For past 18 years, McDonald's worker is lovin' her job

Cathy Reinhard, an 18-year veteran of the McDonald’s on West Palmetto Street, portions French fries Wednesday during the busy lunch hour. Reinhard, who is solely responsible for all the fries served by the restaurant during her work hours, also is a member of the Sunshine Class, the adult special needs Sunday school class at Central United Methodist Church.

By: Dwight Dana | SCNow
Published: July 22, 2008

Cathy Reinhard is not only an expert at cooking French fries — she’s also an icon at McDonald’s on 2016 W. Palmetto St.

Cathy, 42, was born with Down syndrome. She has worked at McDonald’s for 18 years. She works from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“I love my job,” Cathy, who has two older brothers, said. “I’m comfortable doing it. I’ve been there a long time. I enjoy seeing all the people.”

But it’s not all about cooking French fries. Once in a while, Cathy eats at McDonald’s.

“The snack wrap is my favorite,” she said, “the chicken grilled snack wrap.”

Lisa Gale of Darlington has worked with McDonald’s for 22 years. She is the store manager where Cathy is employed.

“Cathy is a good worker and a joy to be around,” she said. “You can count on Cathy to get the job done.”

“Cathy is a good, strong, hard worker,” said Jennifer Hines, the crew manager and a McDonald’s employee for nine years. “She is on time every day and keeps up on her fries. She’s one of the best.”
Cathy lives with her parents, Roland and Bette Reinhard.

“Cathy is a people person,” Roland said. “She has lots of friends. It seems like no matter where I take her, she knows somebody.”

Cathy doesn’t have time to get bored. She bowls every Friday at Southgate from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. She rides an electric scooter in the afternoons and listens to music in her playroom at night. She also enjoys dancing.

Cathy is a diehard Atlanta Braves fan. Her favorite player is Chipper Jones.

“He does an excellent job,” she said. “I like to watch him hit home runs.”

Cathy has been known to watch the “Guiding Light” on TV. She knows every character by name.

She also won a gold medal at Special Olympics International when she was a youngster. She proudly displays it in her room.

“Cathy has been exposed to a lot,” Bette said. “We think she does a terrific job.”

Cathy is a member of the Sunshine Class at Central United Methodist Church.

Ann Ayres is the chaplain at Methodist Manor. She is a former leader of the Sunshine Class.

“Cathy is always aware of those around her that need her encouragement and love, which she is more than willing to give,” Ayres said. “When I helped with the Sunshine Class, she was a leader and helper. Because of these wonderful traits that I have experienced in her, I am certain that her love of God and her Christian discipleship are witnessed by those with whom she works.”

Roland and Bette Reinhard are natives of Buffalo, N.Y. They moved to Florence in 1960.

“Florence is our home,” Roland, a retired DuPont employee, said. “We love it here. All our family lives here.”