Chef Oscar Martinez, Famed Carnation Café & Disneyland Staple, Retires After 60 Years

Chef Oscar Martinez, famous for his Carnation Café tenure and more than 60 years of service at the Disneyland park, retired today:

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Originally Posted by Disney Parks & Resorts

... Oscar began working at Disneyland on December 29, 1956 – a year after the park opened. Oscar originally worked as a busboy and later a grill cook in Fantasyland quick-service locations that sold hamburgers, hot dogs and chili. Moving to Carnation Café in 1967, Oscar has been a staple on Main Street, U.S.A., making famous his recipe for breakfast potatoes.

... When asked what his fondest memories were of his time at the resort, first was seeing Walt Disney walk the park. To a young Oscar, Walt Disney seemed larger than life. Also among his favorite memories is working with and training many new cast members, including grill cooks for Tokyo Disneyland.

“Oscar has created magic for more than 60 years at the Disneyland Resort,” said Disneyland Resort President Michael Colglazier. “He has been an icon to our guests and an inspiration to our cast. We are honored to have worked with him, and we wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

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It always made us feel so special to have him walk up and greet us at our table when we visited Carnation Cafe. I'll miss that.

Meeting Chef Oscar made me feel like I was in some cozy breakfast joint at home, not Disneyland. Plus he helped me step up my Bacon game.