What comes to mind when you hear the word "ICON"?

My images are of someone exceptional at what they do, whether that be in sports or maybe in the music world - you get the idea. Someone that STANDS out among the rest.

"Icon" - merriam-webster has a simple, perfect definition of what an "ICON" is all about...

..: a person or thing widely admired especially for having great influence or significance in a particular sphere. We have two of those right here in Bismarck. Here are the traits they have in common - consistency, performance, teamwork, loyalty, dedication, inspiration, passion, and a trillion other things I could add.

Don Brandt and Bismarck's Big Boy

They both tower over all of us. Imagine working at a business for over 40 years. This is what Don Brandt just recently experienced at Bismarck's Big Boy. As you can expect, some amazing words were written about Brandt's loyalty and genuine love for the "little Big Boy wearing red suspenders" - grinning from ear to ear, and a spring to his step - Big Boy makes us all smile.

A perfect tribute

I saw a touching tribute to Don on Facebook - this comes from Chad Wachter:

"I'm absolutely thrilled to shout from the rooftops about this incredible person! Don Brandt is the legendary general manager at Big Boy. This man is not just any employee; he's a titan in the Big Boy family, marking his monumental 40th year with the Bismarck Big Boy. But here's the kicker - among 340 stores across the globe, Don stands tall as the longest-serving employee in the entire Big Boy franchise system. Can you believe it? What an extraordinary journey!

But wait, there's more! Big Boy isn't just a restaurant; it's a local legend, a beacon of culinary delight that has stood the test of time. And do you know why? It's all thanks to Don's unwavering commitment to preserving our cherished recipes and upholding our core values. His dedication ensures that every bite you take is a taste of history, a tribute to the timeless classics that have made Big Boy an unforgettable part of our community. Don's passion is the secret ingredient that keeps the legend alive and sizzling. What a remarkable story!"

Chad Wachter