Burger King cook with perfect attendance turns viral fame into food truck

Kevin Ford, a Burger King employee who gained viral attention after receiving a meager gift for 27 years of perfect attendance, is now preparing to launch a food truck with his daughter. Thanks to an overwhelming response to a GoFundMe campaign, which raised over $400,000, Ford is taking his culinary skills on the road with a new business venture.

Ford first made headlines in 2022 when his Burger King supervisors marked his 27th anniversary at the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport location with a lackluster gift: a backpack containing a movie ticket, a Starbucks cup, and some candy. The gesture, which many saw as deeply inadequate, quickly went viral, prompting widespread outrage online.

Ford’s daughter, Seryna, was among those dismayed by the lack of recognition her father received. She decided to take matters into her own hands, starting a GoFundMe campaign to honor her father’s dedication and hard work. The fundraiser, which had an initial goal of just $200, exploded in popularity, eventually raising $459,800.

With the money raised, Ford purchased a food truck for about $20,000. The truck, named "K27Y" in homage to his viral fame, comes fully equipped and will serve a basic menu of hamburgers and hot dogs. Ford also plans to add Filipino dishes to the lineup as a nod to his fiancée's heritage. His daughter, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu, will be joining him in this new venture.

Despite the new opportunities, Ford remains loyal to Burger King. He plans to retire in May 2025, coinciding with his 30th anniversary at the company. In the meantime, he will continue working while preparing for the grand opening of his food truck, which is scheduled for October 2024 at a local Home Depot in Pahrump, Nevada.

The reaction to Ford’s new venture has been a mix of admiration and frustration. On Reddit, users voiced their thoughts. blaspheminCapn shared their enthusiasm: "Happy story. Hope folks continue to support him." Another user, Geoclasm, expressed frustration with Ford's previous employer, saying, "Good for him, f**k his boss. Seriously, never missing a day in 27 years, he should be running that place, not receiving some lame-ass gift."

While opinions vary, the overarching sentiment is one of support. As JohnnySkidmarx succinctly put it, “Good. I hope this guy does real well. F off BK.”

Ford’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that community support can have. As he embarks on this new journey with his food truck, many are rooting for him to achieve the success he’s long deserved.