Viral Burger King hero’s unexpected career twist exposed.
Nykia Hamilton, the Burger King employee who captured the internet’s attention, says she’s now been fired by the fast-food giant after her viral 12-hour solo shift.
Hamilton’s backstory explained.
Hamilton grew up in Columbia, South Carolina, learning the value of hard work from a young age.
Raised in a single-parent household, she balanced school and part-time jobs to support herself and her younger siblings.
After becoming a mom of three in her early twenties, Hamilton juggled multiple jobs, determined to give her children a stable life.
She began working at Burger King as a teenager, steadily learning every station, from the grill to the cash register.
This foundation of hands-on experience made the 12-hour solo shift possible, earning her instant admiration online.
Solo fast-food feat profiled.
Hamilton, a 25-year-old mother-of-three, became an overnight sensation in July after managing every station at her Columbia, South Carolina, restaurant alone.
Customers watched in awe as Hamilton manned the front counter, drive-thru, fry station, and grill, seemingly without pause.
One onlooker filmed the impressive multitasking, saying, “[She’s] doing the fries, the burger, the chicken sandwiches. She’s doing everything by herself.”
“She’s doing everything she needs to do to make sure everybody is okay in here,” the customer added, sparking viral admiration.
Hamilton’s hardship and dedication highlighted.
Speaking to WACH Fox 57, Hamilton revealed she took on the marathon shift due to a sudden staff shortage caused by an employee leaving without notice.
“Had to do the dishes, do prep, do the floor, do the front counter, drive-thru,” she said, visibly emotional during the interview.
The day after her viral shift, Hamilton returned to keep the restaurant running, again taking on the entire operation by herself.
“I closed again by myself last night,” she admitted, adding she finally received help the following day around 11 p.m.
“We just don’t have any employees. Nobody wants to work anymore,” she lamented, reflecting a broader labor challenge in the sector.
“My kids come first. Y’all don’t pay for no babysitter, or nothing,” she said, highlighting the difficult balance single parents face.
Hamilton opened up about the strain of newfound fame, admitting, “I’m already aggravated, I’m already depressed, all of this mental s, and motherf* fking with me, so leave me alone.”
Prior to her viral moment, Hamilton told WACH Fox 57 she routinely worked 12-hour shifts, feeling she couldn’t stop even when exhausted.
“I be missing out on my kids’ lives when I work so much,” she explained, emphasizing the sacrifices single parents endure.
“I have to provide for them, but I really don’t have time to spend with them, and it hurts me a lot,” she added.
Firing incident clarified.
Despite viral fame, Hamilton revealed on TikTok that Burger King had fired her, citing lateness related to childcare responsibilities.
Since losing her job, Hamilton launched a GoFundMe, quickly raising over $64,000 to support her and her three children.
“I am a 25-year-old single mom of 3 who works 2 jobs. I just went viral for working on TikTok,” she wrote, thanking supporters.
Hamilton admitted she didn’t expect her life to shift so dramatically, adding, “I really do everything for my kids.”
Many commenters questioned Burger King’s decision, arguing that firing a dedicated employee for lateness due to childcare seemed unfair.
Hamilton’s GoFundMe reflects the generosity of thousands, showing how social media can rally communities behind real-life struggles.
Viral hero faces reality check.
The shocking twist? Even viral fame couldn’t shield Hamilton from corporate decisions and the pressures of daily life.
Now, Hamilton is navigating life without her job, focusing on her children and the financial support she’s received from fans.
Burger King has now responded to the firing.
“Terminations are the decision of the franchisees who own and operate the BK restaurant. In this situation, the franchisee confirmed that the individual involved is no longer employed due to repeated attendance issues.”
Hamilton’s tale, from viral sensation to struggling single mom, continues to captivate audiences, with fans closely following every update.
Many viewers continue to praise her multitasking skills and dedication to her family.
Her story also highlights broader labor shortages and the challenges of single-parent workers in fast-food industries.