Viral Burger King Employee Faces Setback

Nykia Hamilton, the Burger King worker who went viral for running an entire restaurant alone for 12 hours, has shared a disappointing update.

Heroic Effort Goes Viral

In July, Hamilton, a mom of three, drew widespread praise after managing all stations at a Columbia, South Carolina Burger King by herself. She handled the front desk, drive-thru, and food prep, all alone due to a staff shortage.

“She’s doing the fries, the burgers, the chicken sandwiches. She’s doing everything by herself,” a customer said in a video that quickly went viral. “She’s doing everything she needs to do to make sure everybody is okay in here.”

Emotional Interview

Speaking to WACH Fox 57, Hamilton explained the situation stemmed from an unexpected staff departure.
“Had to do the dishes, do prep, do the floor, do the front counter, drive-thru,” she said emotionally.

The Unexpected Consequence

Despite her tireless work, Hamilton revealed she had been fired just one month later. On TikTok, she explained the reason: her lateness, caused by responsibilities as a single mother, led to her dismissal.

“[Burger King] fired me because I’ve been late because of my kids,” the 25-year-old said. “My kids come first. Y’all don’t pay for no babysitter, or nothing. I’m already aggravated, I’m already depressed, all of this mental s***, so leave me alone.”

Community Support

After losing her job, Hamilton set up a GoFundMe page. At the time of writing, donations have surpassed $72,000.

Sacrificing for Her Family

Before her dismissal, Hamilton spoke about the toll long shifts took on her personal life.
“I be missing out on my kids’ lives when I work so much,” she said. “I have to provide for them, but I really don’t have time to spend with them, and it hurts me a lot.”