Phoenix Denny's Celebrates Longtime Busboy's 48 Years of Service

Barney Mullen, a 78-year-old with special needs, has been working at the same Denny's restaurant since the 1970s.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:53am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a Denny's restaurant interior, with blurred glimpses of customers, servers, and the iconic Denny's logo visible through a hazy, rain-streaked window. Muted tones of amber, ochre, and soft blue create a nostalgic, timeless atmosphere that evokes the celebratory mood of the story.A longtime Denny's busboy's decades of dedicated service inspire both customers and co-workers in this warm, celebratory scene.Phoenix Today

Barney Mullen, a 78-year-old busboy with special needs, has been working at a Phoenix Denny's restaurant off Camelback Road and 7th Street since the 1970s. On Wednesday, the restaurant threw a party called 'Barney's Night' to celebrate his 48 years of service, with 25% of sales going to the special needs community where Barney lives.

Why it matters

Barney's long tenure at the restaurant highlights how businesses can provide meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with special needs, even during a time when many employers were hesitant to do so. His dedication and enthusiasm for his work have inspired both customers and co-workers over the decades.

The details

Barney was first hired in 1977, during a time when many businesses were not hiring people with special needs. After showing the manager his skills as a dishwasher, he was given the job. Over the years, Barney has become a beloved figure at the restaurant, known for his tireless work ethic and friendly demeanor. On Wednesday, the Denny's restaurant hosted 'Barney's Night' to celebrate his 48 years of service, with 25% of sales going to the Lura Turner Homes, the special needs community where Barney lives.

  • Barney was first hired at the Denny's restaurant in 1977.
  • Barney's 48th anniversary at the restaurant was celebrated on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Barney Mullen

A 78-year-old busboy who has worked at the same Phoenix Denny's restaurant for 48 years, despite having special needs.

Amanda Curtis

A co-worker of Barney's who praised his dedication and inspiration to others.

Max McQueen

The executive director of Lura Turner Homes, the special needs community where Barney lives.

Greg Stanton

A U.S. Representative who presented Barney with a certificate of congressional recognition.

Tami Sanchez

A customer at the Denny's restaurant who was happy to see Barney still working and engaging with people.

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What they’re saying

“He's amazing. He comes in, knows his job, never stops until you sit him down for lunch and then he'll get back and keep going. He's an inspiration to a lot of people here.”

— Amanda Curtis, Co-worker

“For him being his age, it makes me happy to see him out moving around, engaging with people. You see that smile on his face and that puts a smile on our face.”

— Tami Sanchez, Customer

“He loves his job very much and that's why I think he will be here forever.”

— Co-worker

What’s next

Barney plans to continue working at the Denny's restaurant for as long as he is able, showing no signs of slowing down despite his age.

The takeaway

Barney's story demonstrates the value of providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with special needs, and how dedicated and enthusiastic workers can inspire both their colleagues and customers over many years of service.