Labor Day was officially recognized as a national holiday in 1894 to celebrate the social and economic achievements of the American worker.
Since then it has become synonymous with great deals on everything from mattresses and appliances to food and beverages.
The exact origins of this nationally-observed and deal-generating holiday are up for debate. Was it Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, or was it machinist Matthew Maguire, secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, New Jersey, who first proposed the holiday?
Whether you're a passionate McGuire or Maguire supporter in this hotly contested debate, or have
no idea who they even are, we all love a day off and great deals.
Here are several places across Palm Beach County to mark the end of summer and use that day off to score some food and beverage deals or attend an event.
The Clubhouse, North Palm Beach
This dining destination located at the North Palm Beach Country Club will offer an entire weekend of special Labor Day menu options. Serving up American favorites with elevated twists, these options will include BBQ pork sliders featuring slow-roasted pulled pork tossed in a house barbecue sauce with crisp coleslaw on a brioche bun for $12; the smash burger made with two beef patties, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and shredded lettuce on top of a toasted sesame seed bun, with fries for $18; and the Bucket Special which includes six assorted beers for $25.
The Labor Day menu items will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4 and Saturday, Sept. 5; 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6 and Monday, Sept. 7. 951 US 1, North Palm Beach. Information: 561-691-3430; northpalmbeachcc.com/the-clubhouse
National Croquet Center Labor Day Party, West Palm Beach
Celebrate the end of summer on Saturday, Sept. 5 on the beautiful grounds of the National Croquet Center. This event will feature catering by Sandy James Fine Food & Productions with a classic All-American menu. There will be old fashion macaroni salad, a garden salad, baked beans, all-beef hot dogs, Black Angus burgers, Julio's famous fried chicken, strawberry shortcake, iced tea and lemonade.
The event is noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5. 700 S. Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach. Advance $37, after Sept. 1 $45. Information: 561-478-2300; croquetnational.com
Miami Grill, Lake Park, Greenacres
Guests stopping by Miami Grill on Labor Day can enjoy their gyro pita with fries for only $7.99. The gyro features traditional beef and lamb slow roasted on a vertical rotisserie, sliced thin and piled high on grilled pita with crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, onion and authentic tzatziki sauce served with a side of crispy fries.
Details: 952 Northlake Blvd., Lake Park; 4513 Lake Worth Road, Greenacres. mymiamigrill.com
Ford's Garage, Boynton Beach
In conjunction with their All-American Weekday Value Meals, this newcomer to the Boynton Beach food scene will offer the choice of a one-third pound hamburger, crispy chicken sandwich or hand-battered chicken tenders with kettle chips or their classic mac 'n cheese and a beverage for $10.99. Dine-in only.
Details: 365 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach. fordsgarageusa.com
Benihana, Boca Raton
Celebrating the entire week leading up to Labor Day, Benihana will offer a buy-one-get-one free deal on their 5-course entrée featuring Hibachi steak, chicken or salmon. More than a meal, this is tableside theater featuring flipping knives, onion volcanoes, and more. This offer is available Monday, Aug. 31 to Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. There will also $9 Rocky's Margaritas.
Details: 9918 Glades Road, Boca Raton. 561-962-9980; benihana.com/locations/boca
Checkers, multiple Palm Beach County locations
This chain with seven Palm Beach County locations will offer a great deal over the entire Labor Day holiday weekend. Dig into their Unbeatable Meal Deal for only $4 ($5 in select markets) the entire weekend. Guests can enjoy a choice of the new loaded tender wrap, spicy chicken sandwich or classic burger, plus value fries, 8-piece chicken bites and a 16 ounce drink.
Details: locations in West Palm Beach, Lake Worth Beach, Boynton Beach, Wellington, Delray Beach. checkersandrallys.com
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Labor Day dining deals await at these Palm Beach County restaurants
