Rob Reid has deep connections with McDonald’s restaurants.
A franchisee with wife, Michelle, at locations in Goderich, Exeter, Kincardine and Wingham, the couple will soon open a new location in Mitchell, likely in the fall, creating up to 70 jobs in the process.
“We are excited to have the opportunity and very happy to take on an additional restaurant. We love doing business in small communities in this area. It will be no different in Mitchell. We will get to know the community well and we will give back to the community,” Reid said.
Reid worked with John Prober at his first McDonald’s restaurant in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland and worked in supervisory roles when Prober was a franchisee/owner in Stratford.
Kerry Prober, John’s daughter, is the current franchisee/owner at both Stratford locations, as well as New Hamburg and St. Marys, the latter of which recently opened.
Reid has been involved with McDonald's for 41 years. The company was founded 82 years ago in California. Canada had 1,452 McDonald’s restaurants in 2021.
Entering smaller markets is something McDonald’s has carefully considered, Reid said. The Mitchell restaurant and other locations are setting up next to gas stations, for example, with smaller square footage but still enough room to comfortably house guests.
“McDonald’s started into a redevelopment phase. In order to get into some of the smaller communities, we had to rethink how we can operate and function with a smaller population base.”
The Mitchell location, attached to an existing Shell station on the east end, will seat 60 guests, with a drive-thru and full menu.
Reid said they will get involved with local organizations such as sports teams and hospitals, and with the added Mitchell restaurant, Ronald McDonald House Charities will benefit through local programs.
Reid is, in fact, president of the board of directors for Ronald McDonald House Charities Southwestern Ontario.
“We are firm believers in supporting that charity. We will do some fun things once we get some dates. We will have a grand opening and do some charitable things.”
Opening a new location and running several restaurants is a complete team effort, he said.
“There will be support along the way as we cross the hurdles we cross.”
Reid said McDonald’s does their homework in selecting communities and Mitchell will be a great community in which to do business.
Reid said 35 applicants have been hired on, with plans for another 35-40 employees.
“We have had a good response, we plan on hosting a few job fairs."
They are also taking applications on Wednesdays at West Perth Public Library.
Interested applicants can send a resume to [email protected].
“We are very excited and looking forward to opening.”
