‘If these walls could talk!’

The scenario felt like the ending of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

You know how it goes: The grateful citizens of Bedford Falls stream into George Bailey’s living room to tell him how much he’s loved and appreciated, more than he ever realized.

And so it went at Annie’s Clark Brunch on Tuesday, when Clarkies, Main South neighbors, and generations of customers, past and present, poured through the main door to honor the former cook and owner, the current retiree, and the always-legend — Annie Jenkins.

The purpose of Tuesday’s event was ostensibly to celebrate Annie’s “second retirement” and award her the key to the city after her 37 years tending to hungry customers at the iconic diner on the corner of Main Street and Jack Foley Way (aka Woodland Street). But the key was just a bronzed excuse for folks to give Annie a bear hug and share how much they’ve appreciated her food and friendship across the decades.

Above the lunch counter hung the roster of awards the restaurant had won over the years in Worcester Magazine’s annual “Best of Worcester” contest, everything from Best Diner to Best Short Order Cook. The opposite wall was festooned with the numerous framed photos of Clarkie weddings, birthdays, and graduations, full of beaming faces, forever happy and hopeful — Annie’s among them.

Jenkins greeted Clark President David Fithian with a “Hi, Prez!” before wrapping him in an embrace. Mayor Joe Petty, District Attorney Joseph Early Jr., state Rep. David LeBoeuf, city councilors Khrystian King and Luis Ojeda, and a representative from the office of state Sen. Robyn Kennedy also took turns to offer their congratulations, present official citations, and pose for photos with the day’s honoree. Annie and her daughter and longtime business partner, Megan Mancini Zawalich, made their way through the throng of well-wishers, most of whom they knew not only by name but by their favorite menu order.

More than once, Jenkins remarked, “If these walls could talk!” drawing laughter and nods from the crowd.

“If I couldn’t make up my mind looking at the menu, you’d tell me, ‘Well then, here’s what you’re gonna get,’” Petty said with a grin. “I want to congratulate you not just for serving the eggs, but for being a part of the community.”

“I can’t tell you how resilient Annie has been with the many challenges that have come through,” LeBoeuf said. “This is such a neighborhood institution. I’m glad that you’re finally getting the recognition you deserve, and I hope you get a nice vacation.”

In 2015, when the diner faced a financial crisis due to necessary and costly equipment upgrades, the Clark alumni community rallied to raise the money that kept Annie cooking, with contributions pouring in from as far away as England, India, and Thailand. When the diner closed during the pandemic, the demand for Annie’s gift certificates actually rose as Clarkies made sure she weathered the economic storm.

Technically, this is Jenkins’ second retirement. In June 2022, after many years of long days behind the grill and grappling with the rising costs of the restaurant business, she announced that she was heading into retirement. Recognizing the importance of Annie’s Clark Brunch to the University and Main South communities, Clark Dining Services stepped in to oversee the restaurant’s operations, reopening it that September and welcoming back Annie and Megan to share their kitchen secrets and expertise.

In his remarks, President Fithian noted the enduring mutual devotion between Annie and her customers.

“From the moment she assumed ownership of the restaurant in 1991, Annie created the kind of neighborhood place where the only thing warmer than the welcome was the chili,” President Fithian said in his remarks. “She greeted customers by name, remembered favorite orders, knew who could take a joke and who didn’t mind language that was saltier than the bacon.”

He continued, “For generations of students new to Clark and Worcester, walking through your door was the closest thing to being home. Clark students, and the residents of Main South, have been your community – your family.

“And what is the ultimate act of love that one can show a family member? You feed them.

“That has always been Annie’s philosophy during all her decades behind the grill. She once said: ‘I never say no to somebody who’s hungry. If they don’t have any money — feed ’em. If they’re hungry — feed ’em. They’ll be back and they’ll pay me another time.’”

Before presenting her with a banner filled with personalized messages from Clark students, Fithian assured Annie that for as long as Clark remains involved with the operation of the restaurant, it will bear her name.

“Annie, I’m not sure we can ever fully repay you for nourishing us all these years — but we do thank you deeply for being part of our Clark family. … Many colleges in many cities have neighborhood diners, but only we, here at Clark, here in Worcester, have had Annie for nearly 40 years.”

Urged to say a few words, a tearful Jenkins told the crowd that the restaurant that she gave so much of herself to “is always going to be a safe place to come, and a home.” Then she broke into a classic Annie grin. “That’s it! I’m done.”