done the same for them.

“It’s the only thing we’ve talked about for the past three days; everyone from the managers to the staff are truly excited about it,” Odle said. “This is one of those things that when you’re asked to do it that no one is disappointed or unhappy. We’re looking forward to having a full house Wednesday (today).”

Veterans can choose from six entrees, including the seven-ounce sirloin, three-cheese chicken penne, lime chicken, bacon burger, chicken tenders platter or the Oriental chicken salad. In addition, they can choose a side item to accompany the meal.

“We have lots and lots of food, basically preparing food for beyond Mother’s Day,” Odle joked. “But it’s for a good cause, and we hope any veterans that can will take us up on our offer.”

Outback Steakhouse is also doing its part to honor veterans, offering them a free Bloomin’ Onion accompanied by a beverage of their choice.