End of an era for Bernard after 25 years at the helm in McDonald’s

IT’S hard to believe, but McDonald’s in Carlow has celebrated its milestone 25th birthday!

Amid much fanfare and excitement, Carlow’s first McDonald’s opened its doors on Kennedy Avenue in 1999. This 25th anniversary also coincides with a new chapter for the McDonald’s Carlow restaurant as its current owner, Bernard Byrne, is to retire after an incredible 45 years in business.

However, it is set to remain very much a McFamily affair at the Carlow restaurant as Bernard’s son John will take over operations. John has followed in his father’s footsteps in recent years in becoming a McDonald’s franchisee also, when in 2021 he became the first second-generation franchisee in Ireland.

Opening with just 30 members of staff, the restaurant now employs over 70 local people, with full-time and part-time positions ranging from crew member to managerial posts. The restaurant is proud to have many crew members with over 20 years’ experience, including restaurant manager Jason Hennessy, who has been there since opening day back in 1999.

During the past 25 years, the restaurant has had a number of major upgrades, including several reimages, as well as introducing digital kiosks, table service and McDelivery.

“We are delighted to be celebrating our 25th milestone birthday in Carlow,” said Bernard.

“We have continually invested in upgrading and improving the restaurant, introducing new technology and innovations aimed at enhancing our customer journey and crew experience,” he said.

“A constant throughout our 25 years at the Carlow restaurant has been our loyal customer base, made up of local stalwarts, who have visited the restaurant, often several times a week.” Bernard remarked that McDonald’s takes great pride in the longstanding relationships that have been forged and nurtured with local schools, community groups and sports clubs.

“We are proud to support and encourage them across the years, celebrating their achievements and all that they do to impact so positively on the lives of children and adults in the local area.

“This birthday coincides with a new era for the Carlow restaurant as I embark on my next chapter with my retirement after 25 years of being part of the McDonald’s business. I’m proud to welcome my son John in taking over operations here and seeing the Golden Arches tradition continue in the family,” said Bernard.

Paying tribute to the staff at the restaurant, Bernard said: “I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to every member of our fantastic team in Carlow. So much has changed and evolved over the years since I started working for McDonald’s, but one thing has remained constant: the incredible people I have worked with. I wish to extend my utmost thanks to the team here; they are enthusiastic and committed and always strive to deliver the best experience possible for our customers every day. Our success can be credited to them.”