(source: McDonald's)
McDonald’s serves nearly 70 million customers worldwide, making this iconic brand a symbol of high-quality fast food. However, if Ray Croc had never entered the McDonald brothers’ business in 1955, things would have turned out very differently. Kroc, of Czech descent, proved that, with a strong vision and courage, anything is possible.
Who was Ray Kroc?
Alois Kroc, an emigrant from Stupno in the Rokycany district of what is now the Czech Republic, left for the USA, and married a woman of Czech-Austrian descent. Together, they gave birth to one of the most influential figures of the 20th century: Ray Kroc. Ray built an interesting resumé in his youth – he was a real estate agent, a paper cup and mixer salesman, and even a jazz pianist. Of these three wildly varying professions, it was the mixer sales that brought Ray the opportunity of a lifetime, when he was able to take over a McDonald’s franchise in 1955. He immediately got to work, eventually expanding and building up the largest network of fast-food restaurants in the world. His efforts paid off and he ended up buying the entire company. McDonald’s celebrates Ray Kroc’s birthday ever year on October 5.
This symbol of the USA arrived in Czechoslovakia soon after the fall of communism
The first McDonald’s restaurant in what was then Czechoslovakia opened its doors on Vodičkova Street in Prague in 1992. Three years later, the first Slovak restaurant opened in Banská Bystrica. Both buildings were surrounded by eager customers for days after they opened.
Five years after opening the first restaurant in Banská Bystrica, a unique franchise business model entered the Slovak market. Slovak businesspeople got the opportunity to acquire a licence from McDonald’s and open a restaurant of their own. Today, most McDonald’s restaurants in Slovakia are owned by franchise partners, employing almost 3,400 people, stimulating local economies, and generating investment. There are now 43 McDonald’s all over Slovakia.
Celebrating Slovak success in America
Travelling to the USA is not a problem these days. In fact, 40,000 Slovaks visit the US yearly, and sometimes the winner of a McDonald’s Presidents’ Award is among them. Most recently, it was Richard Boháč, a true McDonald’s member, heart and soul. McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski did the honours, handing him a silver plaquette, a symbol acknowledging great work that is awarded to McDonald’s employees worldwide.
The McDonald’s story today
McDonald’s was visited by over 19 million guests last year , which certainly would have made Ray Kroc very happy. His legacy is remembered by the McFamily all over the world. Who would've guessed that a boy with Czech roots would become an icon? Ray Kroc is proof that you can truly achieve anything if you follow your dreams.
“Take calculated risks.
Act boldly and thoughtfully.
Be bold, but don’t be a fool.”
Are Slovak franchisees living their American Dream?
Lucia Matulová
Franchisee
Yes. Thanks to a strong American brand, I can live my American Dream even at home, in Slovakia. I have the opportunity to build something bigger and stronger, I can support local communities and be socially responsible. I’m also proud to offer jobs to all generations, but most notably to young people, who can use this experience for further self-development. I’m living my dream and I’m doing what I love.
Anton Novotný
Franchisee
I was part of the team that opened the first restaurant in Banská Bystrica. Even then, I was impressed by how well-structured the company’s business system was. It didn’t take long for me to work my way up from entry positions to managing the restaurant and, later, to become the operations manager. After five years, I opened my first restaurant as franchisee. Yes, I’m living my American Dream here in Slovakia, and I’m proud of it!
This article was brought to you by McDonald's.
