Seventy-year-old Gary Rogers called it quits Friday after nearly two-decades as head cook at Frank's Place in downtown Sault Ste. Marie.
But before he hung up his apron for good, employees, friends, family and regular patrons gathered around the rear of the dining room to share laughs, stories and hugs.
Raymond Trouve and his wife, Clare, have been frequenting Frank's Place for over four decades to meet with friends and have something tasty to eat. The last 20 years most of the food was prepared by Rogers.
"The people are great. We have a lot of friends that come here. The staff, the waitresses, and the cooks are all wonderful. We love the camaraderie and the great food. But that Gary. He is a sweetheart. It's amazing what that man does. He is going to be hard to replace. He's a hard worker and takes care of everybody. He's a really good friend. Plus when he makes his fresh bread, he would always give me an extra loaf," the 92-year-old Trouve chuckled.
Rogers started cooking in 1969 at a restaurant in Manistique. He worked there for 24 years. He eventually made it to Sault Ste. Marie where he worked at Abner's for 10 years. Then he made his way to Frank's Place where he fit in like one of the family.
Owner Frank LaLonde hired him in to start at 1 a.m.
"On my first day of work, I was 10 minutes late, He gave me hell, but it was great. I loved Frank. He was a good guy. We got along very well," Rogers said.
LaLonde passed away in 2010 and today his daughter is in charge.
Rogers is modest about his role that made Frank's Place a staple.
"It's everybody that works here. It's just not me. One person does not make the whole team. We have a wonderful team of people in the back and we have a few gentlemen taking over my spot," Rogers said.
Now that Rogers is officially off the clock, he will not have to wake up to be at work at 1 a.m. Friday was the last day of burning the midnight oil.
"I woke up this morning and I thought it would be different. But I came to work, I just did my job and it's done. So, tomorrow morning, they'll take my key away. I'm locked out and they won't let me in. So now my beautiful wife and I are off to Florida for a few months and we are going to enjoy retirement," Rogers said.
Rogers has seen all kinds of people enjoy Frank's Place including politicians, but the highlight of his job is meeting the everday person.
"I have enjoyed all my years cooking. I'm thankful for the support all the people in the Soo give us. They have been wonderful customers and we appreciate them," Rogers continued.
Tiffany Schmidt, a server who has worked with Rogers for several years, sums it up best.
"I can't think of anyone more deserving of having the spotlight on him for once. He's the hardest worker and best guy you will ever have the honor of meeting," Schmidt said.
