Chick-fil-A pays tribute to 'beloved' employee after he dies aged 91

A Chick-fil-A store has led tributes after the family of ‘cherished dining room host’, 91-year-old Norman Pauley, announced his death via social media.

Without loyal and dedicated employees, esteemed high-end restaurants, fast-food institutions, and our hidden hole-in-the-wall favourites wouldn’t be able to function.

Last weekend, a Chick-fil-A joint in Tennessee honoured one of its staff members, whose death was announced by his grandson, Thomas Bayliss, on Valentine’s Day (14 February).

“It is with a heavy heart to announce that Norman Pauley has passed @12:10 this Morning. Norman was a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, who loved the Lord Jesus and is now home,” he wrote via Facebook, according to People Magazine.

“We love you Pop and we all will miss you.”

Two days later (16 February), the restaurant where he worked shared its own homage.

Tributes have been pouring in for Chick-fil-A employee Norman Pauley (Facebook)

“With very heavy hearts, we bid farewell to our cherished dining room host, Mr. Norman. This past Saturday, he peacefully left us at the age of 91,” the official Facebook post read.

“Norman was not just a host; he was a beloved figure who touched the hearts of everyone he met. His warm smile and genuine kindness made every guest feel like a part of his extended family.

“Norman had an incredible ability to create a welcoming atmosphere, where love and care were palpable in the air.”

The fried chicken chain, based at RiverGate Mall, went on to explain how the employee’s presence brought ‘joy and comfort’ to all customers ‘who had the privilege of knowing him’.

“Though he is no longer with us, his spirit will forever remain in our hearts, and he will be deeply missed. We hold you in our thoughts and send you all our love, Mr. Norman,” the statement concluded.

Hundreds of Madison residents have paid tribute to Pauley, with many hailing him as a ‘wonderful man’ who ‘will be missed’.

“I’m so happy to see all the people who have good things to say about Mr. Norman. He was a good man, and it was obvious even to me as a complete stranger. I wouldn’t have guessed he was 91, as he was always working and got around really well!” typed one Facebook user.

Another reported: “We will remember him as the sweetest ever.”

Others have come out in droves to reminisce on their own interactions with the loyal staff member, including one who remembered a funny story involving their dog, Mila.

“When I went through the drive thru, Mr Norman asked me what my dog’s name was, and I told him that it was Mila,” they wrote. “He hilariously replied, ‘Where’s Ashton?!’ And we laughed. Mila also ironically passed away on Saturday.”

Chick-fil-A made headlines this week after revealing customers could cash in on a free breakfast reward without having to purchase anything.

For the next ten days, fans can nab a free Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit - all they have to do is download the business’s official app, head to the ‘rewards’ tab, and cash in during breakfast hours.

App users can grab a chicken biscuit for free for a limited time (Chick-fil-A)

The offer is valid across the United States between 17 and 28 February.

The reward is part of the company’s year-long 80th anniversary celebrations and comes amid the release of its collectable cups.

On 23 February, the Cow Billboard Cup will be available to purchase in mystery bags.

If you are lucky, then you may come across a golden cup, granting recipients free Chick-fil-A for a full year.