Saying farewell after 50 years of service

Elaine Dufour is retiring after 50 years of service at McDonald’s, split between the Dougall Ave. location in Windsor and the restaurant on Sandwich St. S. in Amherstburg. Her last day on the job is Oct. 30.

A long-time McDonald’s employee is heading into retirement after a half-century of service.

Elaine Dufour is retiring Oct. 30 after 50 years of service, splitting her time between south Windsor and Amherstburg locations. 

Dufour said she never envisioned spending 50 years at McDonald’s but has made it five decades with the fast food chain.

Dufour started her career at the Dougall Ave. location in Windsor and spent roughly half of her career there, building friendships and bonds she still has to this day.

“I said if there would ever be one in Amherstburg, I’m moving over here,” said Dufour.

True to her word, when the Amherstburg location opened, Dufour came to the Sandwich St. S. restaurant. 

Dufour spent most of her career as a full-time employee, with her duties ranging from working the counter, serving at the drive-thru window, taking orders and handling cash. 

The first 45 years of her career were as a full-time crew member with the last five years seeing her work two days per week.

Many customers recognize her voice when they are ordering and have gotten to know her smiling face when they see her. 

Dufour said getting to meet the customers has been fun for her as well.

“I like the people,” said Dufour. “You get to meet a lot of different people.”

Dufour is looking forward to retirement and plans on staying active. She is looking to add to her volunteer work, noting she already helping out with The Miracle League of Amherstburg where her son Shawn is the board chair. Retirement will likely be spent close to home, as Dufour said she is not a fan of travelling.

“I’m excited to retire but I’ll probably get bored after a while,” she said. “It’ll take a while to get the hang of it.”

Her actual 50^th anniversary with McDonald’s was celebrated at the Amherstburg location Oct. 7. 

Dufour estimated that over the years between the two restaurants, she has worked with between 400-500 people, mainly youth and young adults. She still gets together with a lot of the crew she worked with at the Dougall Ave. location.

“I’ve just decided that I’ve had enough,” said Dufour. “It’s time to go. I’ve enjoyed my 50 years.”

Saying farewell after 50 years of service

By Ron Giofu