On a recent Thursday, Bill Butler was back at Harry’s Hofbrau in Redwood City — his third visit to the cafeteria-style American restaurant that week. He gets the same thing every time: a roast turkey leg — his standing order for four decades, with a side of three-bean salad or coleslaw.
“My world headquarters is there because I’ve been eating here for 42 years,” said the founder and CEO of construction giant W. L. Butler, gesturing toward a property across the street. After acquiring a building on the site, he decided to erect a new office — thereby shortening his lunch commute.
During this particular lunch, several staff members and diners greeted Butler by name. Busser Gabriel Luna-Perez, who goes by “Piccolino” and has been with Harry’s for 29 years, heralded Butler as “número uno.” Over at the carving station, Rafael Sanchez, an employee of 46 years, had Butler’s order ready…