New Loveland restaurant offers free meals to veterans

A new Mexican restaurant in Loveland, Colorado, is marking Veterans Day with a special initiative to honor local military veterans. Savina's Mexican Kitchen is opening its doors to the community, and as part of the celebration, the establishment is inviting nearly 100 local veterans to enjoy a free meal.

The gesture is driven by Mark Brinkerhoff, CEO of Brinkerhoff Hospitality. For Brinkerhoff, honoring veterans is a deeply personal endeavor rooted in his family history. His grandfather, Sonny Brinkerhoff, served in the military during World War II, a legacy that continues to influence the company's values.

Brinkerhoff shared that his grandfather flew airplanes in the China Burma Theater. He described his grandfather as the family's war hero and expressed immense pride in his service. This personal connection has left a lasting impression on the family, particularly regarding the nature of sacrifice and the opportunities that follow.

According to Brinkerhoff, his grandfather taught the family that the ability to dream, create opportunity, work hard, and build a family comes at a cost. He noted that many people have made significant sacrifices to allow others to enjoy these freedoms and opportunities. Brinkerhoff aims to carry this lesson forward through his business operations.

To amplify the impact of the event, Savina's Mexican Kitchen is partnering with the Honor Bell Foundation. This organization provides a final tribute to veterans at the end of their lives. Brinkerhoff stated that this partnership serves as an additional way to recognize veterans and express gratitude for their service.

The collaboration allows the restaurant to welcome veterans and thank them for their contributions. Brinkerhoff emphasized that the event is a way to show respect and appreciation for those who have served the country.

Local veterans have expressed appreciation for the recognition. Kenny Berndt, a veteran, described the gesture as amazing, especially at a well-regarded establishment like Savina's. He noted that while veterans may not always feel they deserve special recognition, they feel grateful when people acknowledge their service and pay homage to their efforts.

Berndt explained the mixed emotions involved, stating that on one hand, veterans might feel undeserving of such attention, but on the other hand, they feel deeply grateful when their service is recognized and honored by the community.

Brinkerhoff believes that while a free meal may seem like a small gesture, it reflects a deeper respect shaped by his grandfather's legacy. He stated that his grandfather is part of the fabric of the organization and that his veteran status instilled a profound respect for those who make similar sacrifices.

Ultimately, Brinkerhoff views the act of honoring veterans as a way to remember the sacrifices that underpin the freedoms and opportunities people enjoy today. The event serves as both a celebration of the restaurant's opening and a tribute to the local military community.