'The Coffee Guy' celebrates final day on the job

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — If there's one common thread with breakfast diners, it has to be the delicious pancakes ... or the freshly squeezed orange juice ... or maybe it's the piping hot coffee.

But at The Original Pancake House in Champaign, the common thread it has carried for more than 20 years is unique only to this spot.

"I knew when I put him in this position, he'd have an impact — but it's grown far more than I ever imagined," said owner Eric Faulkner. "He's the Michael Jordan of coffee guys."

He is Lester Lindsey. And if Lindsey is Jordan, Sunday was his "Last Dance." After more than 20 years at The Original Pancake House — and 33 working for Faulkner at other establishments — Lindsey is hanging up his coffee pot for good.

"It was about time," he said. "But I'm going to miss it though, for sure."

Customers packed the diner over the weekend for one final chance to see him. Susan McGrath has bonded with Lindsey over the years due to their shared love of the Atlanta Braves.

"I don't think Lester realizes how many lives he has touched and made better just by what he does," she said.

Lindsey's trademark smile lights up the room when he walks in. He greets customers both young and old, posing for photos and talking about sports, politics and everything in between.

"It's been nice to come to work everyday — I enjoy it," Lindsey said. "I'm glad to be here too."

And he has good reason to be.

Lindsey's last shift probably should've been on Oct. 6, 2023. He was leaving work with a family member, when he suddenly slumped over steps away from the diner. It was cardiac arrest. Lindsey's heart — the heart behind the smiles and laughs that filled so many people with joy — just stopped.

"He was literally dead for minutes," Faulkner said.

Lindsey's life hung by a thread — a thread that forever intertwined him with a complete stranger. Shannon Walter performed CPR for more than three minutes until first responders arrived. Lindsey held on just long enough.

"I don't think I'll be able to put into words what it feels like to see him alive and thriving," Walter said. "There is no [medical] reason for him to be here and he is."

Lindsey is forever grateful for his guardian angel.

"Really, she saved my life," he said. "I always bless her everyday."

Walter couldn't make it to the diner for Lindsey's last day. But she was able to surprise him with a FaceTime call.

"I'm so happy our paths crossed," Walter said over the hustle and bustle of the diner crowd.

Lindsey couldn't stop smiling.

As his final shift started to wind down, the brunch crowd picked up. Lindsey's customers — no, Lindsey's friends — traded goodbyes, doodles and even homemade crafts.

Nine-year-old Makena Sopa spent her time waiting on chocolate chip pancakes making Lindsey a friendship bracelet.

"It's going to say 'Lester' on it," she said through a huge grin.

The bracelet will tie together years of memories with the diner's "uncommon thread" who can't be missed — but will be missed all the same.

"To know that there's good people in the world and the care about you, it makes you feel good," Lindsey said. "It makes your heart warm."