MARYSVILLE — Two restaurant chains with local branches will be honoring military members with free meals in November.

On Nov. 11, all Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar restaurants in the U.S., including the one at 3702 88th St. NE in Marysville, will honor Veterans Day by serving a free meal to any U.S. veteran or active-duty military member. From lunchtime through dinner hours, any guest with proof of current or former U.S. military service will be able to order one of six free entrées.

Golden Corral Family Steaks and Buffet is also paying tribute to the military with its ninth annual Military Appreciation Day, Nov. 16 from 5-9 p.m. Mike Kossak has co-owned the Golden Corral at 1065 State Ave. with his wife Patty for 18 years, and always looks forward to offering current and former service members free dinner buffets with beverages each year.

“I’ve had people drive from Olympia and Bellingham to be here for this,” said Kossak, who grew up in Marysville. “It’s a fun night, where we try to seat strangers together on purpose. In most cases, they don’t mind at all. Lots of positive things happen. I’ve had people who hadn’t seen each other in 20 years be reunited, and World War II veterans sharing tables with active-duty military. Some come in their full dress uniforms, but of course they don’t have to. I’m just honored to be able to do this for them.”

Current and former service members do not need to show proof of service to receive a free meal during Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Day.