Down syndrome worker Wendy “Retires” gets a key to her hometown

A longtime Wendy’s employee with Down syndrome who was recently fired now has a happy ending, complete with a big party and a major key.

Here’s the thing… Dennis Peek was unceremoniously fired a few days ago after 20 years at Wendy’s in Stanley, North Carolina. The news was particularly devastating for Dennis’s family – his sister and guardian, Conna Young Turner — reports TMZ … Dennis doesn’t know he’s been fired and instead thinks he’s retiring.

The family is very sensitive about the situation, but we have learned that the City of Stanley is taking steps to see him retire properly. Kono says that during the party, Dennis will be presented with a key to the city and a plaque.

She says the Carolina Restaurant Group, which operates the Wendy’s where Dennis worked, offered Dennis his job back and the family initially agreed, but she says the family ultimately decided against it.

We’re told Dennis has mentioned to his family before that he wants to retire … so his sister thinks he’s better off moving on from Wendy.

Kono says Wendy offered to cover the cost of the retirement party, but from now on the city will foot the bill … and the townspeople are chipping in, too.

Retirement Day is set for Nov. 5, and the family is also asking people to send Dennis “Happy Retirement” cards.

While Kono initially took issue with the wrongful termination of the special needs worker, she tells us that … the family will NOT be suing.