Virginio clan collectively clock up 50 years working at McDonald’s outlet
It’s a ‘McFamily’ affair at one of McDonald’s Galway city outlets – where a husband and wife and three of their older children have notched up a staggering 50 years working.
The Virginio family – Dad Marco (49), Mum Jennifer (48), daughter Syd (29) and sons Carlos (19) and Antone (17) – all work at the McDonald’s in the Westside Shopping Centre.
Originally from the Philippines, Business Manager Marco is a very well-known face to customers having worked in the business for 22 years since he arrived in Galway city in 2002.
“My friends say I should run for mayor,” laughs Marco.
So, what has drawn the Virginio family to work side by side under the golden arches?
“The best part about working here is our work colleagues and the customers,” said Marco.
“We have the nicest, friendliest customers. There are regulars who come in every day to meet for a coffee and a chat, and we know all their names.
“We organised birthday cakes for two elderly customers this year. One lady was so taken aback she nearly cried. At Christmas, we always receive cards and presents.
“One customer noticed I hadn’t been working at the restaurant for a week as I’d been unwell and gave my wife Jennifer medicine to give to me; it was just so kind.”
Customer Experience Leader Jennifer has spent 15 years working at the restaurant. Also from the Philippines, Jennifer first met Marco in Malaysia before moving to Ireland.
“The best thing about working here is how family-orientated it is,” she said. “The team here is like our extended family. Some of our colleagues are also our best friends and godparents to our children. Many of us moved to Galway from the Philippines around the same time and started working in McDonald’s so there is a brilliant community here.”
The husband-and-wife team describe McDonald’s as a “great employer” which also has drawn their young adult children to work under the golden arches also.
Daughter Syd is a Shift Manager and has been working at the restaurant for eight years after she finished her business management college course.
Their son Carlos is a part-time crew member who is currently studying Technical Graphics at the Atlantic Technological University, whilst secondary school student Antone is a part-time crew member also.
Another Virginio family member is son Keiaronne (29) who spent two years working at the restaurant and is now a manager in a local Galway hotel.
Marco added: “Before the kids started working here, they would visit the restaurant and see how enjoyable it was to work here. They all love it!”
“Our youngest daughter Zoe keeps asking when she can start,” he laughed.
Pictured: Franchisee Aaron Byrne (second from left) with the Virginio Family pictured at McDonald’s in Westside Shopping Centre (from left) Antone, Marco, Zoe, Jennifer, Carlos and Syd Virginio.