McDonald’s Ayr celebrates 20 years under franchisee Paul Rissman

McDonald’s Ayr is celebrating 20 years under owner Paul Rissman. McCafé co-ordinator Kathy Driver shares her story after two decades in the Burdekin.

McCafé Coordinator Kathy Driver at the McDonald's Ayr fast-food restaurant in the Burdekin on Tuesday. Ms Driver is celebrating 20 years working at the franchise, which is also celebrating 20 years under franchisee Paul Rissman. Picture: Supplied

McCafé co-ordinator Kathy Driver is working “flat-strap” at McDonald’s Ayr ahead of the Burdekin fast-food restaurant’s 20th anniversary under franchisee Paul Rissman.

“But that’s nothing unusual for here,” she laughed on Wednesday.

McCafé co-ordinator Kathy Driver at the McDonald's Ayr fast-food restaurant in the Burdekin on Tuesday. Ms Driver is celebrating 20 years working at the franchise, which is also celebrating 20 years under franchisee Paul Rissman. Picture: Supplied

Like Mr Rissman, who owns and operates nine Maccas throughout North Queensland, Ms Driver is also celebrating her 20th year at McDonald’s Ayr on Saturday after joining as a crew member in December 2002.

McDonald's Ayr franchisee Paul Rissman. Mr Rissman also owns and operates McDonald’s Townsville Lakes, Aitkenvale, Townsville Willows, Ayr, Townsville Stockland, Townsville Rasmussen, Townsville North Shore, Townsville Thuringowa and Ingham. Picture: Supplied

She has run the McCafe since it opened in 2005, with all five of her children following in her footsteps through their high school years before graduating on to roles as diverse as a supervisor with a freight rail transport company and as a lead educator in a day-care centre.

“Working at McDonald’s teaches you so many skills, not only the interaction with the public, also making sure that everything is spot-on,” she said.

“And probably the most important thing is making friends with your customers while you are working; it makes you feel good, it makes your customers feel good, you call them by their names, you know their coffees before they order it – sometimes we even have it ready for them.”

Mr Rissman, who employs more than 1200 people in Maccas restaurants in Ingham, Townsville and Ayr, said he was proud to celebrate two decades in the Burdekin.

“Our customers are the heart of our business and our team is passionate about providing great-tasting food and friendly service every time a customer walks through our doors,” he said.

“Over the past 20 years, we have provided thousands of jobs, training and development opportunities to the local community.”

McDonald's Ayr franchisee Paul Rissman. Mr Rissman started working at the fast-food restaurant as a crew member and now owns and operates nine Maccas outlets. He is pictured with Rachael Kratzmann, Marketing Manager for McDonald’s restaurants in North Queensland, and Mat Taylor, Supervisor at McDonald’s Ayr. Both started their careers at McDonald's Ayr. Picture: Supplied

Mr Rissman said it had been incredible to watch employees such as Ms Driver “grow and pursue exciting career opportunities, either at McDonald’s or other organisations”.

“We are grateful for the ongoing support of our customers and people and look forward to celebrating this anniversary with them.”

The business has provided more than $200,000 in sponsorship to local sporting clubs in the area over the past 20 years.

The restaurant will celebrate with special local guests, giveaways and family-friendly activities such as facepainting on Saturday.

Originally published as McDonald’s Ayr celebrates 20 years under franchisee Paul Rissman