Waldo’s BBQ offers free meals to federal employees affected by shutdown

Waldo’s BBQ & Catering is offering free dine-in meals from 5-8 p.m. Thursdays to all federal employees and their families affected by the government shutdown.

The offer, which will run every Thursday at Waldo’s Mesa and Gilbert locations until the shutdown ends, is good for all federal employees who are not receiving a paycheck.

Workers simply need to show a federal government employment ID to receive a free dinner, including an entrée, side, and fountain drink or iced tea.

Waldo’s, which has offered a 15% discount to all government employees on Thursdays for more than 20 years, says it’s not trying to make a political statement.