Doug Wright MBE has announced that he will bid farewell to McDonald’s after 44 years.
The McDonald’s stalwart is selling his restaurant empire – with 16 restaurants initially returning to the corporation and the other 10 being purchased by other franchisees.
It closes a remarkable chapter in a career which began on July 1, 1981, at the age of 16 when Mr Wright took his first job at McDonald’s in Bedford as a 93p-an-hour cleaner.
He climbed the ranks within the McDonald’s corporation before fulfilling a dream in 2002 by being granted his first franchised restaurant.
Over the next two decades, Wright Restaurants (T/A McDonald’s) mushroomed into one of West Midlands’ biggest employers – with nearly 3,000 staff across 26 sites.
Business success also brought a string of personal awards including the Fred L Turner Golden Arch award - the highest accolade in the global McDonald’s network.
His work was nationally recognised when he was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s final honours list in 2022 for his contribution to business and charities in the West Midlands.
“I'm very proud of the business we've created and what it has contributed to the West Midlands economy,” said the preeminent businessman and philanthropist, who is affectionately known across the region as Mr McDonald’s.
“I will miss the people – we have always acted as one big family. We’ve celebrated proud moments together and also grieved collectively because along the way we have lost some very decent people.
“I joined McDonald’s initially for three weeks and it taught me life skills. Something I hear time after time from both employees and their families. From getting the opportunity to own one restaurant, the dream was then to get to two and we just kept going from there.
“But you have to step off the bus at some stage and my dad always said: ‘Be sure to orchestrate your own exit’.”
A golden thread of Mr Wright’s 23-year stint as a franchisee has been using his business as a vehicle to make a positive impact on society.
Inspired to give back to the community after suffering a life-changing car accident at the age of 20, Mr Wright has spearheaded a host of charitable endeavours.
As chair of Ronald McDonald House Charity, he helped to raise millions for the charity. As a result, the much-needed facility has been able to house nearly 17,000 families of children under care at nearby Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
He has also sponsored and supported hundreds of initiatives in the local community – from sports clubs to arts and educational projects.
“The thing I am most proud of is how we have made a difference to so many communities and charities where we live and work,” he said. “Our collective community work has been transformational and inspiring.
“One of the highlights has been through the staff lottery, we’ve been able to provide 9,500 nights for families to stay at Ronald McDonald House, as well as supporting the likes of Marie Curie, the Teenage Cancer Trust and Arrive Alive.”
While juggling the rigours of business with his extensive community and charity work, Mr Wright has devoted time to serving his region.
He is a long-standing patron and former board member of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and a Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands.
Mr Wright recently completed a one-year term as High Sheriff of the West Midlands, which he lists as “the highlight of my working career” and where he was “fortunate to meet various members of the Royal Family when they visited the West Midlands.”
On stepping away from McDonald’s, he will remain as chair of Kids’ Village, as the charity continues its mission to build the UK’s first holiday resort offering free breaks for critically ill children.
“I want to say a huge thank you to the people of the West Midlands who have been wonderful to me and always backed my charitable endeavours,” he said.
“In particular, being part of the Chamber was a turning point for me – joining an organisation where you can connect, support, grow and meet like-minded people, as well as leveraging the support of fellow members to get the Kids’ Village project off the ground.”
Among those paying tribute to Doug is former mayor of the West Midlands Sir Andy Street, who said: “The news that Doug Wright has sold his McDonald’s franchises should be an inspiration for all budding entrepreneurs across the region.
“Doug’s story of rising from humble origins to become the biggest franchisee in the country is one of graft and ingenuity, and is an example to us all.
“Moreover, he’s used his success in business to help those less fortunate than him, in the Ronald McDonald House, the Kids’ Village, and throughout his time as High Sherriff. Doug is therefore the embodiment of the truth that business is a force for good.”
Raj Kandola, acting deputy CEO of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Doug stands as one of the West Midlands’ great business success stories.
“His success with McDonald’s has not only contributed significantly to our regional economy, but also created a lasting impact in the communities he’s served. His commitment to giving back has been evident through initiatives like Ronald McDonald House and Kids’ Village, which we’ve been proud to support at the Chamber.
“On behalf of everyone at the Chamber, I extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Doug for his contribution to the local business community. We wish him every success in this next chapter.”
