Local Manager Named One of the Best

Owasso McDonald’s General Manager Shannon McDonald was recently named a winner of the prestigious Ray Kroc Award.

McDonald’s owner Tim Rich with General Manager Shannon McDonald, recipient of the prestigious Ray Kroc Award.

One local Owasso restaurant is proud to have one of the “best of the best” in their employ. McDonald’s General Manager Shannon McDonald was recently named a winner of the prestigious Ray Kroc Award. The Owasso store is a part of the Greater Southwest region, and from that entire group of restaurants, only five individuals were recognized with this honor. Shannon has been with McDonald’s for the past 23 years and is proud to say that this is the only place she has ever worked. “Most of my time has been with Tim and Patty Rich, owners of the three Owasso franchises, and they are wonderful,” says Shannon. “They encourage us to be the best we can, and they truly care about their employees and their customers. They set a great example.”

As for Shannon, Tim says she is “the total package” when it comes to the perfect general manager. “She has such a great understanding of customer care, employee welfare and encouragement, and the entire McDonald’s philosophy. We are so lucky to have her, and I am very proud that she has received this recognition.”

The McDonald’s Ray Kroc Award is an annual, national recognition designed to honor and reward the top one percent of restaurant managers across the nation. Now in its twelfth year, the Ray Kroc program was established to showcase the best and brightest managers and to pay tribute to the critical role they play in creating an outstanding customer experience. The winners were notified in late January and will be recognized at an event in Chicago April 5. Shannon is one of 141 to receive the honor this year.

The Ray Kroc Award is based on achieving superior results in selected areas of performance emphasizing operational excellence, reinforcing McDonald’s commitment to people and building the business. In addition to the trip, Shannon will receive a check for $2,500, but that is just the icing on the cake for her. “Really, this is not about the money or the trip, although those are great,” she says. “It means more to me that my hard work and dedication to making this restaurant succeed has been acknowledged. And, I could never have done this without my amazing staff! We really think of each other as family, and that comes from the top. It starts with Tim and Patty, and it trickles down through the entire staff. We care about each other, and we care about our customers.”

McDonald’s is also excited to promote another new campaign designed to put America back to work. “National Hiring Day” is set for April 19, 2011, and the plan is to hire over 50,000 people.

“Our biggest obstacle is getting the word out that we have quality jobs at our restaurants,” says Tim. “A lot of our managers started out as teenagers and recognized what a great opportunity they had with this company. We offer exceptional training, whether they decide to stay with us or move to other careers down the road. The basics of being a good employee are taught here first.”  

Another benefit includes paid college tuition for those who enter into the manager training program. Their goal is to provide a work environment that teaches how to work hard, be on time, develop management skills and help individuals determine where they fit into the program best. Trying to overcome the misconception that McDonald’s is just “flipping burgers” is probably the biggest challenge. But, for those who see past the inaccurate descriptions, there is a wonderful and fulfilling career awaiting them.

For those interested in beginning their path to becoming the next Ray Kroc Award winner, it all begins with an interview. For more information, you can contact Shannon McDonald or any of the managers at Owasso’s three locations: 76th Street North and Highway 169, inside Wal-Mart, and Highway 20 and Highway 169. Start your career now and see how rewarding making a difference in people’s lives can be.

For more information, contact

McDonald’s Owasso

(918) 272-3012

(918) 371-0632

(918) 376-9937

www.mcdonalds.com