A McDonald’s employee will become the company’s longest-serving employee when he celebrates his golden anniversary with the fast food chain this week.
It’s been 50 years since customer service worker George Caruana, 69, first visited a newly opened Macca’s restaurant in Collingwood, Melbourne, in 1974.
The then-teenager’s life changed course while enjoying lunch with his mother when the store manager approached him and asked if he wanted a job.
When Caruana celebrates 50 years with Maccas on Friday, his service will surpass that of millions of Australians who have worked for the Golden Arches.
McDonald’s employee George Caruana (pictured) will celebrate his 50th anniversary with the company on Friday, making him the longest-serving Australian employee at the fast food chain.
He recalled how the store manager approached them and asked if they were enjoying their meals.
“I said yes, he took me inside, gave me a uniform and told mom, ‘I’ll take your son to show him around,’ and the Friday after I started working and I’m still around,” she said. 7News.
Mr Caruana quickly accepted the job after being hired and that same year he received the “best chicken” award on the McDonald’s Australian All-Star team.
In the five decades since, he has worked in various roles at different Melbourne restaurants, including store and promotions manager.
She recently returned to customer service at the Lilydale store.
His most memorable moment was when he served Hollywood star Bette Davis.
“I was about to close the store and they said, ‘Bette Davis is coming, you have to serve her,'” Caruana recalled.
‘I wish God would take some photos of me with her.
‘I gave him a free apple pie that day.
Although he is diabetic, he still enjoys a Big Mac and fries every lunchtime during his Saturday shift.
“When I eat a Big Mac, it brings back memories of the old days,” he said.
The “old days” may be behind him, but Caruana still fits into the original uniform he donned on day one.
Caruana started her role when she was 19 (pictured) and is still wearing the same uniform she was given on her first day.
His uniform is not the only memorabilia he keeps during his term and he has an improvised museum in his home.
Their extensive collection includes several Happy Meal toys, fry cups, and many other limited-edition souvenirs, all featuring the McDonald’s logo.
The most prized possession is a Ronald McDonald mascot doll, which has been in Caruana’s possession for almost as long as his career.
The nearly 50-year-old doll purchased for $10 in the mid-1970s is estimated to cost around $150, but Caruana has no plans to sell it.
Although there is no indication how he will plan to celebrate his 50 years in office, Caruana has no plans to resign anytime soon.
“I will continue as long as I can,” he said.