CENTENNIAL, Colo. – It’s a restaurant in Centennial where all the patrons are known by name. It’s one of those family-owned joints with unique character. There’s also a very special woman who answers the phones, greets you at the door, even waits on you — in her wheelchair.
Sandy Lenthall owns Bucci’s, a quaint Greek and Italian restaurant off Holly near County Line Road. She’s owned it since 2006.
She was diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis back in 2000.
“I’ve had my struggles, but it’s worth it,” said Sandy.
The debilitating disease forced her into a wheelchair. That didn’t stop her and her husband from buying Bucci’s and running the business.
Sandy works six days a week. She glides around in her wheelchair taking drink orders, serving food, bussing tables and jotting down orders.
“I don’t consider myself confined at all,” said Sandy.
Her hard work has inspired those who come in and eat on a regular basis. Randy Pye, the former Mayor of Centennial eats lunch at Bucci’s all the time.
“I think her story already changes lives from everybody who walks in and sees she can maneuver around in a wheelchair,” said Pye.
Sandy doesn’t do it alone. She has a wait staff to take care of tables on busy days and nights. When she gets tired, she has a nice couch in her office to get a little rest.
Despite her disability, customers say she runs a successful business with really good food.
“I’m not sure I want everybody knowing about it,” said Pye. “It’s the hidden gem.”
Sandy may not be the fastest waitress, but her heart makes up for it as she fights M.S.
“I hate it,” Sandy said talking about the disease. “These were the cards I was dealt, so you have to deal with it and go on.
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