A Caesars Palace employee named Benny Figgins has officially retired after 55 years of service, making him the final original employee to leave the company. Figgins was hired by Caesars Entertainment in 1967 and held five different positions throughout his time at the casino.
Figgins began his career as a casino porter, assisting with maintaining cleanliness on the convention floor. He moves on to be a convention porter, helping to set up various events and conferences. Later, Figgins became a dishwasher at the original Bacchanal restaurant kitchen and then a busboy at the Circus Maximus showroom.
Then he was elevated to the position of blackjack dealer at the original Palace dome in 1971, which became his longest-established position at Caesars.
The company gave Figgins a “grand send-off fit for a Caesar” to celebrate his loyal career and retirement. Caesars Palace team members escorted Figgins through the resort’s main entrance after his final shift to a special limo ride back to his home. The casino also gifted him with a commemorative plaque and a crystal chandelier, which had hung in the original casino dome at Caesars Palace.
Figgins's longevity had previously been noted by Caesars in 2016 when he was still one of five first-year hires working at the company. For his 50th anniversary, he received a commemorative pin in honor of his service.
The now retired employee says that he had many wonderful moments working at the casino, such as meeting his current wife with whom he now has three daughters. Other memorable experiences included meeting celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, Diana Ross, Henry Belafonte and Joe Louis.
Figgins said he would miss working at Caesars Palace, which has always been his home away from home.