McDonald’s international motto “I’m lovin’ it” can’t be any more true than it is for Margaret Drexler, who’s worked just about every job in the “Mickey D’s” in Little Neck during 36 years.
“She knows everybody,” said owner Maria Sullivan, who also has two McDonalds in Bayside and one in Glen Oaks. “She’s very friendly with everyone, never takes a day off and is always on time,” raved Sullivan.
Drexler had already been a long-time employee at the store, on Marathon Parkway and Northern Boulevard, when Sullivan took it over 18 years ago. “We’re very lucky to have Margaret,” she said.
A legion of faithful customers feels the same way.
George and Mary Christie of Great Neck have been regulars for over 30 years. “She’s friendly and very kind – never rude,” Mary said.
George, sipping his coffee, agreed. “We have two or three things we order – she knows how we like them and that’s how they come out – she’s a joy on the job,” he declared. “She’s ideal with people who are hungry and grumpy.”
Mary just smiled.
Sullivan looked around the dining area and spotted some regulars, in their regular spots. “Some of the old-timers are dying off or retiring,” she mused.
“But the other day, a girl from down the street that used to romp in the play area with her sister brought her own daughter here. She had worked here as a teenager. Margaret knows her name,” Sullivan said.
“I’ve offered her a spot in Bayside – closer to home – but she wouldn’t take it. She’s comfortable here, where ‘everybody knows your name’,” Sullivan said, confiding that “‘Cheers’ is Margaret’s favorite TV show.
“Staffers like Margaret make the store [a part of] the community,” she said, explaining “the company has a standard for service-time, but in Queens, we take a little more time to talk to the customer.”
Despite an outgoing nature and a big smile for co-workers and customers alike, Drexler shies away from the limelight herself.
She minimizes her accomplishments and challenges alike – when asked if she’s happy or troubled, she replies with a slightly embarrassed “somewhat.” Drexler credits her “crew” for her well-being.
But the praise comes from the other side of the counter, too.
“She’s great – she helped me and answered every question I had when I started out,” said John Murphy, who was obviously born when Drexler was already a McDonald’s veteran.
Her dedication to her co-workers isn’t an act. When the time came to take her photograph, Drexler refused. “Not without my crew.”
