Winter didn’t just bring the cold — it brought the crowd favorites, the holiday fun, and a whole lot of hustle! As we close out Q4, let’s take a moment to celebrate everything that made this season unforgettable.
We served up some serious excitement this winter, and our guests LOVED it:
• The McRib made its legendary comeback (again!) and kept grills busy and fans happy.
• Grinch Meals brought the holiday spirit straight to our drive-thru’s and dining rooms — complete with smiles, laughs, and maybe a little mischief.
• Holiday Pies added the perfect sweet finish to the season!
Huge shoutout to our crew for keeping the quality high and the lines moving during one of the busiest times of the year!
Q4 was no joke — cold weather, packed schedules, and nonstop orders. But thanks to our amazing teams, we powered through with teamwork, energy, and a whole lot of heart. Whether you were flipping, frying, running orders, or leading shifts, YOU made the magic happen.
As we head into the new year, here’s our team resolution:
Keep the vibes high, the service friendly, and the food legendary.
Individually, maybe your resolution is to pick up more shifts or learn a new position, focus on wellness and balance, grow into a leadership role, or simply crush every shift with confidence. Whatever it is — we’re cheering you on!
Thank you for finishing the year strong and making Q4 a huge success. We’re proud of our team, grateful for the effort, and excited for what’s ahead.
Here’s to a new year full of fresh goals, great food, and even better teamwork. Let’s make it another golden year at SFM!
Cindy Frantz
Recruitment/Community Relations
We are proud to recognize Debbie on her remarkable milestone of 50 years with SFM. We recently had the opportunity to sit down with her to discuss her career journey, memorable moments, and what she enjoys most about her role.
What has your McDonald’s career looked like?
I began my career as a crew member in Troy in 1975 and was promoted to management in 1977, eventually advancing to the role of Third Assistant Manager. And then I wanted regular hours, so I was moved to Piqua to be the breakfast coordinator. I’ve worked this postion at both Piqua stores!
What has kept you motivated to stay with SFM for so many years and what is the most rewarding part of your job?
The people and the guests are what keeps me here. I kept growing in my role at McDonald’s and became attached to the people. The most rewarding part of my job is being able to stand out in the community and represent Scott Family McDonald’s in a positive way!
Any plans for retirement?
I would like to make it to February of 2027 – that’s when I will have 50 years of management. Once I do retire, I look forward to spending time with my husband, Dan and our dog, Reese!
What advice would you give to someone just starting their McDonald’s career?
Stick with it! This job is so rewarding and there are so many benefits that come along with it.
Looking Ahead to an Exciting Year at SFM!
We want to wish each of you a very blessed and Happy New Year!
2025 was a busy and eventful year for SFM. From Snack Wraps to the Grinch, we navigated plenty of excitement – and thanks to your hard work, we made meaningful progress across nearly every key metric. We couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve accomplished together.
As we look ahead, 2026 will be a year of positive change. We will be reconstructing our leadership team and continuing to unite our Kentucky and Ohio teams, operating as one cohesive organization. We have been working diligently throughout the fourth quarter to ensure a smooth transition, and we are confident in the plan and excited to see it come to life – always with our commitment to a strong culture and a People First mentality at the center of everything we do.
We are also thrilled to share that we will be opening our 26th restaurant, with the launch of our second Sidney location. And on the horizon? More famous meals and some fun, exciting Happy Meal collaborations.
This promises to be another great year, and it’s all because of you – your dedication, your passion, and the care you bring to our restaurants every day. We are truly grateful for each of you in our restaurants throughout the year!
Thank you for all that you do, and once again, Happy New Year!
– Stacy & Benny
Choices
We all know what it means to make a choice. Faced with two or more options, we gather information, weigh the positives and negatives, predict future outcomes, and make our decision. Right? Well, sort of…
For all but a few special circumstances, the “processing” part of choices happens in the background, below the level of conscious thought. Our experiences, emotional state, and environmental conditions weigh heavily on the choices we make, even if we are not aware of them. When asked to explain our choice, our brains then happily (unconsciously and after the fact) construct a story to make sense of it.
Sometimes choices made for a positive short-term outcome can result in negative long-term outcomes. We can make better choices when we take time to regularly pay attention to our emotions and to our environment. By understanding even a little bit about what is happening “under the hood” of our decision-making brain, we can take more control of the process. The next time you make a decision – what kind of coffee to order, or what to eat for lunch – ask yourself “why did I make that choice?” Do this without judgment – no good or bad. Over time, you will learn to make better choices more consistently.
