Did you know that over 80% of McDonald’s restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by local franchisees – small business owners who live and work right in our communities?
Elias Asfaw is part of McDonald’s local Second Generation who started working at a McDonald’s restaurant in the Denver area when he was 15 years old. He went to college where he worked a number of hourly jobs and then received experience at an insurance agency before finding his way back to the family business. Several members of the Asfaw family support eight McDonald’s in the Denver area with an average of 50 employees per restaurant.
“There are countless opportunities for career advancement when employed at McDonald’s,” said Elias Asfaw. “A new McDonald’s employee can quickly become a manager and then excel to Store Manager, Area Supervisor, Director of Operations, an owner, or a multitude of positions at the corporate level. In fact, 60% of our Regional Vice Presidents started out as crew!”
Elias loves working for the family business because they are very tight-knit and he receives so much support. He plans to continue this great work and giving back to the community. The Asfaw Family Foundation International recently held two annual events for the holidays: their 24th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner for Seniors and their 10th Annual Arches of Hope event.
In November The Asfaw Family Foundation International provided over 500 area seniors with a free Thanksgiving dinner and all the trimmings at the Asfaw’s Park Hill McDonald’s restaurant. They have served seniors well over 12,000 free meals over the past 24 years. The Thanksgiving Dinner officially kicked off the Asfaw Family Foundation International’s season of giving.
In early December, The Asfaw Family Foundation International awarded 200 deserving students – nominated by their teachers and community organizations – a new bicycle and helmet. Students were nominated based on their academic achievement, good citizenship, financial need, chronic illness or have parents serving in the military. Additionally, the Foundation’s Aim High Scholarships and laptop computers were awarded to 10 Colorado male high school seniors from the Denver Metro area. Over its 10-year history, the Asfaw Family Foundation International has awarded over 2,700 bicycles and 65 scholarship/laptops to deserving young people in our community!
McDonald’s and their local owner/operators believe that education is the true game-changer and are proud to provide employees with tools and world-class training right in the restaurants that help them succeed.
“We currently use McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity program in our restaurants and have enrolled several managers in the program to receive their high school diploma. This is not a GED, but an official diploma. We also have a number of people utilizing the English under the Arches classes. All of these classes are organized for employees with busy schedules that maybe thought they didn’t have time, money or opportunity to take classes,” said Elias. “Many are ‘learn at your own pace’ courses and best of all, there is no cost for the employee. There’s also a third tuition assistance reimbursement program for employees taking college classes. McDonald’s has really done a great job of focusing on employee education and we’re so proud to offer these benefits.”
Find out more about McDonald’s local Colorado news on Twitter at @McD_Colorado and through the local McDonald’s Facebook pages, which are found by typing ‘’McDonald’s @” and street/city where the restaurant is located. In Partnership with Mile High Mamas.
Author: Mile High Mamas
