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After 43 years of serving up smiles, a longtime employee at a Regina McDonald’s restaurant is hanging up the apron.
Brenda Smith, 63, is retiring from her job at the restaurant on Victoria Avenue East.
To celebrate, coworkers threw her a come-and-go retirement party on Wednesday.
Dozens of friends and longtime customers stopped by the restaurant to with flowers, gifts and good wishes for her next adventure.
Smith said she enjoyed every part of the job.
“The customers, the staff, I just love everything.”
She also enjoyed the food, she said. A Big Mac with fries and a Coke is her favourite.
Her duties included clearing off tables, keeping the lobby clean and greeting customers.
She especially enjoyed working with children, she said.
Over the years, Smith has acquired three McDonald’s rings, a McDonald’s watch and a McDonald’s pendant to mark milestones in her service. Her most recent ring marked 30 years with the company.
She got the job when she was 20 years old in August 1983, through what was supposed to be a one- or two-week placement with SaskAbilities, she said.
“Brenda did such a good job that she got the job, and has been here for 43 years,” said Juliette Kereluke, a former SaskAbilities rehab counsellor.
Smith is one of the longest-serving employees ever at that particular McDonald’s location.
According to the customers who attended her retirement party, she’s also one of the most beloved.
“She always knew everybody by name and she would catch your eye and come over and joke. She’s always telling a joke or joking with somebody,” said customer and friend Connie Zacharias-Morris.
She’s known Smith for almost 20 years, and was always happy to see her when she went into the restaurant, she said.
“She always greeted us with a big smile and always had a story to tell us. And, you know, she worked very hard here,” said Lynn Campbell, another friend and customer.
Smith said she was happy and a little surprised to see so many people turn up to wish her well.
The customers weren’t the only ones celebrating her achievements.
“We are incredibly grateful for Brenda. She has been a lifer with us. She’s the best employee that we could ask for,” said Faith Nguyen, the owner and operator of the location.
“I’m incredibly sad to see Brenda leave McDonald’s, but she will always be a part of our family here” Nguyen said.
“She’s always keeping things interesting, she’s always cracking lots of jokes, having lots of fun, keeping the lobby clean for all of our guests,” said area supervisor Garett Hoffert.
The party felt bittersweet, he said.
“I am so happy to see such a good turnout for her, and that’s super exciting, and I know she’s getting the celebration she deserves.”
