Kevin Ford, the Nevada-based Burger King employee who went viral after receiving a minimal gift from management in recognition of nearly 30 years of perfect attendance, is now stepping into a new venture within the culinary industry.
As reported by TMZ, Ford is planning to launch a food truck business with his daughter, following the more than $400,000 raised through a fundraising campaign inspired by his story.
Ford gained internet fame in 2022 when his supervisors at the Burger King in Las Vegas McCarran International Airport marked his 27th anniversary with a modest array of gifts. His reward for nearly three decades of dedication included a backpack, a movie ticket, a Starbucks cup, and a selection of candy and chocolates—a gesture many felt was insufficient.
Ford’s daughter, Seryna, was particularly disappointed by how little her father’s commitment was recognized, prompting her to start a GoFundMe campaign to show her appreciation for the man who, through his hard work, managed to support his four daughters through both high school and college.
“He originally began working at this job as a single father when he gained custody of me and my older sister 27 years ago,” Seryna explained in 2022. “Then as our family grew and he remarried, he continued to work there because of the amazing health insurance that was provided through this employer because it was unionized. This got all four of his daughters through high school and college with full healthcare coverage.”
The fundraiser quickly surpassed its initial $200 goal, ultimately raising a remarkable $459,800.
Ford invested some of the funds in purchasing a black and silver food truck from China, which cost him around $20,000. The truck is fully equipped with a kitchen, including an oven, fryer, and other necessary appliances. It also features “K27Y” on the exterior, a nod to his viral fame, “Kevin 27 years.”
Together with his daughter, who studied at the esteemed Le Cordon Bleu culinary school, Ford plans to kick off their business with a simple menu that includes hamburgers and hot dogs. He also hopes to introduce Filipino dishes to the menu, paying homage to his Filipina fiancée.
Despite his excitement for this new venture, Ford remains committed to his position at Burger King, with plans to retire by May 2025, aligning with his 30th anniversary at the company.
This new business endeavor follows another major life achievement for Ford: purchasing his first home. Thanks to the generous GoFundMe contributions, Ford was able to buy an 846-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bathroom house in Pahrump, Nevada, for $177,000, closing on the property on December 13, 2023.
“I wanted to show you something, something you made possible, you did for me, just a hardworking guy,” Ford shared in a video posted to Instagram on December 29. “Now I know it needs some work, gonna cut off the haters already, I know it’s not a mansion but it’s mine.”
Ford’s food truck, named K27Y, will start with small pop-up events in the vicinity of his new home, with a grand opening scheduled for October at a local Home Depot.
