Printer Friendly Version - NB McDonald's Manager Rates Among World's Top 1%

Jennifer Castillo is a familiar friendly face to many North Branford McDonald's restaurant customers. Now, she's being recognized by McDonald's corporation for being rated among the top one percent of all McDonald's managers globally. Castillo will be honored with the company's Ray Kroc Award during a ceremony April in Orlando, Florida.Photo Courtesy CT and Western Mass. McDonald’s Owner/Operator Association

March 1, 2016: Jessica Castillo, Manger of the McDonald's restaurant in North Branford, has won a Ray Kroc Award, an accolade that recognizes the top performing McDonald's restaurant mangers globally. Castillo was one of 340 McDonald's Restaurant Managers around the world (representing the top one percent of restaurant managers) to receive the honor, which includes a cash prize and trophy.

Castillo, who lives in West Haven and has been working for McDonald's for 10 years, will be awarded on April 13, 2016 at the Ray Kroc Awards Gala in Orlando, Florida hosted by Steve Easterbrook, McDonald's President and Chief Executive Officer, and David Fairhurst, McDonald's Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer.

Castillo is originally from Guatemala and first came to the United States in 2005. She began working at McDonald's as a crew member. "Working at McDonald's has granted me so many wonderful opportunities," says Castillo. "McDonald's as an employer really focuses on developing its people, and it's a great honor to be recognized for this award. I wouldn't have been able to do it without the support of my mother, brothers, my supervisors, and my team."

McDonald's owner-operators and regional management nominate restaurant managers for the Ray Kroc Awards to recognize their hard work, dedication, and commitment to McDonald's and its customers.

"Jessica brings positive energy to the restaurant each and every day," says Pauline Graziano, Area Supervisor for the restaurant. "Her commitment and dedication to her customers and team is a direct reflection of her success and we couldn't be more proud of her achievements."

McDonald's 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. McDonald's provides opportunities for progression and promoting from within; around 90% of restaurant management began their careers as crew members.

The Connecticut and Western Massachusetts McDonald's Owner/Operator Association is comprised of local McDonald's restaurant owners who are community and industry leaders. They have a long-standing commitment to supporting educational initiatives and organizations in the communities they serve, including providing resources to promote balanced, active lifestyles to kids and nutritional information for families. For more information, follow us on Instagram or Twitter @McD_CTWMA.

McDonald's is the world's leading global foodservice retailer with over 36,500 locations serving nearly 69 million customers in over 100 countries each day. More than 80% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business men and women.