The Hudson Taco and Cosimo’s Restaurant Group community is grieving the loss of Dwayne, a longtime employee whose warmth and humor left a mark on coworkers and customers across nearly two decades of service.
Cosimo’s Restaurant Group announced the news in a heartfelt social media post, describing Dwayne as someone who had been part of the company since 2006.
In the announcement, the team called him “more than an employee,” saying he was “a friend, a source of encouragement, and a valued part of our family.”
The post noted that his smile and positive attitude touched everyone who crossed his path, whether they worked alongside him or simply stopped in for a meal.
Within hours, hundreds of comments poured in from former coworkers, regular customers, and friends, many sharing personal memories of Dwayne’s kindness on the job.
Several described him as a mentor who taught them the value of treating people well, while others recalled how his energy made even the busiest shifts feel lighter. One former employee wrote that Dwayne was “the kindest person I’ve ever worked with or for in life,” adding that he always made people feel better even on hard days.
Others remembered him by the nickname “Weezy,” with one commenter writing that he was “the heart of our team” who made stressful shifts brighter and made everyone feel valued.
Local businesses also weighed in, with one nearby brewery calling the loss devastating and saying his memory would be a blessing to all who knew him.
Family says outpouring of support brings comfort during difficult time
In a message posted on behalf of Dwayne’s family, loved ones thanked the staff, customers, and friends who shared stories and condolences in the days following his death.
The family wrote that reading the comments helped ease some of the pain of losing him so suddenly, saying every story and kind word served as a reminder of the impact he had on so many lives.
The family also expressed gratitude toward the extended Hudson Taco community, noting that Dwayne had effectively been taken in by his coworkers for about two decades.
They asked that people continue sharing memories, writing that the tributes had become a place where everyone who loved him could gather, remember him, and find some peace.
The tributes reflect just how deeply Dwayne was woven into daily life at the restaurant. Coworkers from different locations, including the Woodbury branch, described him as a manager and friend who made an outsized impact during his time there.
Many said his death felt sudden and that the loss has been difficult to process, even as they find some comfort in sharing memories publicly.
As of Friday, the original tribute post had drawn more than five thousand reactions and hundreds of comments from people connected to Hudson Taco and the broader Cosimo’s Restaurant Group community. No additional details about the circumstances of Dwayne’s passing or funeral arrangements have been shared publicly at this time.
For now, those who knew him say they will continue celebrating his memory the way he lived, with kindness, humor, and a smile that so many say they will never forget.
