Bennigan's realizes about a 30 percent increase around military payday, he said. Paul Kopelen, who works at the headquarters of the 18th Airborne Corps, chose the McPherson Church Road bar and grill for lunch last week. Kopelen said he chooses the monthly pay system. He usually eats lunch out every day, and uses payday activity day to run his errands and pay his bills. Payday activity day is the first Friday of each month.
Soldiers usually have formation and inspection and are given the rest of the day off.
For Kelly Rodgers and her Army husband, Dan, eating out somewhere that is not fast food is a treat after payday. Rodgers was at Target on Tuesday, celebrating the end of college exams by buying a sleeveless white shirt for herself, and a Mother's Day present. Staff photo by Steve Aldridge Pfc. Joe Trimnal, left, Suzann Miller and Spc. Steven Brown talk after having lunch at Bennigan's on McPherson Church Road on the military's most recent payday.