The Best Thing About This Chick-Fil-A Isn't on the Menu. It's 92-Year-Old Mr. Gil

July 17, 2026

At an age when most people have been retired for decades, 92-year-old Gilbert Martin still shows up to work every weekday with one simple goal.

Make someone's day a little brighter.

Mr. Gil / WRAL

Known affectionately as Mr. Gil, Martin has become a beloved fixture at the Chick-fil-A on Oleander Drive in Wilmington, North Carolina. While customers may stop in for chicken sandwiches, many leave talking about the friendly dining host whose warm smile and genuine kindness have made him a local legend.

For the past six years, Mr. Gil has welcomed guests, cleaned tables and floors, restocked sauces, and kept the dining room running smoothly. But ask him what his most important job is, 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 attitude has made an unforgettable impression on both customers and coworkers.

"He brings joy to our team members and guests through his genuine warmth, work ethic, and servant heart," said Chick-fil-A owner and operator Mike Perdue. "We're honored to have him as part of our restaurant family."

Before joining Chick-fil-A, Martin spent decades working in the natural gas industry. After retiring, he worked for more than 12 years as a greeter at Sam's Club until the position was eliminated.

Retirement did not last long.

"After about two months, I was bored, so I put an application in," Martin recalled.

Now, he works Monday through Friday and says he looks forward to every shift.

"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."

His positive outlook extends far beyond the restaurant's dining room.

Martin says some guests arrive after difficult doctor appointments or with heavy hearts. Those moments give him the opportunity to offer encouragement.

"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, and so forth, and I'm able to be an encourager. The Lord gave me that."

For Martin, serving food has never been the real mission. Serving people is.

"Working at Chick-fil-A Oleander over the past six years has allowed me to meet so many wonderful guests and team members, and those relationships have become such a special part of my life," he said. "Serving others has always brought me joy because I believe that a smile and a kind word can make someone's day a little brighter."

His absence is even noticeable when he misses a shift.

Perdue remembers the few days Martin stayed home with what was believed to be a bad cold. Customers immediately began asking where he was and whether he was okay, a reflection of just how much he means to the community.

"We've known all along that his kindness leaves a lasting impression on everyone he meets," Perdue said.

As for slowing down anytime soon, Mr. Gil has no plans to retire.

"I don't plan to go anywhere else," he said.

He also hopes his story inspires others to keep pursuing what brings them joy, no matter their age.

"I hope my story reminds others that it's never too late to keep doing what you love."