A 67-year-old man had gone missing for more than six days and the family put on a man hunt to find him. He was involved in a car crash that left him stranded in a 200 foot ravine. He had multiple injuries and was unable to climb his way out. He survived by drinking water out of the creek and eating leaves and bugs. After the family found him the first thing he asked for was a chocolate malt shake. After finding out about this story, the team at Valencia decided to get this gentleman what he wanted. The General Manager contacted the hospital to find out if we could get him that milkshake. The doctors told him that he was unable to drink a milkshake at this time so the Valencia team decided to feed the family of 12 that was at the hospital and also gave the man a gift card for a year's worth of free Red Robin milkshakes. The family was blown away by the kindness and generosity of our team.

A few months ago we received a letter from the mother of a soldier serving in Iraq. She asked me if we could send her son, Nathan, a gift for his birthday so he could enjoy a great meat when he returned. Team South Ridge came together and prepared a huge care package to send to Nathan.

In return, Nathan wrote a letter to the staff that said, "Thank you so much for your birthday wishes! Your staff went out of their way to make my birthday a memorable one here in Iraq. I can't thank you enough for all the cards, gift cards, and care packages you sent! The thoughtfulness and care you have shown will never be forgotten… without the support of you and others like you our mission would not be the same, not to mention my birthday either. Thank you all so much!"

Guest Comment
My wife and I met my sister for lunch to introduce our new adopted son, Travis. While I had to leave early, my wife, sister and Travis stayed a while longer. Before they left, they were presented with a gift from the Red Robin staff for our son. Someone left the restaurant during our dining time, purchased Travis a wonderful outfit to wear and presented it to my wife as they were preparing to leave. We were absolutely floored. Thank you so much for making a wonderful visit even better.

Guest Comment
I have been a long time fan of Red Robin. I have to say that the Covington location has really gone above and beyond. I was diagnosed with cancer and for months, was unable to eat. When I went back to my favorite restaurant, they remembered me and still treated me fantastically. When my treatments went bad and I had to stop frequently again, they checked on me to see how I was doing. Now, I need to have some work on my teeth that will cost between $7,000 and $30,000. The staff at Covington Red Robin stepped up and donated $110 on my medical website with a note that said, "We hope this helps! We are thinking of you and sending you warm well wishes! Hope to see you soon!" Just knowing that they are thinking of me means the world to me.

The Thousand Oaks Team was approached with an opportunity to host a Make A Wish lunch for Cecilia, a 12-year-old battling leukemia. The team raised more than $200 to provide her with a table full of decorations, CDs, cupcakes, and a cake, and the lunch was a hit! We received the following comment from the family.

Guest Comment:
I am so grateful to you and the entire crew for all you did for Cecilia. What a wonderful experience! The kids talked about it the rest of the day. I can't thank you enough.

There is a gentleman who has been on our strip for a while trying to obtain diapers and various other needs to take care of his wife and two little children. He and his family came to Ohio immediately upon find out that his mother is terminally ill. They have absolutely nothing. Another family that comes in all the time saw them on our strip and invited them to eat and took care of their meal. Upon hearing this, our Team Members went out of their way to raise enough money to get them a grocery gift card and a Red Robin gift card so they could eat.

A little girl came in for her sixth birthday. Her parents, one of which just transferred from Fort Brag, were very happy she made it to her sixth birthday because she was born with only one chamber in her heart. Since then, she has had 14 surgeries and many more to come. The parents also adopted a 4-year-old who has cancer and four other diseases. Their server, Sara, donated ten dollars of her own money to the family to help the kids. She even wrote them a note telling them how brave they were. When they were leaving, the kids were so thankful that they have Sara a hug and a kiss on the cheek goodbye.

Guest Comment
I ate a lovely dinner at Red Robin last night and the service was excellent. Afterward a friend and I sat outside in my vehicle until late visiting and catching up. Then, very inconveniently in the dark, my car battery died and my window was stuck down with my valuables inside the car. Your employee, Brian, very generously came out, took a look at the car, tried jumping it and quickly determined I needed a new battery. We were near a Wal-Mart so I went there with my friend in her car, purchased a battery and he quickly installed it for me! A life saver! I felt like I was back in the old days when people cared about strangers. Thank you for having such great caring employees with great work ethic and all around big hearts, citizenship and integrity.