To learn more, or to find mental health resources, please visit the Tri-County Board of Recovery and Mental Health Services website at https://www.tcbmds.org.
BRAD REED is the Associate Director and Chief of Community Engagement for the Tri-County Board of Recovery and Mental Health Services
Coming Up
At Scott Family McDonald’s
Blood Drive – January 7th!
We will be hosting a blood drive with Versiti Dayton in the parking lot of the new Piqua Center – right across from our East location! 12pm – 6pm. If you are interested in donating – sign up here by scanning the QR Code!
Strawberry & Creme Pie!
Made with strawberries and vanilla flavored crème, baked side by side in a sugar-coated flaky crust.
WE’RE GROWING!
A new Scott Family McDonald’s is coming to Sidney, Ohio in summer 2026, marking our 26th store. We’re proud to continue serving the communities we call home!
On behalf of Scott Family McDonald’s and Ronald McDonald House Charities, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible teams for encouraging guests to Round Up in support of RMHC.
Because of your dedication, Ohio experienced its strongest Round-Up year ever, exceeding $45,000 per month in donations in seven of the eleven months. Additionally, our Kentucky locations raised an outstanding $171,016.19 in 2025 for RMHC of the Bluegrass. These remarkable results are possible because of YOU, and the impact you continue to make for families in our communities is truly inspiring.
Amanda was promoted to 1st Assistant at Bellefontaine South!
Sarah was promoted to Shift Leader at Piqua East!
Vivian was voted Crew Trainer of the Quarter for Q3!
SLX Grads in Ohio!
Emma was awarded with the Ray Kroc Award!
LT Class in Ohio!
Amanda was awarded with the Ray Kroc Award!
Destiny was promoted to Shift Leader!
Congratulations to Shawna and Warren, recipients of the Ben Scott Sr. Award for Outstanding Contribution, as voted on by their peers.
Winchester – Shannon Poe
Morehead – David Huff
Mt. Sterling – James Bryant
Paris – Gloria Trujillo
Cynthiana – Peyton Hunt
Owingsville – Brittany Thompson
Stanton – Ralph Ashley
Jackson – Thomas Fugate
Mt Sterling Pilot – Jalen Scruggs
Morehead 2 – Delana Mynhier
Kauffman – Hollie Buckley
Brandt Pike – Bryant Ulstad
Troy – Kevin Pappas
Merily Way – Laila Woods
Sidney – Emma Chupp
Bellefontaine South – Kevin Sechrest
Tipp City – Ellie Bowser
Broad St. – Mattason Kubes
Colonel Glenn – Kamiren Frantz
Greenville North – Ezequiel Mayorga
Piqua East – Johnny Sutton
Greenville South – Michelle Alexander
Bellefontaine North – Alexis Hone
Piqua West – Massyn Miller
Towne – Maya Girynhet Fiffield
STEMM Expo at Edison State
Edison State Community College invited us to take part in their STEMM Expo, where our team had a blast giving high school students hands-on experience building McDonald’s orders and showing them just how fun and fast-paced it can be to work behind the scenes!
French Onion Soup
This Skinny French Onion Soup is vegetarian and low calorie! It is decadent even with the healthy modifications!
Ingredients:
– 4 sweet onions – sliced
– 2 TBS butter
– 1 TBS Worcestershire sauce
– 1 TBS balsamic vinegar
– 3 garlic cloves minced
– 2 teaspoon brown sugar
– ½ teaspoon pepper
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 3 TBS all-purpose flour
– 64 ounces beef or vegetable broth
– 2 TBS fresh thyme
– French bread (add calories)
– Low fat cheese – Havarti or swiss
Directions
1. Place a large stock pot over medium heat. Add onions, butter, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, garlic, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook until onions begin to brown and caramelize, stirring occasionally (about 30 minutes for me, slow is good here).
2. Stir in the flour and let cook for 2-3 more minutes.
3. Add the broth and thyme. Cook on low for at least 20 minutes (I let simmer for 45 minutes, the longer the better)
4. Place in individual bowls, and slice a small piece of bread and place on top of the soup. Cover with one slice of cheese and broil for 3 minutes or until browned and bubbly.
