Small Town Fast Food Manager Gets International Spotlight with Prestigious Award!

In the quaint town of St. Marys, southwestern Ontario, a fast food manager has caught the attention of the world stage, and it’s none other than Jordan Bucht from McDonald’s. This humble restaurant manager has just been recognized as one of the top 15 restaurant managers across Canada, earning him the illustrious Ray Kroc Award.

Out of thousands of managers, Bucht’s outstanding performance shone brightly as he emerged victorious, securing a place in the top one percent of restaurant managers globally. “Receiving this award really made me reflect on my journey and the efforts I’ve put in,” Bucht shared with CTV News, highlighting not just personal achievement but also the ethos of teamwork that drives success.

This nomination was championed by Kerry Prober, who oversees the St. Marys location along with four other franchises. “Having the opportunity to accept the award in vibrant Barcelona was monumental for Jordan,” Prober remarked. In an unforgettable moment, the global president of McDonald’s, Chris Kempczinski, personally presented the award to Bucht, underscoring the significance of this honor.

One aspect that particularly stood out in Bucht's management approach was his remarkable ability to navigate through the challenging times of the pandemic. He successfully opened a new location and managed to hire and retain a dedicated team, even when many businesses struggled.

Team member B.J. Rogers enthusiastically stated, “Working with Jordan has been incredible! He sees us as individuals, not just employees. His genuine care for us is why many of us have made McDonald’s our career.” Bucht brought together a tight-knit team of 50 employees from the local community, demonstrating his commitment to fostering a supportive work environment.

Bucht actively seeks to inspire professional growth in his team, saying, “Being able to develop meaningful connections within the community is incredibly rewarding.” Rogers echoed this sentiment, “Thanks to Jordan, I now see this job as a career, not just a paycheck.”

So, what lies ahead for Bucht and his St. Marys McDonald’s team? While he settles into a newly elevated role following his award, he has his sights set on expanding the franchise footprint by possibly overseeing a sixth store in the next five years. “If we can continue to grow, it would be an exciting milestone for us,” Bucht expressed with ambition, clearly motivated to further contribute to his company's success.

“Jordan is undoubtedly the ideal candidate for leading new restaurant openings, and this opportunity promises to be thrilling for our entire team,” Prober added.

For now, it’s all about cherishing this remarkable achievement and embracing the flavors of success that Bucht has cooked up in his career. Will this small-town manager become the next big star in the fast-food industry? Only time will tell!