Melbourne McDonalds's worker celebrates 50 years on the job and becomes longest serving Aussie employee

  • McDonald’s employee celebrates 50 years of service
  • Now Maccas’ longest serving employee in Australia 
  • READ MORE: How to make a Maccas ‘McChicken burgers’ using Aldi ingredients

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-teen’s life changed course while enjoying lunch with his mother when the store manager approached him and asked if he wanted a job.

When Mr Caruana celebrate 50 years with Maccas on Friday, his service will outrank that of millions of Aussies who have worked for the Golden Arches.

melbourne mcdonalds's worker celebrates 50 years on the job and becomes longest serving aussie employee

McDonald’s employee George Caruana (pictured) will celebrate his 50th year with the company on Friday, making him the fast food chain’s longest serving Australian employee

READ MORE: British foodie discovers ‘best ever’ late night menu item at Aussie McDonald’s 

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 Mum ‘I’m taking your son to show him around’ and the Friday afterwards I started work, and I’m still around,’ he told 7News.

Mr Caruana quickly took to the job after being hired and was awarded the ‘best on chicken’ on the McDonald’s Australian All-Star team that same year.

In the five decades since he has worked in various roles at different Melbourne restaurants, including as store and promotions manager.

He has recently returned to customer service at the Lilydale store.

His most memorable moment was when he served Hollywood star Bette Davis.

‘I was just about to shut the store, and I was told ‘Bette Davis is coming, you’ve got to serve her’,’ Mr Caruana recalled.

‘I wish to God that I took some pictures with her.

‘I gave her (a) free apple pie that day.

Although being diabetic, he continues to enjoy a Big Mac and fries every lunch break during his Saturday shift.

‘When I eat a Big Mac, it just brings memory from the old days,’ he said.

The ‘old days’ may be long gone but Mr Caruana still fits into the original uniform he put on on his first day.

melbourne mcdonalds's worker celebrates 50 years on the job and becomes longest serving aussie employee

Mr Caruana started in his role as a 19-year-old (pictured) and still fits in the same uniform he was given on his first day

His uniform isn’t the only piece of memorabilia that he’s held onto during his tenure and has a makeshift museum in his home.

His extensive collection includes various Happy Meal toys, fry cups and numerous other limited edition memorabilia all featuring the McDonald’s logo.

The most prized possession is a doll of mascot Ronald McDonald, which has been in Mr Caruana’s possession for almost as long as his career.

The nearly 50-year-old doll bought for $10 in the mid- 1970s is estimated to cost about $150, but Mr Caruana has no plans of selling it.

Although there is no indication as to how he will plan to celebrate his 50th year on the job Mr Caruana has no plans on quitting anytime soon.

‘I’ll continue as long as I can,’ he said.

Read more

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