Guest Comment
I took my kids to the park over the weekend and the ice cream truck arrived while we were getting ready to go home. While trying to explain to my 5-year-old that I didn’t have any cash available to buy a cone, my 7-year-old received two bars from a lady that was buying some for her own kids. I told my son that he should never receive anything from strangers and he said, “She is the Red Robin lady.” I turned around, but she was already gone. We went to the restaurant to personally thank her but were told she went to work at another location. I wanted to recognize this random act of kindness.

Guest Comment
I want to say thanks to the Red Robin Bellingham staff and specifically to our waitress, Jillian. She was outstanding! She was friendly, personable and picked up that my wife and I would be celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary in a few days. She congratulated us and shared a personal story of her parents. She then took the initiative and kind gesture of providing me and my wife a dessert on behalf of Red Robin, followed by an anniversary card signed by all the staff with a little personal note by each. This touched our hearts and we have never been treated like that at a restaurant. I wanted to say thanks to the Red Robin manager and staff, for following and supporting Jillian’s lead of kindness.

Guest Comment
First, I’d like to say our server Angelina was so great! When she took our order, my daughter and I told her we were just enjoying the one day she had by having lunch there. My daughter is in the Navy and only had the a few hours before having to return to her ship, leaving me and her 2-year-old daughter (She is a single mother so I care for her baby when she is gone). Angelina said, “Thank you for your military service. Every day is Memorial Day for you.” When I asked for the bill, Angelina told us that she and the manager took care of it! My daughter stood up and hugged Angelina to thank her. I want Angelina to know that she made the few short hours we had together more special and we greatly appreciate it!

My family and I had a great experience while dining at your restaurant. I recently returned from Afghanistan and decided to surprise my family at home with my return. I brought my mother, brother, and sister to lunch at Red Robin after making my way home. Being a proud mom, my mother told our server about what was going on and why I was in uniform. Our server told the manager, Kyle, and he personally came over and thanked me for my service. After introducing himself, Kyle proceeded to tell us that the restaurant would cover our entire meal and it was their way of saying thank you. Now I would like to say thank you to Kyle and the rest of the staff there that day.

The Make A Wish Foundation called to see if the Cornerstar Red Robin could host Natalie – a 5-year-old girl with cancer who dreams of being a princess – and her family, for dinner. Manager Donna, General Manager John, and the team at Cornerstar decorated a table and pulled out all the stops to make Natalie feel like a real princess! They were set up when Princess Natalie arrived with a sign on the door and an arch leading to her kingdom. Red was there to greet her. It turns out she really loves him. They found a Cinderella costume for the day for one of the servers, who really got into character for this. The Team Members and her family thought it was a very magical moment. At the end, Red Robin presented Natalie with an album of all the pictures took before and during her visit. Mike, the Assistant General Manager, came in on his day off to take the pictures and make copies while they ate. This meant a lot to all of them.

As most of you know, Team Manteca has been actively supporting and assisting in the fight against leukemia for Jane, the wife of one of our Team Member’s. Over the last year, Team Manteca has come together in ways which can only be described as Unbridled passion! Here is what we’ve done to support our fellow Team Member and Jane: Manteca walked for 24 hours in support of finding a cure for cancer. We want to thank our Team, as well as Joe from Pleasanton, for taking the time to assist in this very important cause. To raise money for the walk we held bake sales, candy sales, blanket sales and collected pledges from family and friends to raise over $1,300.

A huge thanks also to everyone who participated in blood drives to support Jane. Delta Blood Bank partnered with us earlier this year and agreed to donate ten dollars for every person who donated blood. During Manteca’s first drive we had 54 registered donors. FOX40 News even got involved, with over 113 registered donors, and set us up with the National Donor Association. I would also like to send a huge thank you to Jesse in Creekside for also hosting a blood and bone marrow drive where they had 80 registered donors and conducted raffles to raise over $700 in additional money for the family.

All in all we had 247 folks donate blood which is equivalent to saving 741 person’s lives, and $2,470 from Delta Blood Bank. Between the Giving Fund, Manteca fundraising, Pleasanton fundraising, Creekside fundraising and the Delta Blood Bank, we have raised $9,370 to help with some medical expenses.

