Nykia Hamilton, a single mother of three from South Carolina, who gained internet fame last month for single-handedly running a Burger King outlet, has been dismissed from her job due to “attendance issues.” Hamilton, 25, attributes these issues to her commitment to prioritizing her children’s needs.
Hamilton’s story went viral in July when a customer filmed her managing all the stations in the Columbia, South Carolina, fast-food restaurant by herself. This was due to a staffing shortage, and Hamilton was determined to ensure that customers were served. However, just over a month after the video was posted, Hamilton was let go from the franchise for being late due to her responsibilities as a mother.
In a tearful video posted on TikTok on August 8, Hamilton expressed her frustration. She explained that her tardiness was due to her children’s needs, and the company did not provide any assistance for childcare. Hamilton also shared the emotional strain of trying to balance long work hours with raising her children.
Hamilton often worked more than 12 hours per shift at Burger King to support her children. She stated that her responsibility as a parent did not cease even when she was left to manage the restaurant alone. She described the various tasks she had to perform, from dishwashing to managing the drive-thru.
Hamilton also spoke about the emotional toll of working long hours while trying to raise her children. She expressed her sadness at missing out on her children’s lives due to her work commitments. Despite the challenges, Hamilton was grateful for the job opportunity, especially considering her past criminal record.
Burger King confirmed Hamilton’s dismissal, citing repeated attendance issues. The company stated that no team member should ever be left to run a restaurant alone, expressing disappointment that their policy requiring more than one team member per shift was not adhered to. They also emphasized that termination decisions are made by the franchise owners.
Supporters have rallied around Hamilton, encouraging donations to her GoFundMe page, which has raised over $81,000 to assist the single mother. Hamilton did not respond to requests for comment at the time of this report.