Dorothy Bale has worked diligently over the last 25 years at her local Holladay, Utah, Arby’s. And mere months after turning 95 years old, she’s hanging up her Arby’s apron to enjoy retirement.

“It’s really been quite fun.” Dorothy Bale, Team Member, Arby’s

Dorothy became a fixture in the restaurant after joining the team in 1994. She sought out a way to stay busy after her husband tragically passed away, and the Arby’s just one mile down the road provided that opportunity.

Over the years, guests in the area began to recognize her familiar white Ford Taurus in the parking lot, stopping in to say a quick ‘Hello’ before picking up a Jamocha shake for the road.

Dorothy was invited to the Arby’s Worldwide Franchise Convention in Las Vegas, where then-Arby’s Chief Executive Officer Paul Brown recognized her in front of more than 1,000 attendees.

Then-Arby’s Chief Executive Officer Paul Brown recognizes Dorothy Bale at the 2014 Arby’s Worldwide Franchise Convention.

These memorable moments are what made a celebration of her last 25 years at Arby’s so special back in January. The in-restaurant festivities included Dorothy donning a 10-gallon hat featured in the Arby’s logo and welcoming warm hugs from regulars accustomed to seeing her hustle and bustle around the restaurant.

She’s enjoyed the months following the special celebration, thumbing through more than 300 newspaper clippings, both old and new.

“I’ve been going back through the years,” Dorothy said. “It’s nice reminiscing.”

In retirement, Dorothy will miss the daily lunch rush, where dozens of guests ranging from working professionals to teenagers from the high school across the street trickle into the restaurant. And there’s no question guests will miss Dorothy’s contagious smile.

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