WORCESTER, Mass. — The normal bacon and eggs weren't on the menu at Annie's Clark Brunch Tuesday afternoon. Instead, they were serving up hugs and memories as the restaurant's namesake says goodbye.

"It's something that needs to be done," said owner Annie Jenkins. "Change sometimes is necessary and I have faith in Clark University and the new administration."

After being behind the counter for more than 37 years, owner Jenkins has retired.

In 1993, she and her late husband purchased the restaurant. Over the course of the last four decades, Jenkins has done more than just fill the stomachs of local college students. She started a family, made friends and became a pillar in the Main South community.

"I was a daytime bartender," Jenkins joked. "You know, you listen to the same things, but in the mornings, and not at night."

Surrounded by those friends and family members, Jenkins was awarded the key to the city by Mayor Joe Petty, which was another special moment she'll add to her long list at Annie's.

"Annie's Clark Brunch, we want to wish you the best on your retirement," Petty said. "Congratulations."

"It's a great celebration of knowing how much you've done to people, and to help people, and we need this in the world today," said Jenkins. "We need to smile and to keep positive attitudes."

When Jenkins starts her next chapter, it's the socializing she says she'll miss most, whether it's with leaders in the community, or Clark students past and present. Speaking of next chapter, those plans are still up in the air.

"I've got to learn to stay away from 10 o'clock this, 11 o'clock this show," Jenkins said. "I mean, watching my General Hospital at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. But, it will come."

Clark's dining services will now oversee the restaurant, and will keep Annie's name as long as they're running things.