McDonald's Honors Local Owner/Operator With Prestigious International Award

Paul Sweeney Receives 2014 Fred L. Turner Golden Arch Award At McDonald's Worldwide Convention

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May 19, 2014, 09:27 ET

PITTSBURGH, May 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Pittsburgh is home to one of the world's top McDonald's Owner/Operators. Paul Sweeney recently received the Fred L. Turner Golden Arch Award, the most prestigious recognition for a McDonald's Owner/Operator. It is presented to the best of the best – only the top 1% of McDonald's Owner/Operators earn this high honor that recognizes a relentless dedication to customer service, exceptional achievement in business, and significant community involvement.

Pictured from left to right is Debbie Roberts, McDonald's Senior VP, Restaurant Support Officer; Tim Fenton, McDonald's Chief Operating Officer; Rod Applequist, Director of Operations for Tri-County Management; Paul Sweeney, McDonald's Owner/Operator and Golden Arch Award winner; Don Thompson, McDonald's President and Chief Executive Officer; Rick Colon, President of McDonald's East Division; Jeff Stratton, President of McDonald's USA. (PRNewsFoto/McDonald's)

Sweeney was one of only a handful of operators from around the world chosen to receive this year's coveted Fred L. Turner Golden Arch Award at McDonald's Worldwide Convention in Orlando last week. Honorees were celebrated at an awards gala hosted by Don Thompson, McDonald's President and CEO.

"The Golden Arch Award is fitting recognition for Paul Sweeney's lifetime achievements under the Golden Arches," said William Tice, Vice President and General Manager of McDonald's Pittsburgh Region. "Paul's selection is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence, passion for building the business, dedication to our customers, and devotion to the McDonald's system."

A western PA native and second-generation McDonald's franchisee, Sweeney owns and operates 16 McDonald's restaurants in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties. During his 40⁺ years as a member of the McDonald's family, Sweeney has developed professional and philanthropic relationships in all of the communities where he does business. He is especially admired for his relentless focus on customer service, unflappable professional ethics, commitment to employee growth, and exceptional contributions to the local community.

Sweeney serves as chairman of the board for Gateway Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh. He has also provided volunteer leadership to the boards of McGuire Memorial Home, Contact Beaver County, Camp Kon O Kwee and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pittsburgh.

"Throughout my career, I've always strived to embrace the philosophy of McDonald's founder Ray Kroc who believed we have an obligation to give back to the communities where we do business. I'm grateful to western Pennsylvania for the tremendous opportunities I've found here and I'm very honored to be included in such an exceptional group of McDonald's Owner/Operators," Sweeney said.

About McDonald's
McDonald's USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to more than 25 million customers every day. Approximately 90 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local businessmen and women. Customers can log online for free at any of the 11,500 participating Wi- Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit www.mcdtoday.com, or follow us on Twitter (@McDonalds) and Facebook (Facebook.com/McDonalds) for updates on our business, promotions and products.