“Starting out as a crew member, I never could have imagined the journey ahead of me,” Terry Eagle said
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NEED TO KNOW
- Terry Eagle began working at a McDonald’s 50 years ago as a teenager
- He now owns and operates six McDonald’s locations
- “Starting out as a crew member, I never could have imagined the journey ahead of me,” the 65-year-old said
A U.K. man is celebrating his golden anniversary at the Golden Arches.
Terry Eagle began his 50-year career with McDonald’s as a teenager back in 1976, when he took a part-time job as a crew member at a location in Catford, a suburb of London, according to the U.K. outlet MyLondon. The fast-food giant had just opened its first U.K. location two years earlier in Woolwich.
Eagle’s job duties included greeting customers, working the register and putting together orders. After four years, he was promoted to manager at just 19 years old.
Keen to advance his career with the company, he applied to become a franchisee and opened his first McDonald’s location in Camberwell. Decades later, he now owns and operates six McDonald’s restaurants across South London.
“I am so proud to be celebrating 50 years with McDonald’s UK,” Eagle, now 65, said, per MyLondon. “Starting out as a crew member, I never could have imagined the journey ahead of me.”
He added, “For me, business has always been about more than just the numbers — it’s about people.”
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During his long tenure with McDonald’s, Eagle has not only demonstrated a commitment to the company but also given back to the local community. He is an advocate for employing people with disabilities and works with the local police to help lower crime.
In appreciation of his efforts, he has been given a commendation from the Metropolitan Police and has received three Parliamentary awards.
Eagle also recently partnered with the charity Spiral to help young people transition into the workforce. He has raised more than $200,000 for Ronald McDonald House UK and is very involved with his local Camberwell House, including donating Christmas trees and toys to families staying at the House each year.
“Helping my crew grow, supporting incredible youth initiatives, raising funds for Ronald McDonald House, and giving back to the local community is what truly drives me every single day,” Eagle said, before giving a shout-out to his colleagues for their support.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my incredible team,” he continued. “This achievement reflects the continuous support I have received, and I couldn’t have had this amazing career without them.”
In July, Eagle’s team surprised him with a 50th anniversary celebration at his Brixton restaurant. He wore a special accessory for the occasion — a tie gifted to him by Fred Turner, the former CEO of McDonald’s U.S.
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