After 38 Years at the Diner, the New Owner Sent Me to the Dish Pit for Being “Too Old,” Then the Regulars Walked In

a pot of coffee.

I’d been working since 5:15 that morning, and I was on my way to refill the Miller boys’ father’s cup when Chad called me into his office.

I was sixty-two years old.

I’d worked at that diner for thirty-eight years.

And I knew from the expression on Chad’s face that I wasn’t going to like what came next.

“We’re making some changes,” he announced. “New image. Younger customers. More modern energy.”

I waited.

“People want to see fresh faces when they walk in.”

Then he