'Love and joy' at the fair: Retiring Cattlemen's Beef Quarters kitchen manager reflects on 28 years
The "hot beef sundae" isn't your typical cream sundae, but it's a testament to one beloved employee's legacy.
Deb Bettin led the Cattlemen's Beef Quarters kitchen for 28 years. She was there when the iconic beef sundae was served up for the first time in 2006.
"It's a heart — it's a passion," Bettin said. "You start knowing how much work goes into this, and then you fall in love with the people who work here."
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After countless orders of French fries, burgers and fair fun, Bettin is retiring. She spent her final day reflecting on the memories made.
"It's the smiles on their faces (and) the overwhelming joy for the camaraderie that happens," Bettin said. "I never thought it would be this heavy."
That heaviness is bittersweet, but it's a feeling Bettin says she welcomes for the love it evokes.
"The friendships are real, and the pain is real," she said. "But, out of all fairness, it's had to be. It's overwhelming with love and joy. And I say love in a very strong way."