French Onion Soup
This Skinny French Onion Soup is vegetarian and low calorie! It is decadent even with the healthy modifications!
Ingredients:
– 4 sweet onions – sliced
– 2 TBS butter
– 1 TBS Worcestershire sauce
– 1 TBS balsamic vinegar
– 3 garlic cloves minced
– 2 teaspoon brown sugar
– ½ teaspoon pepper
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 3 TBS all-purpose flour
– 64 ounces beef or vegetable broth
– 2 TBS fresh thyme
– French bread (add calories)
– Low fat cheese – Havarti or swiss
1. Place a large stock pot over medium heat. Add onions, butter, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, garlic, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook until onions begin to brown and caramelize, stirring occasionally (about 30 minutes for me, slow is good here).
2. Stir in the flour and let cook for 2-3 more minutes.
3. Add the broth and thyme. Cook on low for at least 20 minutes (I let simmer for 45 minutes, the longer the better)
4. Place in individual bowls, and slice a small piece of bread and place on top of the soup. Cover with one slice of cheese and broil for 3 minutes or until browned and bubbly.
Our Ohio Office staff attended the annual Red Kettle Luncheon in support of the Salvation Army, a cause SFM proudly supports during the Christmas season and throughout the year.
Taylor and Cindy recently led a visit to Rowan County High School, where they shared a behind-the-scenes look at the career opportunities available with Scott Family McDonald’s.
We were blessed to provide hot coffee and cookies to those attending the Veterans Day Service in Sidney.
Our Jackson team spent the day cooking breakfast for families at the Ronald McDonald’s House Charities of the Bluegrass!
We take pride in being leaders within our community and believe strongly in giving back through our time, talent, and resources. Recently, we had the pleasure of partnering with Lehman Catholic High School to host Eden Westerheide, a high school junior, for a job-shadow experience with Cindy, Nikki, and Lindsay!
Congratulations to our Christmas Door Decorating contest – Jackson and Greenville North! Our guests LOVED the Grinch theme after the exciting Grinch Meal release!
SFM Christmas Parties!
Thinking about college? Now’s the perfect time! Through a NEW partnership with WGU and Archways to Opportunity, eligible McDonald’s restaurant employees can earn a degree with little to no out-of-pocket cost.
Here’s the scoop: Tuition assistance applies to any WGU degree. The Online Access Scholarship helps cover internet, installation, and even provides a laptop with webcam. Immediate family members of eligible employees can apply for WGU scholarships too! Your future is calling — and it just got a whole lot more affordable.
Are you Ready to Further your Education?
Archways to Opportunities gives you all of the resources you need to begin or continue your college education!
Archways To Opportunity
McDonald’s and its independent franchisees are committed to helping employees further their education and achieve their dreams.
To help individuals who work at a company-owned or independently franchised restaurant, we created Archways to Opportunity, a comprehensive education strategy with multiple programs that give people an opportunity to grow and learn – no matter where they are on their journey.
How do I earn my High School Diploma?
You can graduate from high school by taking classes online – whenever and wherever it’s convenient for you – through Career Online High School. And, you may be able to apply credits from high school courses you’ve already completed.
How do I choose an affordable path to college?
If you are ready to get started working toward your college degree, Archways to Opportunity® offers programs to help make your goals a reality – in a way that fits your lifestyle.
Our programs can help you explore educational opportunities while getting financial support to make your educational journey easier.
How do I figure out the right path for me?
Figuring out the next step in your education and career journey may feel like a lot. Bright Horizons EdAssist Solutions has Success Coaches who are available to help you identify your education needs, review your career goals and develop a plan for the future. Your coach will continue to support you throughout your experience to ensure that you successfully achieve your goals and complete your program.
How do I improve my English?
We want you to feel confident in all that you do. If you are bilingual, this includes being comfortable talking in English. Whether you are speaking to customers or staff, your voice should be heard. English Under the Arches® can help.
With the support of English Under the Arches, you can improve your English speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.
How do I earn my degree for free through CTU?
The Commitment Grant, along with maximizing Archways to Opportunity tuition assistance, covers 100% of eligible students’ online tuition, including eBooks and student fees, at CTU helping you to pursue your educational goals without the need for student loans.
Eligible students may utilize the Commitment Grant towards any Associate or Bachelor’s degree program offered at CTU.
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