From dishwasher to dining room supervisor, man retires after 65 years working at same restaurant

Jimmie Scott has worked for over six decades at S&S Cafeteria, which opened in 1936. After 65 years of dedicated service at the restaurant in Macon, Georgia, he has retired from active service, according to 13WMAZ.

The 85-year-old first started as a dishwasher and worked his way up the ladder to become a dining room supervisor. He was only 15 years old when he started and has served at different locations, including Riverside and Bloomfield.

“They took care of me and looked out for me for 65 years, and for that, I am grateful,” he told 13WMAZ.

His six decades of dedicated service were honored with a celebration attended by friends, family, and colleagues last Wednesday. Present at the celebration was Mayor Lester Miller, who later declared February 21, 2024, as Jimmie Scott Day, marking the retirement celebration with pictures, speeches, and lots of cake.

Scott has seven children, but S&S Cafeteria was like an extended family to him. One of the people he worked with was General Manager Kevin Heide. Scott worked with him for 15 years.

“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,” Scott told Macon Magazine.

Heide expressed his admiration for Scott’s ability to light up a room. “This is his home,” Heide said. “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.”

Despite formally retiring, Scott hinted at returning 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.

Reflecting on the principles that guided his work in the interview with Macon Magazine, he said he had love for his customers.

“I love the customers. They treat me really nice, and I’m really nice to them. I work really hard to satisfy them and the children and to see a smile on their faces. That, I really enjoy,” he said.