Free Dinners for Families on Unemployment

By Keriann Lynch, 5-01-09

Update: Richard Kramer, owner of the Red Caboose Diner in Whitefish, said the response to this program has been outstanding. As a result, he's extending the offer for another week and including families outside of Whitefish, honoring the deal for any family with kids in school (through high school) that reside in Western Montana.

Kramer also wanted to thank the North Valley Food Bank in Whitefish for donating cases of meat to help offset his restaurant's expense of feeding the families.

Here's the original blog, updated to reflect the new changes:

This is a heartening offer in tough times. Families who are receiving unemployment benefits are invited to enjoy a free family dinner with their children at The Red Caboose Diner on Mondays and Tuesdays for the next few weeks.

Children 12 and under can order from the restaurant's kids menu and adults from the diner's "Recession Buster" menu. This is for a maximum of 5 dinners (up to two adults and 3 children). Families may dine on Monday or Tuesday night once a week.

I'm Richard Kramer, owner of the Red Caboose Diner in Whitefish. I understand how hard times are for families during this recession. I have had to lay off several employees and cut hours on others. The current economic conditions dictate that we all support each other in our communities till it's all over. My family has the Red Caboose Diner to help support us, although we have had to cut back on many of our activities just as many other families have in the Flathead and throughout the United States. The following gift is our way of giving back to a community that has always supported us.

Requirements:
Please show a copy of your unemployment check or stub along with a photo ID showing a Western Montana address.
Maximum 2 adults and 3 children, please only direct family members.
You may take advantage of this offer once a week (Monday or Tuesday) April 27 or 28, May 4 or 5, May 11 or 12 and May 18 or 19.
Please dine between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Dine in only, no to go orders. Spend quality time with your family.
Please leave a tip for your server and pay for any extras. If you can afford to pay for part of your meal please do. Remember that we are in a recession as well and our sales have been quite a bit lower than in previous years. We are all in this together!

Questions? Call the Caboose at 863-4563

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