Nearly three-dozen Arcadia Chamber of Commerce members and others enjoyed an exclusive weekday lunch today (Dec. 2, 2015) at the The Outback Steakhouse at 166 Huntington Drive, which usually opens for lunch only on weekends.
The special treat, courtesy of store “proprietor” Brennan Harland (that’s what it says on the sign above the door!), was to provide a holiday edition of the Chamber’s monthly Love Lunch sponsored by The Law Offices of Hart, Mieras, and Morris, Inc., usually held on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 11:30 – 2 p.m.
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Arcadia Chamber CEO Scott Hettrick introduced Brennan, who has been manager for 14 years at the popular Arcadia eatery that is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year — and that’s how long Brennan has been with the chain at various outlets from Texas to Southern California. He generously provided a handful of $20 gift certificates for a drawing of business cards and offered everyone a gift card for a free “Aussie-Tizer” (a mini shrimp kabob).
Brennan credited Chamber President-Elect and Ambassador Vicki Knight of Century Rooter Service & Plumbing for making the special lunch happen since she and her husband Doug are daily dinner patrons of the restaurant.
Hettrick also introduced Chamber President Andrew Gregson of The Executive Factor and sponsor Hart, Mieras, and Morris, and City Council Member and Chamber Ambassador Sho Tay.
Chamber board member and Ambassador John Sun of Budget Blinds said Outback is very popular in his home country of Brazil in the city of Sao Paulo, with Brennan noting one of the most successful stores is in Rio de Janeiro. There are more than 800 Outback locations in the U.S. now, but only three in the country from which the name is derived, Australia.
Among the winners of the $20.00 gift card were Sho Tay, Hassie Ramnath, Niloufar Agahi of Keller Williams, and Mike Vercillo of the Arcadia Police Department. A $10.00 gift card for Starbucks was won by Donna Lee of Lifewave. Stefanie Shook of Two Men and A Truck won free advertising in the Mountain Views News from Patricia Colonello, and Joan Francone won a gift bag of holiday lotion and soap thoughtfully donated by Vicki Knight!
Stories were shared about Thanksgiving and networking was abundant. There were even some new faces!
Guests ordered off the regular Outback menu so they were able to pick and choose from lunch or dinner options, steak entrees and even unlimited soup and salad. And that delicious bread!
Late comers were still able to order and enjoy some time with early arrivals, showing it’s never too late to join up with the Love Lunch crowd! Raffle prizes were given as well at varying times, to make sure everyone got a chance!
The Love Lunches were created by the Chamber for members and prospective members who love lunch and love getting out of their homes or away from their offices for a chance to relax, meet some new people and network. Attendees are invited to come any time between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month. We meet at a different restaurant each time. You can order what you want, stay as long as you can and pay individually!
We hope to see you at our next Love Lunch at the Olive Garden at 430 W E Huntington Drive in Arcadia, on January 27.
