Pauline Richards, who was known by many as Miss KFC, began working in the fried chicken chain’s outlet in Taunton, Somerset, in 1978 – and held almost every role in the store
Tributes have been paid to the world’s longest-serving KFC employee who has died after working for the company for nearly 50 years.
Pauline Richards, who was known by many as Miss KFC, first started working in the fried chicken chain’s outlet in Taunton, Somerset, in 1978. She began her career as a cleaner but went on to take on almost every role in the store, including team leader and manager. Taunton Town Council described Mrs Richards as one of the town’s “most loved residents” and said she would be missed.
“All of us at Taunton Town Council are saddened to learn of the passing of one of Taunton’s most loved residents, Pauline Richards, aka Miss KFC, the world’s longest-serving member of KFC staff and a friendly, well-known face in our town,” the council said.
‘Miss KFC’ serves up FIVE MILLION drumsticks in 41-year career at chicken giant
“She was an excited and incredibly deserving recipient of one of our civic awards back in March this year. Our thoughts are with her family and all of those who knew and loved her.”
A KFC spokeswoman added: “We’re deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Pauline Richards. We are supporting Pauline’s family, who have asked for their privacy to be respected during this difficult time.”
Back in 2019, Pauline revealed she had no plans to retire after serving up over five million drumsticks during her career at the fast food chain. She became a cult hero in the town as she always served customers “with a smile” and had “a bit of banter” with customers.
She revealed she was called Miss KFC by children, regular diners, residents and even cricketers. She said: “When I go out for a break, children would shout over to me ‘Hello Miss KFC’ and call me ‘Mum’ and ‘Nan’.
“Even on a Friday and Saturday night here, you get customers and some young boys start singing my name out and they are pleased to see me. When I’m not in, they (the customers) are asking where I am. If I’ve been out, I get people asking why I’m not working tonight.”
Pauline began working for KFC in the 1970s to support her friend at the former branch on East Reach. “I started with a friend of mine called Roz who worked at East Reach in the old KFC,” she said. “She was a bit nervous of going into the old building because it was creepy.
“I worked for a few months with Roz and when she decided to work on the front serving customers with her sister, Rose, I did the cleaning temporarily.” After initially working as a cleaner, Pauline became a cashier. She then worked her way up, becoming a manager for two-and-half years.
When the East Reach branch closed, she moved to the current KFC on East Street and decided to take it a little easier, working as a team member. Six years ago, Pauline said she wasn’t thinking of retirement, as she explained: “KFC haven’t done anything wrong for me and I think they are good to work for.
“I haven’t had any complaints. If I ever had a problem about certain things, I spoke to my manager. I do like working with people here and I can’t say I don’t. We have a good little group here. I love my job. Customers I have always spoken to and I have been friendly with and I have always tried to help as best I can and this job has always suited my life.”
