A familiar face and a helping hand: Grocery store employee marks 30 years

CHESTERFIELD, Va. (Aging Untold) — Kenny Minor has spent 30 years working at the Food Lion, his first job out of high school. Customers and management say he remains one of the store’s most dependable employees.

A fixture in the community

Janice Judkins, a customer who has shopped at the store for roughly 25 years, said Minor has been a constant presence throughout that time.

“Kenny has been here the entire time since I’ve been over on this side of town,” Judkins said.

Minor’s duties include keeping aisles clean, stocking restrooms and assisting customers.

Store manager Jack Glass said Minor regularly helps shoppers locate items and carries groceries to their cars.

“He’s taking groceries to the car. Whenever they need to find something on the shelf, Kenny will take them to the item,” Glass said.

Walking to work through the years

Customers say they have seen Minor walking to work for decades, regardless of weather conditions.

“Every time I’m driving, whether it’s on the weekends or to work, I’m always seeing Kenny, walking to work. Even all the way back to COVID, he was determined to get here,” Judkins said.

“When I saw him today I was so glad to see him.”

Brenda Lewis

Brenda Lewis, a customer, said Minor’s presence at the store stands out.

“When I saw him today I was so glad to see him,” Lewis said. “Well, he’s very accommodating, he’s very polite and people just love his personality.”

When asked what keeps him coming back after 30 years, Minor said, “I want to help people.”

Read the full story by Ashley Hendricks here.