Southern Nevada man opening food truck after viral fame for 29 years as cook at Burger King

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – A Southern Nevada man who went viral for his decades of dedication at Burger King spoke to 8 News Now about his new food truck business.

“When this happened to me,” Kevin Ford said. “It changed everything.”

After years of hard work, Ford is now living a life he never expected.

“It’s like a miracle,” he said. “That is indescribable.”

The Southern Nevadan has worked as a cook at Burger King inside Harry Reid International Airport for 29 years, never missing a day.

Two years ago, he posted a video on TikTok sharing a gift bag of movie tickets, candy, and other assortments provided by the company for his decades of dedication.

“People didn’t think that was enough,” Ford recalled. “So that video went viral.”

His daughter, who lives in Texas, then started a GoFundMe hoping to raise a few hundred dollars so Ford could afford to visit her for the first time in years.

In just a short time, the page exploded, with people donating more than $460,000.

“This is a blessing,” Ford said. “That people from all around the world did for me.”

Suddenly, Ford, a single dad who worked multiple jobs for years to raise his family, was able to buy a house, build savings, and invest in a new adventure: a food truck business.

“I’m going to invest in myself,” he told 8 News Now. “It’s the first time in my life I’ve ever had the chance to do that.”

The truck is called ‘K27Y,’ short for ‘Kevin 27 Years,’ a nod to his internet fame.

It will serve the staples Ford has mastered at the chain restaurant where he’s still working until this all gets off the ground.

“I’ll be doing hamburgers and french fries,” Ford said, referencing his new truck. “I can’t wait to use all this stuff.”

Ford is a person many would say has pushed past tough times and stayed humble on the other side.

“Don’t give up on yourself. Love yourself,” Ford said, speaking to others. “It’s not what you’re worth, it’s are you worthy? And you are definitely worthy of everything that comes your way.”

He also is a true, modern example of the American dream.

“I am grateful for all they’ve done for me and continue to do for me,” Ford concluded. “It’s beautiful.”

Ford lives in Pahrump and said he wants to start his business there and then bring the truck to the Las Vegas market.

He told 8 News Now his daughter, who is a Cordon Bleu-trained chef, will also be helping him.

He plans to retire from Burger King next year on his 30th anniversary.

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