Red carpet and $40K cheque: Indian-origin worker’s 40-year journey at McDonald’s

An Indian-origin McDonald’s employee in Massachusetts received a red-carpet welcome, limousine escort and a $40,000 cheque as part of a ceremony marking his 40 years of service with the fast-food chain, according to reports from NDTV, Moneycontrol and local US media.

Balbir Singh, who joined the Saugus McDonald’s outlet in 1985, arrived at the restaurant on Monday to find employees lined up with pom-poms and cheering as he exited a limousine arranged by the franchise owner. He was later presented with the cheque and a commemorative 'One in Eight' jacket as part of the celebration.

Singh began his tenure as kitchen crew after immigrating from India in the early 1980s. Local media outlets, including WHDH-TV Boston, reported that he worked across food preparation, cleaning duties and back-of-house operations before being promoted to management roles. He currently oversees four of the nine outlets run by franchise owner Lindsay Wallin’s family business.

Wallin said that Singh is regarded as a central figure within the organisation, known for his work ethic and consistent presence over four decades. Staff members routinely refer to him as 'Papa Bear,' reflecting his role as a mentor within the team.

Coverage in The Financial Express noted that the $40,000 award—symbolically matching his 40 years of service—is uncommon in the fast-food sector, where employee turnover rates are typically high.

Singh said he remained with the company because he considers the team 'family,' a sentiment repeated in local broadcast interviews.

The Saugus restaurant’s management said the event was intended to honour Singh’s contributions and long-standing commitment, citing his role in operational consistency and staff training across multiple locations.