CHICAGO — McDonald's has honored its top restaurant managers with the 2008 Ray Kroc Award, an annual performance-based award that recognizes the top performing McDonald's restaurant managers in the country, the company has announced. The award was established in 1999 to honor restaurant managers — those who make Ray Kroc's vision of excellence come to life in restaurants and for customers each day.
A select 139 managers were chosen this year to receive the Ray Kroc Award, an honor that comes with a cash award, a Ray Kroc trophy and pin and a trip to Chicago for an awards gala, which was hosted by McDonald's USA president, Don Thompson. The banquet took place in Chicago at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers.
"We are proud to pay tribute to this select group of managers that play a critical role in the McDonald's system," Thompson said. "Each of these managers truly raise the bar in delivering an outstanding restaurant experience for our customers and creating a positive work environment for their fellow employees."
Ray Kroc, McDonald's corporate founder, built the McDonald's business on the belief that greatness can only be achieved through the dedication and support of a company's people. Each year, the award is given to the top 1 percent of McDonald's U.S. restaurant managers to recognize their performance and achievement.
McDonald's owner/operators and/or regional staff nominate restaurant managers for the Ray Kroc Award to recognize their hard work, dedication and commitment to McDonald's. From there, a selection committee of representatives from McDonald's operations, training and human resources select the top 1 percent of McDonald's restaurant managers for the Ray Kroc Award.
