92-Year-Old Mr. Gil Makes Chick-fil-A the Happiest Place

At 92 years old, Gilbert Martin could be anywhere. Instead, he's at the Chick-fil-A on Oleander Drive in Wilmington, North Carolina, making sure every customer leaves a little lighter than they arrived.

Known as Mr. Gil, Martin has spent the past six years as a dining host at the fast-food restaurant. He wipes tables, restocks sauces, and keeps the dining room spotless. But ask him what matters most, and his answer has nothing to do with cleaning.

"The main thing is that I take care of people out here first," he said.

That simple philosophy has turned Mr. Gil into a local legend. Customers stop by as much for his warm smile as they do for the chicken sandwiches. His coworkers say his presence transforms the entire restaurant.

"He brings joy to our team members and guests through his genuine warmth, work ethic, and servant heart," said owner Mike Perdue.

Martin's work history spans decades in the natural gas industry, followed by more than 12 years greeting shoppers at Sam's Club. When that position was eliminated, he tried retirement. It lasted about two months.

"I was bored, so I put an application in," Martin recalled. Now he works Monday through Friday and looks forward to every shift.

His impact goes far deeper than most restaurant workers. Martin says guests often arrive after receiving difficult medical news or carrying heavy burdens. Those moments give him purpose.

"I get a lot of people that are coming in just going to the doctor or just been to the doctor and got bad news," he said. "I'm able to be an encourager. The Lord gave me that."

Sunny's Take

When Mr. Gil missed a few days with a cold, the restaurant noticed immediately. Customers kept asking where he was and whether he'd be okay. It's the kind of impact most people never make in a lifetime, let alone at 92.

"Working at Chick-fil-A Oleander over the past six years has allowed me to meet so many wonderful guests and team members," Martin said. "Those relationships have become such a special part of my life."

His secret to staying active and joyful is simple. "If you enjoy what you're doing, it's not work," he said. "I don't know what 92 is supposed to be, but I feel great."

Martin has no plans to retire anytime soon, and he hopes his story proves something important: it's never too late to keep doing what you love, and a smile and a kind word can change someone's entire day.