Olive Garden Labor Day Tradition For First Responders

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – A restaurant food chain is giving back to first responders for their Labor Day tradition.

Since 2002, Olive Garden has served first responders with meals on Labor Day. The Zanesville Olive Garden was at the Zanesville Fire Department catering a complimentary lunch with spaghetti, lasagna, salad, and dessert. Olive Garden’s Labor Day tradition is meant to show appreciation to those who protect the community every day.

“Every year for Labor Day we have fed the emergency squad, the hospital, fire stations, anyone we can. Because we’re so thankful for them being open for Labor Day and every day. And being first responders and helping the community,” said Olive Garden Service Professional, Beverly Thomas.

Labor Day and other holidays are typically spent with family and friends. But for first responders it’s a day of making sure the community is safe.

“We’re just a big family here. We’re here to support the citizens of Zanesville, it’s just another day at work,” said ZFD Firefighter, Nick Sayatovich.

More than 850 Olive Garden restaurants nationwide participated in the tradition.