At 78 years old, Coral Springs waitress continues to serve with unmatched energy and enthusiasm at Bageland restaurant
Coral Springs, Florida – Marci Perrott, a 78-year-old waitress at Bageland in Coral Springs, has no plans of slowing down. In fact, she takes pride in her age and happily announces it to her customers with a bright grin as she zips by their tables, balancing a plate of fresh bagels and eggs. For more than a decade, she’s been a beloved figure at Bageland, a popular diner in the Lakeview shopping center. Known for her energetic pace and genuine smile, Perrott continues to thrive in a role she loves.
With an impressive 40 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Perrott has seen and done it all. She’s worked at nearly 40 different restaurants across North America, with a 10-year break in the middle to run a poker dealing school. Despite this extensive background, Perrott claims that Bageland feels like home.
“I like working. The restaurant staff and customers are like my family,” she said. “This is home to me.”
Perrott’s journey to Coral Springs has been anything but conventional. Raised in Queens, New York, she later moved to the San Fernando Valley, where she met her late husband Gary. Her travels then took her to Toronto, and eventually, to Coral Springs and Coconut Creek, where she has lived for the past 20 years. She has become a familiar face at Bageland’s Coral Springs location, and even when she’s not working, she’s a dedicated part of the community.
Scott Botting, the owner of Bageland, recently took over the restaurant chain, and he describes Perrott as the heart and soul of the business. “She’s like everyone’s mother and grandmother,” he said. “She’s always smiling and happy. She cares and wants everything to be successful.” But Botting also appreciates her candidness. “She’ll tell you like it is,” he added.
Perrott has worked at all three Bageland locations in Coral Springs and Plantation and has even witnessed the evolution of one of the locations, which she fondly recalls was not always called Bageland. Her deep connection to the restaurant and its staff shows in everything she does, and it’s clear that she thrives in the fast-paced, high-energy environment of the diner.
“I’m really happy. I can run laps around anyone here,” Perrott said, referring to the constant hustle that comes with working in a busy restaurant. Her energy is contagious, and it’s clear that the fast-paced work environment suits her personality perfectly. She enjoys the challenge of keeping up with the demands of the job, and nothing makes her happier than making customers smile.
When she’s not serving food, Perrott enjoys cleaning and shopping in her free time. While many people her age may be considering retirement, Perrott has no interest in slowing down. “I like the fast pace,” she explained. “I like talking to people and making them happy.” For Perrott, work isn’t just a job—it’s a passion. And as long as she’s able, she has no intention of stepping away.
Her dedication and love for her work have earned her a special place in the hearts of the Bageland community. Customers and staff alike admire her warmth and work ethic. As she continues to greet customers with her signature smile and serve up delicious meals, Marci Perrott proves that age is just a number—and that it’s never too late to keep doing what you love.
