The manager at the UK's busiest branch of McDonald's has amassed thousands of followers on social media over videos of him serenading customers.
The McDonald's branch in London's Liverpool Street Station is notoriously busy, especially late at night after pub closing time, so Richard Walker takes it upon himself to entertain people queueing for their burgers and fries.
Customers at the popular fast food chain had quite the surprise when they were standing in the queue, minding their own business, when suddenly Richard broke into a rendition of 'Your Song' by Elton John, singing into a microphone.
The 32-year-old has amassed thousands of followers on TikTok and Instagram after several videos of him serenading enthusiastic customers had gone viral, reports MyLondon.
The customer experience leader, from Streatham in South London, has been using the power of music to ‘keep the peace’ at the busiest McDonald’s in the United Kingdom since 2017.
Standing behind the counter wearing his infamous piano tile tie, Richard has become so well-known that even tourists from Australia have gone out of their way to catch a glimpse of the man known as McMC.
“My passion is microphones in general,” Richard told MyLondon.
“Since I was about seven years old, I remember learning songs on a toy guitar. But no one expects to have a job like this - it’s an example of real life being stranger than fiction.”
Richard’s first gig was at a charity event five years ago where he was asked to fundraise for the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
“My business manager at the time caught wind of the fact that I sing and play music at the church I’ve been going to for the past 16 years,” Richard explained.
“So I was asked to bring some of that to the charity event and it got such a good reaction that it just became a permanent thing.”
He continued: “Now, I still make burgers, look after everyone, and deal with unruly customers. But when I get upset I sing.
"It’s the busiest McDonald’s in the UK so every night presents its own challenges and it can be an intense place. Popping on a song is a good way to distract everybody.
"It gets things moving, creates good vibes, and keeps the peace."
Over the years, Richard has developed a repertoire of approximately 20 songs that he sings throughout the week, featuring classics by Bob Marley, Luther Vandross, Robbie Williams, Elton John, and the Backstreet Boys.
More often than not, Richard’s performances result in a sing-along and a room full of laughter.
“I really do think the singing helps some people,” Richard said. “One person said to me ‘I was having suicidal thoughts until I heard you singing and I just wanted to thank you’.
"Another told me it was helping them deal with the death of their sister. One time, someone left me a handwritten note thanking me. I still have it taped to my fridge.
“The positivity really makes me want to be a better person so that I can keep this going for as long as possible and not let anyone down.
It's a mutually beneficial arrangement, there’s synergy between customers and customer service.”
He continued: “Some people may have a negative perception of a job in McDonald’s. I mean, fast food or customer service jobs are the butt of so many jokes.
But there is something good in pretty much anything if you just put yourself into it. And singing these songs is literally me giving a piece of myself to others.
Because of that, I've seen a lot of positivity in a place you wouldn't necessarily expect it.”
