Denny’s raising money for adults with disabilities in honor of longtime Phoenix worker
Something Good is sponsored by Global Credit Union
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — For 47 years, Barney has been working as a busboy at a central Phoenix Denny’s. He is the longest-serving busboy in company history.
Now, Denny’s is doing Something Good to give back to Barney and those with developmental disabilities.
On Wednesday, friends, families, customers and fellow coworkers are invited to come to Barney’s celebration dinner at the Denny’s near 7th Street and Camelback Road. In honor of his decades of dedication to the company, Denny’s says 20% of all dine-in and takeout orders will go toward Lura Turner Homes for Adults with Developmental Disabilities.
Customers are invited to partake in the celebration from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Barney says everyone is invited!
He is so beloved in the neighborhood breakfast spot that customers have started calling the location “Barney’s Denny’s.” He was also the first person with intellectual disabilities hired at the Camelback spot.
“Forty seven years ago, a lot of disabled folks were not getting jobs,” said Max McQueen, Barney’s caretaker. “So Barney really was a pioneer, and he loves his job. He comes with an enthusiasm to wash dishes all day long and mop floors and bus tables, and he always does it with great grace.”
People have also traveled overseas just to say hello to Barney! Denny’s manager Rex says one couple stopped by after seeing Barney on TV.
“They were visiting some family in LA and drove over here and then changed their flight to come and visit him. It tears me up thinking about Barney because he’s become a part of not just the Denny’s family, but our family,” Rex said. “You know, my family, and I love him to death. I’d do anything for that guy because he’s great. He’s the best worker I’ve ever come across in my 35 years in the restaurant industry. I’ve never seen anyone that works as hard as he does. Being 78 years old, he works harder than some of us younger guys.”
If you can’t stop by the restaurant on Wednesday, customers can also send a donation to Lura Turner Homes by addressing the donation to PO Box 81285, Phoenix, AZ 85069.
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