Mr McDonald’s opens doors to young professionals
29 March 2023
Chamber board member and McDonald’s franchisee Doug Wright threw open the doors of his Perry Barr restaurant to Future Faces members for an exclusive event.
Members of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s young professionals division received a behind-the-scenes tour of the McDonald’s branch – with some even getting the opportunity to make a Big Mac.
The Perry Barr McDonald’s – one of 23 owned by Mr Wright – opened ahead of last summer’s Commonwealth Games and is situated a short distance from the Alexander Stadium, which hosted the Birmingham 2022 track and field competitions as well as the opening and closing ceremonies.
Mr Wright, whose restaurant company Douglas Wright Restaurants (t/a McDonald’s) is a patron of the GBCC, also delivered a talk to Future Faces members about his life and career – including his rise through the ranks at McDonald’s.
He told those in attendance: “As a leader, you are the owner and guardian of culture.
“When I started running a business, it’s one of the loneliest things I’ve ever done. I wish I could have been part of a network like Future Faces.
“We are all better as one. If we can all work together, collaboratively we are much better off.
“Being part of a network won’t guarantee you success, but it will guarantee you friends. You always need friends in business.
“It’s really important to treat everybody the way you want to be treated yourself.
‘I’m committed to putting people over profit and believe that it’s helped to create a culture in my business that reflects my own values.”
Among the delegates was Intercity Technology’s Manisha Dulai, who said: “I can honestly say that this has been my favourite networking event to date!
“I want to thank Doug Wright for hosting an amazing Future Faces event and sharing his incredible journey - not to mention giving me the opportunity to make my first ever Big Mac!”
Doug Wright employs around 2,500 people across his 23 McDonald’s restaurants.
He is a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands and also received an MBE for services to charity and the economy in the Queen’s 2022 birthday honours.
Future Faces has just announced the rebranded Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year dinner and awards – find out more information here.
