A Belfast man has been honoured with one of the most prestigious awards in the McDonald’s world.
Stewart McFarland, Business Manager at the Ballygomartin restaurant, has received a coveted Ray Kroc Award after being chosen from 392 managers in 67 global markets in which McDonald’s operates.
The 47-year-old was recognised for his outstanding commitment to his Crew, his restaurant and the local community he serves.
Stewart, who now joins an elite group of McDonald’s employees setting the benchmark for excellence, 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 and it means that Stewart is in the top 1% of all McDonald’s managers worldwide.
Franchisee Paul Connan said the father-of-one, who took his very first job under the Golden Arches when he was just 16, was 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 responsible for turning McDonald’s into a global giant, the award recognises managers who demonstrate leadership, service and a commitment to their community.
Recipients are nominated by their local market leadership and selected based on superior performance, leadership impact and their contributions to building a positive, inclusive workplace.
Stewart, who lives in Whiteabbey, has spent three decades at McDonald’s, in various roles, having started out as a Crew Member at the Abbey Centre.
He subsequently worked at restaurants in Newtownards, Downpatrick, Lurgan, Belfast’s Victoria Square, Donegall Place in Belfast city centre and, latterly, Boucher Road.
Stewart puts his longevity down to “the people and the working environment” and said he thrives in the fast-paced surroundings and enjoys helping his employees move up through the ranks.
On top of his day job, he has completed two marathons to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland.
Additionally, Stewart represents the interests of Northern Ireland on the Business Managers Council, an internal McDonald’s organisation.
Stewart recently collected the Football Restaurant of the Year Award on behalf of McDonald’s Boucher Road at the McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards in 2025.
Stewart, previously Business Manager at Boucher Road, was presented the award by Northern Ireland goalkeeping legend Pat Jennings after he spearheaded the restaurant’s partnerships with local grassroots football clubs Cumann Spoirt An Phobail (CSP) and Sandy Row FC.
