After a South Carolina Burger King worker went viral for running a store alone—and was later fired—Burger King says she was terminated for “repeated attendance issues” and that policy requires more than one team member per shift.
Burger King has issued a statement after a former employee, Nykia Hamilton, went viral for operating a Columbia, South Carolina restaurant alone—and was later fired. Hamilton, a 25-year-old single mother of three, gained attention when a customer filmed her juggling every station: front counter, drive-thru, and the kitchen. The video drew praise for her effort and sparked debate about staffing and support in fast food.
Days later, Hamilton told followers she had been terminated, saying she’d arrived late because of childcare constraints. “My kids come first,” she said, noting the costs and challenges of finding a babysitter.
A spokesperson for Burger King confirmed she is no longer employed, citing the franchise owner’s decision and “repeated attendance issues.” They also criticized the situation that put her alone on the floor: “No team member should ever be left to run a restaurant alone, even for a short period of time.” The company said policy requires more than one team member per shift and expressed disappointment that it wasn’t followed. While declining to discuss further personnel details, the spokesperson said the focus is ensuring every location has the staffing and support to care for workers and guests.
Hamilton’s story resonated widely, and a crowdfunding campaign launched after her dismissal has raised more than $100,000 to support her and her children, reflecting broad public sympathy for her circumstances and the strain on frontline workers.
The episode has ignited larger conversations about scheduling, childcare, attendance policies, and franchise oversight in quick-service restaurants—especially when unexpected shortages leave staff stretched thin.
