Ajay Patel, owner-operator of the McDonald’s restaurant in Eunice, received an award at the Regional Operator Association in Mobile Alabama, Nov. 3. From left, are Darren Hall, vice president, general manager for McDonald’s Great Southern Region; Ricky Patel; Ajay Patel, owner/operator of the Eunice McDonald’s restaurant; Rick Colon, east division president; Bindu Patel, wife and owner/operator of Eunice restaurant; Neil Patel, manager of Eunice restaurant; and Jerry Angelotti, vice president of Quality, Service, Cleanliness and Value for McDonald’s Great Southern Region. (Submitted Photo)

Eunice McDonald’s operator/owner honored with Ronald Award

McDonald’s owner/operator Ajay Patel has been awarded the Ronald Award, an honor given to only 1 percent of McDonald’s franchise owners. Patel owns and operates seven area franchises in Central and Southwest Louisiana including the one in Eunice.
The Ronald Award recognizes an owner or owner organization that has made outstanding contributions to McDonald’s, the local community and customers. As a member of the McDonald’s National Leadership Committee, Patel has been instrumental in driving some of McDonald’s recent Food and Operations improvement initiatives.
As a community leader, Patel has participated in many worthwhile projects such as CADA’s Taste ‘n Tell, the Games of Acadiana to benefit Miles Perret Cancer Services, and numerous other local projects. He actively seeks to hire veterans of the Armed Forces and spouses of active military by participating in job fairs at Fort Polk. He is a strong believer in education which is evident in his support of McTeacher Nights, coupons for student achievement, overall support of local schools in his franchise areas and by sponsoring a scholarship at the Louisiana State University at Eunice.
Patel first came to America from India in 1977. He started college at the University of Southwestern Louisiana in the fall of 1978. He started working for McDonald’s when he was in college. He worked his way up to area supervisor and in 1992 bought his first franchise. Over the last 23 years, his restaurants and staff have been recognized with numerous awards, including the People Award.
“It’s truly an honor to be selected as this year’s recipient of the Ronald Award and it would not have been possible without the support of my mentor, the late Edward Krampe, Jr.,” Patel said. “McDonald’s has offered me so many opportunities for growth over the years and fueled my passion for continually improving the customer experience and giving back to the community.”
The Central Louisiana McDonald’s co-op is comprised of 12 locations in Central Louisiana, represented by five local owners. Each year the co-op supports the Ronald McDonald House through monetary contributions and continual support of local events.

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