Because of these events, Jane was able to receive her bone marrow transplant, she is still battling for her life but now she has a much better chance, and her daughters and husband have much more hope.

Make A Wish called to tell me that Gianna, an 11-year-old girl who has a brain tumor, wanted to come to the Park Meadows Red Robin for lunch as part of her “wish.” I reached out to Cheri, General Manger at Park Meadows, and she said they would do everything they could to make lunch for Gianna and her family a special and memorable meal.

Park Meadows hosted a lunch for Gianna and her family. Team Member Melissa bought decorations in Gianna’s favorite color, purple, and bought some gifts for her, as well. The “Heart of House” kitchen team, including Chef Dave and the Regional Food and Beverage Directors who were in town, took a picture with Gianna and gave her a special “Heart of House” hat.

Guest Comment
My 18-month-old, Ryleigh, was recently diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. We almost lost her on my oldest daughter’s 7th birthday. After Ryleigh got better and was sent home we stopped by Red Robin to give my oldest daughter a birthday dinner; she had to cancel her party due to the circumstances. Our server, Anna, took her own money and sent someone to buy my 7-year-old a birthday card and had everyone in the store sign it. She went above and beyond the call of a server. I know because I, too, am a server and nowhere do you ever see such amazing service.

We received a phone call from a gentleman named Ken, who is the family friend of a young lady named Sammy. In speaking with Ken, we learned that Sammy was diagnosed with a terminal form of bone cancer. Unfortunately, we also found out that doctors feared that Sammy may not make it to her 16th birthday. The purpose of Ken’s call was to see if Sammy could be granted a special birthday wish, which was to be the very first guest ever at the newest Red Robin in her hometown. He explained that Red Robin was Sammy’s favorite restaurant and it had always been her dream to be the very first guest at a Red Robin. As fate would have it, Sammy’s 16th birthday was the first day of our Sneak Previews prior to the Grand Opening. Team Woodland decided to make this wish come true.

Kim and her new management team planned the most spectacular birthday party anyone has ever seen. Team Members joined together to ensure Sammy would not only be the first guest, but that her 16th birthday would be the most memorable. We learned that Sammy’s favorite color was hot pink, her favorite animals were zebras, and that her favorite artist is Eminem. Because of her diagnosis, there was a fear that this day might not happen. It was our goal to give Sammy something to look forward to. We decided that Red needed to make a special appearance at her home and personally hand her a custom made invitation, along with a Red Robin letterman’s jacket, and invite her over for her birthday. Needless to say, Sammy was a bit surprised to see Red and Kim show up at her house! The glow in her eyes was the first sign of hope her mother had seen in her daughter in a very long time. Red invited Sammy and 30 of her closest family members and friends to Red Robin for her birthday.

Sammy showed up and was escorted in by a standing ovation of Red Robin Team Members, as the very first guest ever at the Woodland Red Robin. Her tables were decorated in hot pink, surrounded by pink balloons, a zebra pattern rug, presents and cards from Team Members, and even a custom made blanket in honor of her birthday. As the first tickets were rung in, Heart of House Team Members were chanting Sammy’s name and wished her a happy birthday from the cook’s line. The very first official red basket came out and was delivered to Sammy. After lunch, approximately 50 Team Members brought out a cake and sang Happy Birthday to Sammy the “Red Robin” way. The smile on her face stretched across cheek to cheek as she blew out the candles. I was given the honor to stand up and address the crowd of “Sammy’s Dream Team” to deliver one more present that only Red Robin could give. Team Woodland gave Sammy her very own booth! She was presented a plaque that read, “This Booth is Dedicated to Sammy April 21, 2011.” That plaque is now a permanent fixture. It will forever be Sammy’s booth.

There was not a dry eye in the entire restaurant! Actually, that’s not entirely true. Sammy’s eyes were not full of tears, they were full of life. In all my years, I have never seen the amount of joy and excitement as I saw in Sammy’s eyes. It was truly inspirational and it was a moment that Sammy, nor her friends, her family and Team Woodland will ever forget.

