As I always do, I went to Applebee’s on Friday to see some friends, and have a few cold ones. The main reason I went, however, was because my friend Matt, who is a server there, is moving to Seattle on Monday – and I wanted to say my goodbyes before he left. As I was talking to him, I found out that they were having a farewell party that night in his honor in the parking lot of Applebee’s – because they could not find a place to have it. Immediately, I volunteered my apartment for the party – and invited the entire staff to my house for the evening.

Once I told Matt, word spread throughout the restaurant like wildfire. Everyone was very excited that they had a place to party – and that I was kind enough to host it. For one thing, I love to host parties, and second – I am not going to let my friends sweat their skin off in the summer heat while trying to enjoy themselves. So we set up a time – and I headed home to clean my house and get ready for the festivities.

At 12:30am, Matt arrived. After we headed to the store to get beer, we got our first arrivals – Malik, “Skittles” – and Erin. As time went on, other people started arriving, like Brielle, Danielle, Nick, Vania, Alex, John and Fonzie. After a while, I had about twenty of Applebee’s staff members in my house – and I can’t tell you how cool it was to be hosting the people that always host me.

The best part of the night is when we all sat in a circle and we each said our farewells to Matt. Everyone had very nice things to say about him and were very sad to see him go. When it was my turn, I said my goodbyes and was thankful that the Applebee’s family made me feel like one of their own. I guess that is why I love going there so much. At around 2:00am, the second phase of the party arrived, which included Mey, Kate, Chris, and Tanya. They stayed until 3:00am, until all that was left was Matt, Malik and myself. After hanging out until 4:00am, they went home – and I went straight to bed.

Each time I go to Applebee’s, I get closer and closer to the staff, I make new friends – and I solidify my position as what they have called their best customer. While the food and the atmosphere is great at Applebee’s – I go there because the staff always makes me feel right at home and treats me like one of their own. I have not gone back there since the party and unfortunately missed Matt’s last day at work, which was yesterday. But I wish him well in Seattle and hope that he lives a very successful life. He is a great guy and deserves all that he hopes for in life. And while Applebee’s will not be the same without him – there are still plenty of good friends of mine awaiting the next time I show up to have a good time and enjoy some good food and good beer.

And I get the funny feeling that the parties at AppleWein’s have only just begun.