Co-workers and friends of Dennis Vartanian pose for a photograph with him during the Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner. Mr. Vartanian retired from Audie's Restaurant in Mackinaw City after 34 years of service. Pictured are (back row, from left) Katie Kosorski, Linda Caffola, Shirley Crist, Laura Newman, Bea Terrian, Margaret Flemming, Robin Westfall; (front) Nick Jaggi, Paige Iverson, Travis Vartanian, Mert Vartanian, Dennis Vartanian, Audrey Jaggi, and Edgar Jaggi. Standing before a packed room of former co-workers, bosses, and village officials, Dennis Vartanian of Mackinaw City recalled his 34-year-long career as a manager for Audie's Restaurant during the Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner Wednesday, October 7. Upon receiving recognition for his retirement from the chamber, guest of honor Mr. Vartanian could not help but mention his time at Audie's ended as it began at the chamber of commerce annual dinner.

Having worked in Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs, the Sheraton Boston Hotel in Boston, the Win Schulers restaurant in Marshall, and aiding the start up of the Snake River Saloon in Colorado, Mr. Vartanian had accumulated a wealth of managerial experience when he traveled to Petoskey to attend his sister's wedding in 1975. While in Michigan, he came to Mackinaw City to visit his friend and former co-worker, Edgar Jaggi, with whom he had worked at Boyne Highlands Resort.

Mr. Jaggi owned Downings Cafe -- now known as Audie's -- when Mr. Vartanian dropped by for a visit, and he offered Mr. Vartanian a job as manager at the cafe, which he accepted. One of the first functions he managed was the annual chamber of commerce dinner.

Audie's owes its name to Mr. Vartanian. When the restaurant was renamed around 1979, a commercial artist from Harbor Springs asked for different names to be used to develop a new sign. Mr. Vartanian had always called Mr. Jaggi's wife, Audrey Jaggi, "Audie" when speaking with Mr. Jaggi. The name caught on and was selected to become the new name of the restaurant.

Co-workers shared their experiences with Mr. Vartanian at the dinner. Bea Terrian, a waitress who worked with him for 20 years, said he was a very flexible manager. Nobody was fired for taking sick days, she said, noting that her daughter was also allowed to bring her two-week-old child to work as necessary.

Penny McGaffin, ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce and its former executive director, worked with Mr. Vartanian when organizing the annual dinners in the past. She also hailed his flexibility and said he would change the menu selection at a moment's notice, even if the food had already been ordered.

"He would always go the extra mile. Always," she said.

Other employees talked about Mr. Vartanian's managerial skills. Waitress Laura Newman said events at Audie's always ran smoothly, even during challenging times. If an event was running short on silverware, for example, staff would find Mr. Vartanian had plenty of extras available.

A hands-on manager, Mr. Vartanian would get involved in the restaurant's tasks. If help was needed washing dishes, taking orders, or tending the bar, Mr. Vartanian would be there.

Working with Mr. Vartanian taught many employees teamwork, waitress Shirley Crist said. Mrs. Newman agreed with the sentiment.

"Our team captain is leaving," Mrs. Newman said of his retirement.

Dean Scheerens, owner of Pizza Palace in Mackinaw City, had high praise for Mr. Vartanian's service to Mackinaw City.

"He's been an asset to the community. He's certainly worked hard all his life," Mr. Scheerens said.

Newly retired, Mr. Vartanian will relax for a year and take a trip to Orange Beach, Alabama, for six weeks. He will continue to help out at Audie's, as well.

"I can't bail out completely," he said. "I'd go out of my mind."

Mr. Vartanian said he plans to participate in volunteer work starting next spring and believes volunteerism will be his next calling.

He is an avid golfer and fisherman. He and his wife, "Mert" Merlyne, have a son, Travis, of Mackinac Island.