The business manager of a McDonald’s restaurant in Cheltenham has been recognised among the very best in the world after winning one of the company’s most prestigious international awards.
Karen Wala, business manager at the McDonald’s restaurant in Cheltenham, has been named a winner of the Global Ray Kroc Award, which celebrates the top-performing McDonald’s restaurant managers worldwide.
Karen was one of just 392 business managers selected from 67 global markets to receive the honour. The award recognises the top one per cent of McDonald’s business managers internationally and celebrates exceptional leadership, outstanding performance and a commitment to the brand’s core values.
As part of the award, winners receive a cash prize, a commemorative trophy and an invitation to attend the McDonald’s Worldwide Convention in Las Vegas this June, accompanied by a guest.
The Global Ray Kroc Award recognises managers who consistently deliver outstanding customer experiences, create supportive and high-performing teams, and demonstrate a strong commitment to McDonald’s values. Since its introduction in 2013, the award has built a proud legacy of excellence across the UK and Ireland.
Speaking about her achievement, Karen said she was honoured to be recognised on a global stage. She praised the dedication of her restaurant team and the support of her franchisee, Paul Toner, for helping make the success possible.
“I’m honoured to have been selected among the best McDonald’s managers globally, but I couldn’t have achieved this without my dedicated team and the support of my franchisee,” she said. “Their hard work, positivity and commitment to our customers are what make our restaurant successful. Receiving a Global Ray Kroc Award inspires me to continue striving for excellence and creating great experiences for both our customers and our crew.”
Paul Toner, the McDonald’s franchisee who owns and operates the Cheltenham restaurant along with seven others across Gloucestershire, said he was extremely proud of Karen’s achievement. He said she was nominated for her outstanding leadership, her ability to inspire her team and her consistent delivery of exceptional results.
“Over the past three years, Karen has demonstrated excellence time and again,” he said. “She has driven strong performance while creating an environment where her team can thrive. Her dedication to McDonald’s values and her hands-on approach make her an incredible role model across the business.”