TAMPA, Fla. — The Columbia Restaurant is mourning the loss of its longtime employee, George Guito.

Guito worked there for nearly 62 years and passed away after a series of illnesses on Sunday evening.

There isn’t a room in the Columbia Restaurant that doesn’t have a touch of Guito, such as a chandelier that hangs inside.

They are pieces of memories for owner Richard Gonzmart, who grew up alongside Guito.

He says Guito was like a brother, always helping and dedicated to the restaurant.

“George did everything. He worked 7 days a week, not because we scheduled him, but because he wanted to be here,” Gonzmart said.

Guito did that since he was 15 years old, working in every position in the restaurant.

Gonzmart says his passing has impacted everyone, but they’re celebrating his life and his contributions the best way they know how, through his favorite meal.

“I’d see him eat this burger, and he loved it. He loved burgers. It was his favorite thing to eat,” he said.

It’s why this week it’ll be served in his memory and named the 'George Burger.'

It’s not just within the walls of the restaurant that Guito's name will live on. He’s also part of the restaurant’s hall of fame, with his name etched into the stones, alongside the owners’ names.

“Today we celebrate George’s life, a life well lived, never to be forgotten,” said Gonzmart.

Walking through the restaurant may feel a little different from now on, but Gonzmart says it’ll make talking about Guito that more special.

Guito was recognized for reaching his 60-year mark with the restaurant at their employee appreciation dinner in 2022.

Details on his funeral will be announced on the Columbia restaurant’s Facebook page.