85-year-old man retires after 65 years of working for a restaurant, gets rewarded for dedicated service

An 85-year-old man named Jimmie Scott retires after working for 65 years at a restaurant. He was honored for his dedicated service.

Scott, born in 1939 in Wrightsville, Georgia has worked for over six decades at S&S Cafeteria, Georgia in the United States which opened in 1936 and was dedicated with his active service.

He started as a dishwasher and worked his way up to be promoted to be a dining room supervisor. He was only 15 years old when he started and has served at different locations across the United States, including Riverside and Bloomfield.

“They took care of me and looked out for me for 65 years, and for that, I am grateful,”she said.

Scott said the customers are what made his experience special. “When they come in, seeing them with a smile on their face now that’s what I’m talking about,” Scott said.

“Customers come in and I know I ask them how they’re doing like ‘Ya’ll doing okay today?’ to put a smile on their face. Then they smile and say, ‘We’re doing really great right here Mr. Jimmie!” he added.

Scott’s 65 years of dedicated service was honored with a celebration attended by friends, family, and colleagues in February 2024. Present at the retiremeent celebration was Mayor Lester Miller, the Macon-Bibb County mayor.

Mayor declared February 21, 2024, as Jimmie Scott Day, marking the retirement celebration with pictures, speeches, and lots of cake.

Scott said he has seven children, but S&S Cafeteria was like an extended family to him.“Most of the time, I spend time with my family. But I really like to come to work. I come to work every day. I enjoy it,” he said.

The General Manager Kevin Heide of the resturant who worked with Scott for 15 years expressed admiration for his ability to light up a room. He said that working side by side with Scott for 15 years is an honor.

“This is his home. This is his life. To amplify the service, I think that’s one of the biggest things. He’s always service-oriented. He treats them all with his heart,” he said.

Scott said even though he is formally retiring, he might return to S&S Cafeteria after a little”vacation. “I might take a little trip or a little vacation, but I’m coming back,” he said.