Local McDonald’s Employee Retiring after 49 Years of Service

After nearly 50 years behind the counter, a local McDonald’s employee is hanging up the apron.

Bill Giannini is retiring after 49 years of service at the Galesburg location on North Henderson Street.

Giannini began his career in the 1960’s as a high school student. He says he would often work the lunch hour, during school at Galesburg High School when students were allowed to leave for lunchtime.

Giannini has seen a number of changes over the years, ranging from decor renovations to an expanded menu.
He tells the WGIL Morning News that the food selection has been one of the largest changes he’s seen.

“When I first started, there were five sandwiches on the menu–you had coke, root-beer, and orange (soda), your shakes and milk” says Giannini. “A couple of us were playing around the other afternoon, and I think we counted like 45  items on our menu now. We actually had to give the McRib away back then, because it wouldn’t sell. I don’t know if you remember but we had a contest and everybody won–all you had to do was scratch it off. The ribs are a season thing so when they left–next thing you know we’ve got all these people clamoring where’s the rib at?”

Giannini says he’s looking forward to retirement. He says he will miss the people, but that it will be nice to sleep in.

ReCENT POSTS

Loading...