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'Be like Tom': Beloved employee brings joy at Arlington McDonald's

Tom Miller, who has cerebral palsy, goes out of his way to make sure customers get the best experience possible.

ARLINGTON, Texas — An argument could be made that the McDonald’s restaurant in south Arlington is one of the friendliest, but there’s no question it’s one of the cleanest.

For nearly 30 years, Tom Miller, who has cerebral palsy, has wiped, scrubbed and swept his way around the store.

Even at age 46, five days a week, he makes this place shine.

“The world’s a better place because of people like Tom,” said Georgia Zang, who has worked with Miller through the Special Olympics.

“Tommy is very loving, very kind and he cares a lot,” said training supervisor Austin Grissett.

Grissett’s family has owned the restaurant for two decades and he says, as a kid, he not only admired Miller, he emulated him.

“I wanted to be like Tommy,” Grissett said. “How he’s able to impact the people, not only the people that he works with but also just the customers.”

Whether he’s wiping down a table or looking for trash in the parking lot, Miller takes pride in his work.

Because he cares so much about his job, customers care so much about him.

“They are very nice to me and everybody,” Miller said.

“Everybody loves him and they make him feel welcome and that’s the best feeling,” said Jennifer Howell, Tom’s sister.

In fact, Howell says when he was recently off work for a month because of a medical issue, customers came by the store to check on him.

Fortunately, Miller doesn’t plan to miss another day, except for next week when he competes at the Special Olympics USA games in Orlando.

He’s already counting down the days until he’s back.

Because Tom doesn’t see this as some unimportant job, but rather a chance to be a blessing.

“He’s awesome,” Howell said, fighting back tears. “I love him. He’s so cool and he’s got such a big heart and loves everybody so much. He’s a great guy.”

He’s a guy who spreads joy to every customer. Maybe that’s what draws customers back, knowing they can have a very happy meal.

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