Regina McDonald’s employee celebrates retirement after over four decades on the job

If you have ever stepped inside McDonald’s on Victoria Avenue and Park Street, you have likely crossed paths with Brenda Smith.

If you have ever stepped inside McDonald’s on Victoria Avenue and Park Street, you have likely crossed paths with Brenda Smith. Smith started her McDonald’s career at the Albert North location with workplace training before spending the past 43 years on the job at the east location of the famous franchise. On Wednesday, she officially called it a career.

“I spent my first week on the job at Albert North and I really liked working with George Gibson. After that first week, I went to work the next day, and Gibson said I got the job at the other location. I went home and told my mom, and she said to me, ‘What dummy hired you?’”

Smith said with a chuckle. Dozens of friends from the past four decades showed up between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to celebrate Smith’s retirement. There was a Dairy Queen ice cream cake (Smith’s favourite), several bouquets of flowers, balloons, and of course good vibes, as those who know and love Smith sent her off in style.

Smith said her first order of business is catching up on some sleep, as she admitted that the past few nights were restless ones, with the anticipation for Wednesday’s celebration keeping her up at night. The party didn’t stop after the retirement celebration as Smith said there were plans for her to head out for supper as well. Location unknown, according to Smith, but she hinted that her favourite supper joint in the city was Houston Pizza.