Hey there—it’s been a minute!
It’s been a while since our last newsletter… five months, to be exact! We’ve been busy staffing stores, hyping up all the amazing things you’re doing, and most importantly—cheering you on as you continue to show up, grow, and make a difference at SFM.
There’s so much to celebrate, we couldn’t possibly list it all. So, grab your favorite latte (extra points if it’s iced), get comfy, and take a peek at what your incredible coworkers have been up to these past few months!
Looking ahead, our goal is to bring you a seasonal newsletter—winter, spring, summer, and fall. Got a cool idea? A store win worth bragging about? Don’t keep it to yourself! Reach out to Lindsay or me—we’d love to help spread the great things you are doing.
And that’s a wrap on our summer edition!
Now go forth and soak up those sunny rays (with SPF, of course), keep being your awesome self, and remember—hydration is key, especially if your “summer bod” is 90% cold brew.
See you in the fall for all things pumpkin!
Cindy Frantz
Recruitment/Community Relations
Lori Terrel, General Manager of our Piqua West store has been with us for 21 years this year and was just recently recognized with the Outstanding General Manager Award!
What is the Outstanding General Manager Award?
The Outstanding General Manager (OGM) Award at McDonald’s is a prestigious recognition given to top-performing General Managers across the McDonald’s system — both in corporate and franchise-owned restaurants. It honors those who consistently go above and beyond in leading their teams, delivering strong business results, and making a meaningful impact in their restaurants and communities.
What does the Leadership Team have to say about why Lori is most deserving of this award?
Lori continues to lead her team to excel in building sales, developing leadership skills, serving guests in exceptional ways & has built her personal skills to allow Leadership Transition classes, as well as SLX, to be conducted throughout SFM restaurants! Her impact & influence in our management teams cannot be overstated – we are truly blessed!
We asked Lori what plans she has for the remainder of the summer?
I don’t have any big plans for this summer other than to remodel my kitchen!
Say Hello to our Summer Interns!
Hi, my name is Nakiera Hancock! This fall I will be attending Wright State University, where I plan on pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in Marketing. I recently earned my associate degree in English Literature from Edison State Community College. After graduation, I hope to begin a career in publishing, my dream is to work with one of the “Big Five” book publishers.
Interning with the Scott Family McDonald’s has been an incredibly rewarding experience. My favorite part is getting to learn something new every day. The team has also been very kind and welcoming, which makes me feel supported and valued at work.
One thing that’s really surprised me during my internship is how much creativity goes into even the simplest tasks. It’s shown me that marketing is as much about imagination as it is about strategy.
My go-to order at McDonald’s is an Oreo McFlurry with a medium Fry – perfect combo!
Hello, my name is Carter Lankford and I am currently a student at Lexington Christian Academy. After I graduate next year, I plan to attend Samford University on a Golf Scholarship! I’ve always been drawn to the medical field – becoming a doctor has been a longtime dream of mine.
My favorite part of this internship so far is definitely the people! Everyone in the Scott Family McDonald’s family has been so welcoming and encouraging – which has made this experience really special.
One thing that that genuinely surprised me during my internship is how deeply Scott Family McDonald’s is involved in the community. Their impact goes far beyond the restaurants.
My favorite McDonald’s order is a Big Mac, fries, and a lemonade – classic and unbeatable.
Personal Development
In Take the Stairs, Rory Vaden dives into the mindset of self-discipline and the power of doing things the hard way — because the hard way is often the right way. He encourages readers to stop looking for shortcuts and start building habits that lead to long-term success.
It’s a message that resonates in real life — especially in a workplace like McDonald’s. Whether it’s staying late to support your team during a rush or stepping up to learn a new station, choosing the “stairs” over the “escalator” is how growth really happens.
This book is a great reminder that success doesn’t come easy — but it’s always worth the effort.
Connected
Have you ever had that feeling, when looking at a clear, deep summer night sky, of being connected to the whole Universe? Or while walking alone in the woods, feeling that you are at one with the trees and the birds?
Most of the time, we feel closed in and separate from the people and world around us. This is normal – a large part of our brain is dedicated to keeping track of what is “us” and what is “other.” There is something special, then, when we have those experiences of connectedness. When we quiet our minds and relax our bodies, we are able to lower the barrier between self and others.
Because it is not something most of us regularly practice, this lowering of barriers can at first make us feel vulnerable – think of our sense of self as a protective suit we wear to protect us from the outside. But with practice and gentle exploration, we can call upon our feeling of connectedness whenever we are feeling small, separate or lonely. By practicing feeling truly connected to others, and to the Universe, we can begin to appreciate the amazing wonder of our lives.
