Hundreds Petition Disneyland To Rename Carnation Cafe After Oscar

ANAHEIM, CA — One family of Disney fans was struck by a bit of nostalgia this week when they wrote a petition to change the name of the famed Carnation Cafe on Main Street to give a nod to its longest running employee.

The petition heaps praise on Oscar Martinez, one of Disneyland Resort's longest-running cast members.

Martinez was a Disneyland Resort employee for over 60 years before he retired in 2017. According to Kris Theiler, Vice President of Disneyland Park, "Oscar holds a special spot in the hearts of thousands of cast members." More than that, fans from around the globe also hold Martinez in the highest regard. Oscar moved to California in 1956, and began working at Disneyland right away, along with his late wife Shirley.

He first put on his Carnation Restaurant chef's hat in 1967.

Why do over 900 fans believe they should change the name of Carnation Cafe?

"Because he gave his whole life to the restaurant," petitioner James Liker says.
For a company which prides itself on a little bit of magic and a whole lot of customer service, friends and fans of Oscar Martinez feel he filled that bill.

Though Disneyland Resort does not plan on changing the name of Carnation Restaurant at this time, a spokesperson told Patch that they do appreciate the sentiment. Cast members of the resort miss Oscar Martinez, and love him as much as all of you.

As an aside, the restaurant has given over their top-choice menu item in honor of Chef Oscar. The menu features "Oscars Choice: All American Breakfast." They also still serve his breakfast potatoes, when the park is open.

Would more signatures make a difference? Stranger things have happened.
Disneyland Resort has moved to re-concept the Splash Mountain after a worldwide petition called for a Princess Tiana theme.