On December 18, 2019

Local McDonald’s manager receives national award

Roy Thomas on left. Charles Coughlin on right. (Ed Larson photo)

Claremont McDonald’s restaurant manager Roy Thomas won the distinguished Ray Kroc Award for the third time. The awards are an annual performance-based honor that recognize the top performing McDonald’s restaurant managers globally.  The announcement was made at the Coughlin Inc. office in Rutland Tuesday, Dec. 3.

Roy Thomas was one of 365 McDonald’s Restaurant Managers around the world, from 60 markets, representing the top one percent of restaurant managers, to receive the honor, which includes a cash prize and a trophy. He has worked at McDonald’s for 34 years and will be awarded his prize on April 22, 2020 at the Ray Kroc Gala Awards Gala in Orlando, Florida.

“To be awarded the Ray Kroc twice was exciting, to receive it for a third time is a feeling that I can’t describe,” said Roy Thomas.“I wouldn’t be able to support my team the way I do if it wasn’t for McDonald’s providing the resources I as a manager need to succeed. This honor is for me and my team – thank you, McDonald’s.”

McDonald’s independent franchisees and regional management nominate restaurant managers for the Ray Kroc Awards — named after the company’s founder — to recognize their hard work, dedication, and commitment to McDonald’s and its customers.

“Roy is a great employee and an even better guy; I am lucky to have him on the team for more than 30 years. He was nominated for his commitment to his team and challenging them to be the best they can be,” said Charles Coughlin, Claremont McDonald’s owner/operator. “We’re delighted to recognize again Roy for dedicating so much of himself to both his position and the wonderful team he inspires each and every day.”

McDonalds is committed to creating employment opportunities for people of all ages and from all backgrounds, as well as boosting employability to help people gain the skills and experience they need to progress in their careers. They provide opportunities for progression and promoting from within; around 90% of restaurant management began their careers as crew members. McDonald’s also supports current crewmembers with Archways to Opportunities, which offers eligible employees access to educational program. Sherrie Harvey of McDonald’s announced that owner Charles Coughlin received the People’s Award, which was awarded to only two franchise owners in 2019. Coughlin Inc. employs between 350-500 workers and provided over $75,000 to employees under the Archways program.

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