McDonald’s Canada has announced that Leigha Cook, a restaurant manager at a local McDonald’s, has won a Ray Kroc Award.
The accolade recognizes the top-performing McDonald’s restaurant managers globally.
Only one per cent of restaurant managers around the world receive the honour, which includes a cash prize and a trophy, McDonald’s Canada said in a news release.
Cook started working at McDonald’s when she was 15, starting out as a crew member working the drive-thru and front counter. She was eventually promoted to manager in Alliston and now oversees the McDonald’s in Shelburne.
“I am so proud to be representing my team and MacKinnon Restaurants as a recipient of the Ray Kroc Award,” said Cook. “It’s a blessing to work with such a talented, driven and caring team that makes serving our community impactful and fun, making it even more special to see the team’s efforts recognized.”
Every two years, McDonald's franchisees and regional management across the country nominate restaurant managers for the Ray Kroc Awards to recognize their hard work, dedication, and commitment to McDonald's and its guests.
"Leigha has consistently exhibited exceptional leadership during her tenure at MacKinnon Restaurants. Her remarkable talent for uplifting, motivating, and inspiring our team, coupled with her unwavering dedication to both the community and her colleagues, sets the gold standard," said Rory MacKinnon, a McDonald’s Canada franchisee.
Said McDonald's Canada: "Awards like the Ray Kroc Award reflect McDonald’s commitment to creating memorable employment opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. With a focus on employee growth, the company strives to offer its people with the skills and experience they need to progress in their careers, with close to 90 per cent of restaurant managers beginning their careers as crew."