An Indian-origin employee recently celebrated his 40-year work anniversary at McDonald’s in the United States, as per the local American reports. Pargan Singh’s four-decade-long commitment to the fast food chain earned him a $40,000 gift cheque, a limousine ride and red carpet treatment.
Better known as “Balbir” among his co-workers, the Punjabi man was cheered on for his still ongoing association with the beloved burger joint’s Saugus outlet in Massachusetts on Monday (US time). As per images now available on social media, the trusted employee was seen arriving at the Route 1 north McDonald’s in Saugus in style.
After a limousine pulled up to the location, his game him a red-carpet welcome. Holding pom poms of the signature Golden Arches colours, they showered him with full-blown celebrity treatment. Upon walking on, Singh found boards full of camera clicks commemorating his years-old memories tied to the restaurant.
US boss’ big praise for Indian-origin McDonald’s employee
His American boss, Lindsay Wallin, who is the owner of the Saugus McDonald’s franchise, applauded Singh’s hard work. According to local news outlet WHDH, she opened up about Balbir’s colleagues having affectionately dubbed him “papa bear.” Wallin couldn’t help but described the Indian-origin employee as a “pillar” in their company.
As per Wallin, Balbir Singh started working at Saugus McDonald’s location for her father (he passed away a few years ago) after first arriving in the US. Four decades down the line, the Punjabi man is now running four McDonald’s locations.
She even took to her LinkedIn profile this week to share the happy news. Dedicating a post all to Singh, whom she called an “absolute gem,” Wallin wrote, “Such a special day for such an amazing person!”
“I’m so fortunate to have the privilege of celebrating his 40 years of service starting with my dad, Bob King in 1985! Couldn’t be prouder of him and my whole team that rallied together to honor him in style!”
Her SNS update, in turn, alluded to another crucial McDonald’s executive Pilar Vera’s LinkedIn post. It detailed how the celebrations of Balbir Singh’s 40th anniversary with McDonald’s were inevitable given his “unmatched work ethic.”
Singh was surprised with “limousine arrival, a red-carpet entrance, $40k recognition check and a special dinner with the team.” Vera further wrote, “For 40 years, Balbir has helped keep the Golden Arches shining through his leadership, his heart, and his commitment to excellence. Today, we proudly recognize the incredible legacy he continues to build.”
The event was organised under the leadership of Wallin and her business partner, Vipan Khosla, the Indian-origin Director of Operation at King & Wallin, dba McDonald’s.
More about Pargan ‘Balbir’ Singh
After serving 40 years worth of smiles at McDonald’s, Singh said, “I worked in the kitchen, helping in the back, taking the trash, tried to do everything step by step.” Comparing his position at the legendary fast food banner to Eddie Murphy’s character in Coming To America, he added, “So I came in the front, they promoted me after three or four months to become a swing manager,” as per WHDH.com.
After leaving India, Balbir Singh came to Saugus, Massachusetts, in 1985, according to ‘The Morning Rush’ show on South Carolina’s radio station 97.5 WCOS. Listing some of the best decisions of his life, the Indian-origin man placed proposing his now-wife to marry him at the top. Becoming a US citizen followed as a close second alongside working with the Wallin family his entire life.
