Are you sure about that? I know Heinlein used the line -- but I think its older than that.
NY (actually, all eastern, and maybe all over US)Bar's used to offer "free Lunches" (and McSorley's still has a remnant of it) but it only came with the purchase of beer.

Many a greenhorn worker found out quickly-- there is no such thing as a free lunch. I think this was a common expression-- Heinlein was originally from the East, and would have heard it. --- maybe BYB can comment. I am pretty sure it was common during the great depression. (1930's)


my other obsession