Getting excellent service is usual in any KFC store, but getting superb service from the KFC crew in their 70s is extraordinary.
The program to hire senior crew is in line with KFC’s thrust to give equal opportunities, regardless of age and gender. KFC commits to the journey of making a more comfortable and safe dining experience for its community and providing additional income to those qualified individuals,”
“It is unusual but at the same time, it gives the restaurant a welcoming and homey feel. Nakakatuwa kasi capable pa din sila magwork and we can see na may purpose pa din sila” a KFC habitue shared, basically echoing the comments of most KFC customers when they encounter KFC’s senior crew.
“From Jeepney Driver to KFC crew”
Currently in his 7th month at KFC – Recto Branch, Tatay Roberto used to be a Jeepney driver before the pandemic. His new livelihood gives him self-fulfillment even in his advanced age, especially since he is able to earn money for his own needs and even for his family.
“Yung paghahanap-buhay ko dito sa KFC ay malaking bagay. Nakakapagbigay pa ako ng pagkain sa bahay kahit may edad na ako; masaya ako. Masarap yung pakiramdam ko. Yung nakatulong ako sa KFC at yung KFC nakakatulong sakin sa mga pangangailangan ko din gaya ng aking maintenance na mga gamot,” Tatay Roberto enthused.
‘My family is happy for me’
Now also on her seventh month as a senior crew, Nanay Chit enjoys her stint at KFC Pureza, including the regular visits of her family to see her assisting customers in the dining area with her maternal appeal. She shared: “Masaya po sila kasi nalilibang ako. Kapag nakikita daw nila akong masaya pag bumibisita sila dito sa KFC, masaya na din daw sila.”
She also relishes the memory of her recent birthday when her KFC family gave her a surprise mini-celebration. “Natutuwa po ako. Na-surprise po nila ako nung birthday ko. Akala ko po walang naka-alala, tapos nakita ko may nagdeliver ng cake tapos binati nila ako lahat ng Happy Birthday. Hindi ko po iyon makakalimutan. Sobrang bait po nila.”
Tatay Roberto, 77, and Nanay Chit, 70, are among the 156 employees at 145 KFC branches in different parts of the country whose ages range from 41 to 77. They work part-time to assist the regular KFC team during peak hours.
KFC Philippines plans to extend its senior hiring program further and is continuously hiring qualified homemakers and elderly individuals as part of its store crew. They are now aggressively sourcing even in key provincial cities, including Baguio, Cebu, and Davao.
