In Broken Arrow, Duffy's Restaurant began serving a free Thanksgiving dinner to anyone who wanted it 25 years ago.
A quarter century later, it's become a tradition, not only for Eddie Chammat, the owner, but for many of his regular customers.
He tells KRMG when he first bought the restaurant at 81st and S. Elm another place in town did the free Thanksgiving, and he liked the idea.
"It shows we care, we want to give back," he said. He does it not just for those who need a meal, but for all the people who are regular customers as well.
So he ran with it, and he's glad he did.
"I couldn't do it without them, and they support me all the year, so I give back one day," he added.
It also gives people who would otherwise eat alone on the holiday a place to go.
"They could afford to get a meal, but they're home alone. Old people, kids are not making it this year so they don't want to cook a big meal for themselves, so they come in."
Duffy's in Broken Arrow will serve the free meals from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.
Other places also follow the tradition.
In Tulsa, Tally's Café at 11th and Yale has offered free Thanksgiving for 27 years; they'll feed people from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday.
The Apple Barrel in Bixby has free Thanksgiving from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. near S. 151st and Memorial.
Batman's at Pine and Mingo will offer free Subway Sandwiches and pie from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.