Once in a lifetime you will come across a special person – Amy, General Manager, Spouse, Mother of five and Friend to many – is that person. She had many obstacles thrown in her path and has yet to be distracted by any. Most of us after one brain surgery would be devastated, but after two, Amy did not even slow down. She was calling and texting her team throughout her recovery and continuing to lead by example with her team.

In Pittsburgh we held the “Amy’s Angels” benefit concert. We had no idea how successful it would be. Seven bands donated their time and talent to help entertain. Team Members from across the region collected autographed jerseys and created baskets and we held a silent auction. At the fundraiser we raised $6,369 and all of the proceeds were donated to Amy’s family. The teams at Pittsburgh Mills, South Hills, Settlers, Greensburg, Waterfront, Trinity and Cranberry have all worked very hard these past few months with fundraisers galore. Through the efforts of the division and the support from the Giving Fund we presented Amy’s family with a check for $10,000!

After traveling to several states and volunteering for those in-need, two Red Robin Team Members, Sylwia and Egle, from the Schererville Red Robin, began a non-profit organization last year called the We Believe Project. The mission of the organization is to volunteer while inspiring others to volunteer and take an active role in their own communities.

Allison at the Make-a-Wish Foundation contacted us regarding a little girl named Lindsey, who was getting her "wish." They were sending her to Disney World and they asked her where her favorite place to eat was, and she said Red Robin. When Lindsey and her family, accompanied by Allison from Make-a-Wish, came in for dinner, Red and our whole staff presented her with a cake and a big bag of presents, and even some for her sister. The look on her face said everything. We heard her say, "Mom, the Red Robin Bird went all out. I can't believe he gave me all these presents." I am very proud of my entire staff for going above and beyond... I believe in Red Robin!

Excerpt from online story on KETV, ABC Channel 7 in Omaha, Neb.
Austin's family said his mother, Robin, died Friday from a little known condition called Adhesion-Related Disorder. Because his mother's name was Robin, he said he decided to eat at the Red Robin restaurant on 180th Street. He said he ordered macaroni and cheese; and then broke down. "I started to cry and Jay came here and asked if there was anything he could do to help; and my dad said we were fine but then I wanted to tell him what happened," Austin said. "He told me the story and my heart was breaking for him," the waiter Jay said. "He said, ‘You know, I could just use some support.'" Jay used his tip money to send a coworker on an errand.

The workers bought a card and a photo album at Target for the child. Austin had carried family photos with him to the restaurant, and they now reside in the new album. Every worker in the restaurant signed a card for Austin, as well. That simple act of compassion led to a complete change in the boy's outlook.

Guest Comment
Red Robin has been a favorite restaurant of mine since 2005. Since my fiancé and I started dating I have been trying to convince her to give Red Robin a try. This morning, we attended a wedding expo and then went to the Northgate Mall to shop… a perfect opportunity to suggest Red Robin.

While entering the expo we had been labeled with bride and groom stickers that we'd forgotten to take off and ended up wearing into your restaurant. After a delicious veggie meal our server, Tom, approached with balloons, an envelope and the check. He congratulated us on our recent engagement (even though we hadn't mentioned it to him), gave us a bouquet of balloons, and informed us our meal was free! Wow! Later at home, when we opened the envelope, we were amazed to find a very fancy card signed by the whole Red Robin team!

Guest Comment
Six months ago I had the absolute best experience at Red Robin. I was 38 weeks pregnant, huge and hungry. Since I was scheduled to be induced that day, I decided that before checking into the hospital I was going to indulge in the most delicious dinner. I immediately chose Red Robin.

Our waitress came to take our drink order; she asked about my pregnancy and seemed genuinely excited when we told her I was scheduled to have a baby in two hours. She was the perfect waitress throughout our meal. At the end of the meal, she came back and congratulated us again on the baby. She also handed me a copy of Goodnight Moon that the entire staff had signed. I can't begin to tell you what a sweet gesture that was. Another waiter came by to congratulate us and asked which hospital I would be delivering at. He sensed how nervous I was about the upcoming delivery and told me that he interned there so he knew I would be in good hands.

Hopefully someday my husband and I will get out of the house again to enjoy a meal in a restaurant again. When that day comes, I know we will be returning to Red Robin!

