By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

Friends, family, and co-workers gathered at Denny’s, 7112 Interstate 10 West in Orange, on Monday to celebrate Armando Dominguez’s 45th anniversary with the company.

Dominguez has worked for only one company, Denny’s. He began as a dishwasher on April 8, 1974, and is now Manager at the Interstate 10 location.

“It is my only job ever,” Dominguez said. “It is my life and my home. Everything I learned was at Denny’s.”

When he started 45 years ago, he did not have intentions staying.

“I was 24 years old,” Dominguez said. “Now I am almost 69.”

One of the benefits of working there all these years is his English.

“I learned how to speak more proper English,” Dominguez said.

Over the years, he has worked in every aspect of the restaurant from dishwasher to manager.

“I am 46, which means I was just a baby when he started,” District Manager Giovanni Lopez said as he spoke to the crowded room about the significance of the occasion.

Family, friends, and co-workers worked together to supply food and cake to honor Dominguez on his special day.

“I have only known him four to five years,” Lopez said. “He is an awesome person. Just phenomenal and outstanding.”

Customers agreed often referring to him a friend.