Virginia

Reston Safeway Customers Say Goodbye to Beloved Clerk After 51 Years

For decades, a grocery store cashier in Northern Virginia was so popular that people stood in his line even if it was much longer than the others.

Known as Mr. Bob, longtime Safeway cashier Bob Bishel retired Sunday after 51 years. Customers at Safeway in Reston, Virginia, hugged Bishel, took photos and even cried as they said goodbye.

He gained a reputation for having a kind heart.

“He puts all of himself into it,” one customer said.

He kept lollipops at the end of his checkout line for kids, who he eventually watched turn into parents themselves.

But Mr. Bob did not consider himself special.

“Did a job,” he said to a woman checking out.

The dozens of people wishing him well in his retirement begged to differ.

On Sunday, his checkout line was very long.

In retirement, Mr. Bob said he would take it easy.

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