He politely greets customers with a “Hey, buddy!” as they enter and exit the restaurant he’s held so near and dear to his heart for over 40 years.

Little did Bob Malick know when he began his career at the Burger King in Lehighton nearly 44 years ago that he would one day be considered the elite of the elite.

Affectionately known around these circles as “Burger King Bob,” Malick was named Burger King Restaurant General Manager of the Year at the annual Burger King Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, on Sept. 10.

Malick won $10,000 and an engraved trophy; not bad for someone who began their career as a crew member at 15 years old and has since risen to the ranks of general manager.

“I was shocked, really surprised,” said Malick, who is originally from Ashfield and now lives in the Mahoning Valley. “It felt good to be acknowledged.”

Malick has built his career around patience, respect, and dedication. His guests know him as a familiar face who makes them feel like family, and his team knows he’s the kind of leader who shows up for them, both on and off the clock.

“I’m a people person,” said Malick, 59. “They’re a good company to work for.”

After starting his career at the broiler, Malick was quickly promoted to a shift manager, assistant manager and then general manager by the time he was 22 years old as he excelled at everything he did, every step of the way.

“I started when I was 15 years old,” said Malick, who graduated from Lehighton Area High School in 1984. “I did go to vo-tech and took masonry for three years, but then they offered me a job here as manager, and I took it.”

Malick leads with confidence, which has trickled down to his team and has resulted in an exceptional Burger King experience for guests.

“My crew members are polite, friendly,” he said. “My managers are very knowledgeable with their jobs.”

The national chain said over the past three years, Malick’s restaurant has delivered consistent double-digit growth, with sales climbing more than 40% since 2022. Malick and his team continue to outdo themselves year after year, with his same-store sales growth and traffic increasing by 15 and 13% in the past 12 months.

These results stem not just from strong operations, but from the culture he has built — one rooted in the C.A.R.E. values: Care, Appreciate, Respect, Everyone.

By taking the time to connect with his team members and fellow managers, as well as teaching patience, encouraging teamwork, and leading with respect, Malick has created an environment where employees thrive and guests keep coming back.

“We have a lot of repeat customers for breakfast and lunch,” said Malick, who added their top sellers are the Whopper, Original Chicken Sandwich, and chicken fries. “Our customers, they come in and are very polite to us.”

Malick said he’s proud of the life he’s built through the career he made for himself.

“Keep your opportunities open, be open-minded,” he said. “You never know when something is going to come up.”

Malick offered some sage advice for prospective job hunters who may one day want to attempt to follow in his footsteps.

“Always do your best,” he said. “Always learn, because nobody can take knowledge away from you.”