Ballygomartin McDonald's manager, Stewart McFarland, has been awarded the coveted Ray Kroc Award after being selected from 392 managers across the 67 global markets where McDonald's operates.

The 47-year-old was recognised for his outstanding commitment to his Crew, his restaurant and the local community he serves. Joining an elite cohort setting the benchmark for excellence, he said he was blown away by the accolade.

"I am delighted to have won a Ray Kroc Award – it's a huge honour," he said.

"I've been with McDonald's for over 30 years and I love what I do.

"We have a great team and I've made friends for life along the way."

The Ray Kroc is awarded annually to the company's best performers, meaning McFarland ranks among the top one per cent of McDonald's managers globally.

Franchisee Paul Connan said the father-of-one, who took his first job under the Golden Arches at 16, is an inspiration to others. "Stewart is known for his passion for developing people, delivering consistently great experiences and embodying McDonald's values," said Mr Connan, who also owns the Boucher Road, Donegall Place and Connswater McDonald's restaurants.

"It is apt that he has won one of the most prestigious awards in our line of work. "We're extremely proud that Stewart's dedication has been recognised with this gong and I can't think of a more fitting recipient."

Named after Ray Kroc, the businessman who built McDonald's into a global brand, the award recognises managers for leadership, service and community commitment. Recipients are nominated by local market leadership and chosen for superior performance, leadership impact and contributions to a positive, inclusive workplace.

McFarland, who lives in Whiteabbey, has spent three decades with McDonald's, starting as a Crew Member at the Abbey Centre before roles in Newtownards, Downpatrick, Lurgan, Belfast's Victoria Square, Donegall Place and, most recently, Boucher Road.

Stewart puts his longevity down to "the people and the working environment" and says he thrives in the fast-paced setting while helping colleagues progress through the ranks.

Beyond his day job, he has completed two marathons to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland and represents Northern Ireland on McDonald's internal Business Managers Council.

In 2025, he collected the Football Restaurant of the Year Award on behalf of McDonald's Boucher Road at the McDonald's Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards. McFarland, previously Business Manager at Boucher Road, received the accolade from Northern Ireland goalkeeping legend Pat Jennings after spearheading partnerships with grassroots clubs Cumann Spoirt An Phobail (CSP) and Sandy Row FC.