Guest Comment
I was freezing cold, missed the bus, and my cell phone had died, leaving my babysitter with no way to reach me if there was an emergency with my 3-year-old. Your hostesses handled my panicked state with ease, giving me reassurance and introducing me to the bartenders, Kim and Frank. Despite being extremely busy, they took the time to rearrange power cords so I could charge my phone. Within ten minutes I had been fed, given a drink, and given the bus schedule (which they looked up and wrote out for me without me even asking!) Despite the crowded bar and the fact that it was nearing closing time, these two employees were clearly eager and happy to help. To say that they went above and beyond would be an understatement to say the least.

My practice is downtown, and as a result I frequent many "high-end" five-star restaurants. Never in any of my visits to these restaurants have I ever received a fraction of the quality of service that Kim and Frank provided me with tonight. Thank you for providing such wonderful service. It truly made a very hard night enjoyable and relaxing!

Team Manteca has an exceptional Team Member, who is not just our Team Member, but is part of our Red Robin Family. A few years ago his wife fell ill with cancer. Against all odds, she beat it! Last summer, the cancer cells had returned and were diagnosed as Leukemia. In October, 2010, a week before Halloween, she was admitted to UC Davis. She was hoping to be home by Thanksgiving, then by Christmas. UC Davis would be her home for the next two and half months. I am happy to report, she finally got the go ahead, and was welcomed home by her family.

She has had several blood transfusions and will also need to have a bone marrow transplant. With no medical insurance, these costs are extremely high, so our team submitted a request to the giving fund. The family received $5,000 to help ease some stress. Because we know their medical expenses far exceeded $5,000, we helped to make a nice Christmas for their young daughters. We raised $1,014 during three weeks by servers donating a portion of their tips every day; Pleasanton donated $200 from their Team Member fundraiser; our Team Member Christmas party; and wearing orange ribbons. Out of the money we donated to the Team Member, he actually gave a portion of the funds to other Team Members who were struggling financially. Wow!

Team Manteca partnered with the Kiwanis Club of Manteca. We hosted a successful blood drive in honor of the Team Member's wife. Delta Blood Bank got involved right away and offered to donate $10 for every person who donated blood. We had 47 donors and 31 of them were first-time donors. Delta Blood Bank ended up donating $570 to UC Davis towards her transfusion costs. These actions led to others getting involved including FOX40 News, who is hosting a blood drive, and Region 10 will also host another blood drive in her honor. The same donation from Delta Blood Bank still applies.

Over the last few months I had the pleasure of getting to know our Team Member's wife, her daughters, mother, father and brother. The strength, positive spirits and their willingness to help others in need, even with their changing lives, is unique. They are so appreciative of all the support we have given them.

Guest Comment
Red Robin is my 9-year-old son's favorite place. My son received student of the month today at his school and I took him to Red Robin to have a celebration lunch. Our server, Justin, was quick to ask why my son was not in school and we told him why we were celebrating. He made my son feel so very special, asking questions, and telling him that student of the month was really cool. Soon the manager walked over and said to my son, "I hear you are student of the month!" My son was amazed that someone else knew! WOW! He thought that it was so cool that these strangers thought that being student of the month was just as cool as he thought that it was. The manager informed us that he was going to buy his lunch. How very generous! After we were about half finished with our lunch another waiter walked over to our table and said to my son, "I hear you are student of the month!" My son's jaw dropped! Three people that he did not know just made this 9-year-old's day. He felt so special. It was so nice of the manager to pick up the tab but what was even more appreciated, was the encouragement for a job well done at school. Thank you Federal Way Red Robin for making a 9-year-old feel like one great kid!

Guest Comment
My 2-year-old son has been sick for a couple of days and when we asked him if he was ready to eat something he wanted a "cheeseburger and the lady to bring him balloons." Of course that meant Red Robin. We decided to call in a carry out order. I spoke with Erika, told her my son had been sick and asked if he could get a balloon. When my husband walked through our door with dinner, he had the carry out bag with several balloons tied to it.When I opened up the bag, she had written, "Feel Better!" You just don't understand how wonderful that was. It meant so much to us that she took the time and care to make sure that my little boy was happy.