After more than four decades working with Krystal in multiple roles—including assistant manager, general manager, and district manager—Alton Dye retired at the end of July. Dye served as a local icon within the brand, infusing his trademark energy and friendliness into every team, which has had the honor of interacting with him during his tenure at Krystal locations in Savannah, Tifton, and Garden City, Georgia, and Ocala and Daytona Beach, Florida. It is those moments Dye says he’ll miss the most. “I’ve always loved working with my team and spending time with guests. Those are great memories I’ll take with me,” he says. As memories go, Dye will have much to look back on. His 42-year-long career with Krystal is remarkable in any industry, but particularly within the restaurant industry where turnover continues to increase year after year.

Dye joined The Krystal Company in 1973, after spending time in a sheet metal factory, manufacturing locks for the military. During his school years, Dye also worked in the library and cafeteria of Georgia Southern University. “You just can’t replace the experience or insight of someone like Alton,” says Gary Clough, COO. “We thank him for his many, many years of dedicated service and wish him well in his retirement pursuits.” Though Dye’s official last day at work was July 24, the company held a celebration in his honor on July 31, 2015. Dye is looking forward to spending time with his family and friends in the Winder, Georgia area. To those following in his footsteps, he offers the following advice,“Take time to learn and improve yourself. Don’t be afraid to speak with leadership for ideas and support. Be courageous enough to make decisions … any decision, right or wrong, is better than never making one at all.”