For 43 years, Randy and Sandy Fritz spend every anniversary “under those golden arches.”
FARMERSVILLE, Texas — Back in 1982, after a very long wedding day, Randy Fritz and his bride, Sandy, were hungry. So, he treated her to something fancy. Or so he claimed.
“I said I know a really nice restaurant we can go to,” Randy said. “And she said, ‘where?’ And I said, ‘it’s called Golden Arches.’”
“’Huh,” Sandy responded, perplexed. “I’ve never heard of that.’”
Still dressed from the wedding, Randy pulled in to the restaurant and that’s when it hit her.
“Oh,” she exclaimed. “That’s what you mean!”
“She just looks at me and starts laughing and shaking her head,” said Randy. “And then we went in and had a good meal.”
Randy was known for his sense of humor, so Sandy wasn’t surprised. The real shocker is what has happened since.
“Every year it started becoming a tradition where we’d go to McDonald’s,” said Randy.
For 43 years, they’ve celebrated their anniversary under those golden arches. No matter what, through good times and bad, happy meals or sad meals, every year they’ve shown up. It’s an unusual tradition, but they’re lovin’ it.
It’s a love that’s spread to their kids and grandkids, who regularly ask to go with grandma and grandpa to McDonald’s.
Even their local franchise in Farmersville, Texas, wanted to be part of it.
“I was talking to Sandy and said to her I would like to give you your anniversary dinners from here on out,” said Keva Childress, owner of the Farmersville McDonald’s.
What started as a silly joke isn’t so silly anymore. Randy and Sandy say their annual dinner date has only super-sized their love.
“Every year we go it reminds us of our vows,” Randy said. “Where we started, where our roots come from.”
“Who wouldn’t want that for their life,” Sandy asked.
This Valentine’s Day, couples everywhere will exchange flowers and jewelry, but Randy and Sandy say the greatest gift is each other. And all you need for a healthy marriage is faith in God with a side of fries.
“Spiritually, we have God, and physically, we have McDonald’s,” laughed Sandy. “How’s that? Can’t go wrong man!”
The perfect combo.
