Kevin O’Brien, whose family company operates 22 McDonald’s restaurant franchises in Iowa – many in the Corridor – announced his retirement this week in an open letter posted on his company’s Facebook page.
Mr. O’Brien said his retirement is effective Oct. 28 and will affect the ownership of McDonald’s restaurants in Cedar Rapids (including locations on Edgewood Road NE, Blairs Ferry Road NE and Williams Boulevard SW), Marion (Sixth Avenue), Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Washington, West Branch, Williamsburg, Ames, Boone, Carroll, Marshalltown, Muscatine, Nevada, Story City and Walcott.
Mr. O’Brien has worked with the family business, O’Brien Family McDonald’, since 1978, according to a timeline on the business’ website.
The Facebook post didn’t indicate who would assume ownership of the franchises.
The full text of Mr. O’Brien’s announcement:
“There comes a time in everyone’s life when a decision needs to be made for one’s future. My time is today. I wanted to reach out to inform you, my friends, loyal customers, and community members who have for decades supported our O’Brien Family McDonalds’ group of my decision to retire as an owner/operator in the McDonald’s system.
“I am incredibly grateful to my parents Dorothy and Bill O’Brien, who had the courage and vision to open their first McDonald’s restaurant; one of fewer than 60 at the time in August of 1958. Dorothy was a pioneer and the first woman franchisee at the time. She was a trailblazer.
“I am also blessed for my team who through hard work and dedication made it possible to help me grow our company to 22 restaurants across the great state of Iowa and the largest McDonald’s franchise group in the state. They are awesome and I am pleased that they will be staying on under new ownership to continue to provide outstanding customer service to our loyal customers. They are the best of the best!
“I will be forever grateful to the great citizens and communities of Iowa who supported us through 63 years in business.
“All the best, Kevin W. O’Brien”
