#YourStory – Manager praised for good service

A restaurant manager was recently praised on social media for her dedicated and caring service to customers.

Working in the food industry was not always part of the plan for Ms Maria Sibisi, the Wimpy manager at Longmeadow, but when she could not afford to further her studies, that seemed to be the only available option and she took it.

“When I was growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher but that was not possible because after I finished school there was no money for me to continue with my studies,” said Ms Sibisi.

She said she started working at the store in 2000 when the Engen store opened, Even though this was not her first love, she loves her job.

“I love my job and I have grown a lot in the business since I started. I have been in the food industry for more than 20 years and when I started here, I made myself feel at home,” she said.

Based on a post that was recently shared on the Wimpy SA Facebook page, it is not hard to see that Ms Sibisi also makes those she comes across in her job feel at home when they visit the store she works at.

On May 1, Mr Peter Haines wrote on Facebook, “I am at the Wimpy Longmeadow Engen in Edenvale and I just sat and watched Maria assist an elderly lady to the toilet and back, holding her arm and walking slowly with her and showing such compassion and kindness. Well done Maria. Need more people like Maria in this world.”

Her actions were applauded on social media.

Ms Sibisi said working with people comes naturally to her and she does not do what she does because her job requires her to do it.

“I love people and everyday I try to make people who come here feel at home,” she said.

The NEWS asked Ms Sibisi about the elderly lady she assisted.

“Ms Marcia and Mr Roy Beinart are like parents to me. They support the business and come here often. Whenever they come, they call me to see if I’m around,” said Ms Sibisi.

Ms Sibisi is the mother of three children but she is also raising the children of her late brothers.

“I am a mother, a wife and I am also raising my late brother’s children. I love taking care of people and for me, that comes naturally,” she said.