Burger King honours long serving staff

Team members from across various departments of Burger King Barbados have been recognized for their dedicated service to the organization. During the company’s 10th Anniversary Awards and Gala on Sunday night at Sandals Resorts, long-standing employees were singled out for their contribution to the restaurant’s success.

There were 29 recipients who have given the company five years of dedicated service and an additional ten individuals who were with the company from its inception. Among the latter was General Manager Ryan Walters. In his address, Walters extended thanks to the owners and directors of Restaurants Barbados Ltd. for giving such a young team the opportunity to do something productive with their lives. Walters stated, “The impact of building a successful business is much more than just taking home a salary.”

Walters noted it was a wonderful feeling to be a part of the experience of watching employees advance through the ranks of the organization. He is grateful for the opportunity which he got through director Everick Eastmond bringing him into the franchise. He expressed, “I want to thank you for having the confidence in me, in giving me the opportunity to build out the team. It has not been easy. It has been very rough at times. It has been hard to meet some of your targets… but I think we are on track now.” 

Walters thanked his team for their efforts. “We will do our best to ensure opportunities are opened for you to continue to grow in the organization. We will continue to enhance the way we treat our employees, building the working relationship between employer and employee so that we can continue to have another successful ten years, which is even better,” he noted.

Also receiving commendation for their contributions were past and present directors of Restaurant Associates. Awardees included the Most Honourable Ralph Bizzy Williams, Chairman of Williams Industries and businessman Everick Eastmond. Representatives of the Lakes Group, who were on the island for the celebration, received tokens of appreciation. They included Chief Executive Officer Lisa Lake, Director Michael Lake and Chairman of the Lake Group and Director of Restaurant Associates Richard Lake. 

Richard Lake remarked, “No business is successful without the right people in the right position.” He said, “Expect technology to play an ever-increasing role in our business. It’s all about creating an excellent guest experience and to achieve this, we must hold ourselves to the highest standard.”

The coveted Directors’ Award for Outstanding Leadership and Exceptional Commitment to Burger King Barbados was awarded to Operations Manager Lloyd Holder. He was credited with not only being instrumental in the development of team members but also possessing a deep wealth of knowledge about the franchise. 

Holder is one of Burger King’s many success stories. Joining the team as a supervisor in July 2013, he quickly moved through the ranks before attaining his current position. Receiving this accolade took Holder by surprise. He shared, “I wasn’t expecting it. I really appreciate it and thanks to all the staff behind me, the managers that also guide and help me, the directors. I can’t ever forget my boss, Mr. Walters, and I just want to say thank you to everyone.”

Dave Schiner, Deputy Chief of Mission, United States Embassy, delivered the feature address. Entertainment was provided by talented saxophonist Mylon Clarke. Attendees had their knowledge tested with Burger King trivia to win some attractive prizes. (STT)