Pizza Hut manager celebrates 50-year career at same restaurant

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN/Gray News) - What started as a job to keep a Nebraska woman afloat during college turned into a 50-year career at Pizza Hut.

Beckie Lacey, the manager at a Pizza Hut in Wahoo, has been working at the same restaurant for 50 years. The store celebrated the milestone over the weekend with discounted pizza pies and $1 beers, KOLN reports.

Lacey says it’s her way of giving back to the community who stood by her all these years.

“I just love to take care of my customers and make it the best possible eating experience for them every time,” she said.

Lacey began her career at Pizza Hut as a college freshman. She accepted a track scholarship at JFK College in 1973 and needed some extra cash. Two years later, the college shut down unexpectedly, and that’s when Lacey began to take on a more serious role.

“I became the assistant manager, and then shortly after that, I became the manager,” Lacey said, “and here I am 50 years later.”

Friends and former employees were among those who visited the restaurant to celebrate Lacey’s achievement.

Mary Taylor, who was part of Lacey’s original crew when she became manager in 1978, remembers fondly the kind of friend and employer she was.

“I’ve known her a long time. She was a great boss then, and she still is a great boss,” Taylor said.

Lacey’s friends from college traveled from Keota, Iowa, to surprise her, a drive Jeff Smothers and Jeanne Sheetz says was completely worth it.

“For her to be here for 50 years is pretty amazing,” Smothers said, “so we didn’t want to miss out on it.”

Lacey says she’s overwhelmed by the support and love she has received from both old friends and customers.

“It’s been so much fun just interacting with all the people,” she said. “I have great employees, a lot of friendships built.”

Lacey says she has enjoyed taking part in fundraisers and activities for the people of Wahoo over the years. Folks at the Pizza Hut say she has cultivated a culture of dedication to the community and hope to have her influence at the restaurant for years to come.

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