The Bagel Delis dining room, as usual, was recently filled to capacity at lunchtime, and as always, waitress Shirley Ross knew everyone there. And as always, she made the rounds of the dining area, shmoozing with all her customers, making them feel at home.
One thing was different that day, however. For the first time in 43 years, Ross didnt have to serve a single meal because Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013 was Shirley Appreciation Day.
The veteran waitress had recently retired, and on this day, her admiring regular customers gathered while Shirley held court, reminiscing and chit-chatting while other servers took orders, served meals and cleaned tables.
Ross joined The Bagel Deli on the opening day of its Hampden and Monaco location in January, 1971. Shirley had been a stay-at-home mom, but her children were getting older so she took the part-time 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. cashier job at The Bagel.
She was the cashier for five years until owners Rhoda Kaplan and the late Lola Weiner asked her to try cooking. Ross was never an enthusiastic cook, but I was getting paid for this, she says, so she gave it a try, and worked in The Bagels kitchen for many years.
Eventually, she gave up cooking and began waiting tables. Her friendly, down-to-earth personality made her a natural for the job, and she gained a following of customers who stayed with her for decades.
She worked solidly until late 2012 when she broke her wrist. After eight weeks in a cast, followed by eight more weeks of physical therapy, Ross decided to hang up her apron and retire at the age of 81.
Ross was born in South Africa. She and her husband Eric, a musician, came to the US in 1952, and to Denver in 1959. They became the parents of Elaine, Debbie, Sharon, Ed and David, and the grandparents of six. Eric passed away in February, 2012.
On Shirley Appreciation Day, Ross expressed her appreciation to her bosses, the late Paul and Lola Weiner, and Joe, Rhoda and Jared Kaplan, who have been really good to me over the years. Ill never forget the nice things theyve done for me. She also said shed miss her customers.
Ive met such nice people here.
Copyright © 2013 by the Intermountain Jewish News
