A very special 8-year-old boy in Charleston, South Carolina landed his dream job at Chick-fil-A. We know what you’re thinking… isn’t 8 a little young to work at Chick-fil-A? Owen’s mom, Nicole Popadich, explained the sweet story on My Pleasure: The Unofficial Chickfila Podcast.

Owen Born With Down Syndrome

Owen was born extra, meaning he has an extra chromosome known as Down Syndrome. The family had no idea of Mr. O’s uniqueness until he was born and the hospital ran some tests. Knowing that they’d need a great church and medical community for support, the family relocated to the Charleston, South Carolina area shortly after Owen’s birth.

Owen on Career Day

Career Day Sparks a Dream

Fast forward to earlier this year when Owen was required to dress up for Career Day at his school. Being a huge Chickfila fan, Owen decided he wanted to wear a uniform just like a Chickfila team member! His mom called a friend who happened to be a former CFA employee to borrow an old work shirt. Nicole also fashioned him a homemade Chickfila name tag. Owen was thrilled to show off his outfit at school for Career Day.

Chickfila Invites Owen to Work

Word quickly spread through the community and soon Owen received an invitation to work at the Chickfila in North Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. Operator John Wrenn and his entire team welcomed Owen with open arms. They even gave him an official name tag. The experience solidified Owen’s future career goals of working at Chickfila and the Mt. Pleasant location says they’ll have a job for him when he’s officially old enough.

Owen and his mom Nicole Popadich

Treat Others the Way Chickfila Treats You

Nicole was so touched by the outpouring of kindness from the Chickfila team. It was a wonderful reflection of founder Truett Cathy’s heart when he said, “Nearly every moment of every day we have the opportunity to give something to someone else– our time, our love, our resources. I have always found more joy in giving when I did not expect anything in return.”