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
We’re excited to introduce Activ8 — a
brand-new health management benefit now available to our team members at no
out-of-pocket cost!
Some of the benefits in the plan include:
• Virtual Primary Care for chronic condition management
• 24/7 Virtual Urgent Care for you and your family
• Behavioral Health: therapy, counseling, psychiatry & meds
• Prescription Coverage for 95% of top maintenance meds
• Unlimited Health Coaching
• Fixed Hospital Coverage for qualifying medical events
• Wellness Resources: recipes, challenges, workshops & more
• Professional Tax Advisory Services
This supplemental plan will not replace other benefits. Employees will be auto-enrolled only if their net-take home pay is higher with the plan. This plan is based on your income, so not all employees will be eligible. You canopt out at any time by contacting their Call Center at (888) 308-8085.
If you’re enrolled in Sidecar Health, you already know it’s not your typical health insurance — it’s flexible, transparent, and designed to put you in control. But are you using it to its full potential? Here are some quick tips and tricks to help you make the most of it:
1. Use Your Sidecar Health Visa Card at the Time of Service – simply swipe your Sidecar Visa card just like a debit card.
2. Use the App to Shop Around – compare prices before making an appointment to find the best deal for you!
3. Ask for the “Self-Pay” or “Cash” Price – Many offices give you a lower rate if you pay out of pocket up front.
4. Always Keep Your Receipts – While most services are paid instantly with your card, it’s still smart to keep documentation.
5. Be Proactive With Your Health – Because you’re not tied to a network, you can go where you want — even to urgent care or telehealth if it’s more convenient.
Bottom Line: Sidecar Health gives you the flexibility to make smart, informed choices — and even earn back money when you shop around. And don’t be afraid to call them!
What’s New
At Scott Family McDonald’s
McCrispy Strips!
These golden, crispy, and juicy chicken strips are already turning heads and taste buds. As the face of SFM, YOU help bring the flavor and experience to life!
Spicy McMuffin!
It’s the McMuffin you love with a fiery attitude. Now Available at all stores!
S’mores McFlurry!
It’s a fan favorite and a perfect treat to upsell with any meal. Let’s spread the word and help our guests relive their favorite campfire memories — no fire required.
SNACK WRAP!
You asked. Our guests begged. And now it’s finally here — the legendary Snack Wrap is making its big comeback on July 10th!
Hot Hamburgers is back at SFM!
Get ready for a fun and interactive event designed just for our Crew Trainers and Crew Chiefs! It’s the perfect opportunity to sharpen your skills in training, guest service, food prep and more – all while enjoying some friendly competition, team bonding, and good vibes. The KY team has already had their first gathering!
Ohio! Our first Hot Hamburger event is coming up!
Crew Trainers and Crew Chiefs – be prepared to level up, learn, and have some fun together on August 14th!
Brayden was promoted to 2nd Assistant in Tipp City!
SMX Grads in Ohio!
Terah was promoted to General Manager of our Broad St. Store!
Amanda was promoted to 2nd Assistant in Bellefontaine!
Ohio’s first PLX Grads!
SMX Grads in Kentucky!
Jessica celebrated 20 years with SFM!
Logan graduated from CTU with his Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting! Logan also earned his Associate’s Degree from CTU for FREE! Go Logan!
Congrats to all of KY’s newest Crew Trainers!
Madeline was promoted to 2nd Assistant at Morehead 2!
Congrats to Shelby, Nate, and Zack for graduating from HU!
Amber Mitchell
Gracie Isaac
Isabell Bryant
Laila Mineer
Morgan Morris
Sidney Cummings
Summer Heart
Braylon Thomas
Emma Watts
Jeremiah Kilburn
Kennedy Peters
Kenny Burnett
Parker Deaton
Taylor Jennings
Alexandria Lytle
Brian Daum
Jada Robinette
Autumn Huffman
Aaron Sparks
Alex Hogencamp
Alexis Fugate
Brooklin Hardin
Caleb McGrail
Daniela Sapien
Emma Howard
Ethan Dunn
Jaymie Dale
Jeremiah Peck
Kacie Taulbee
May Slaughter
Weslynn Angles
Brylan Johnson
Dashone Chavez
Devin Warmouth
Jason Jackson
Julissa St Amont
Kaden Traylor
Madison McClanahan
Marcus Manzo
Alyssa Crouch
Andrew Conant
Bryice Richards
Hayden Townsend
Madison Mabior
Noah Allen
Davianna Gose
Jordan Campbell
Pamala Haddix
Colby Livers
Malik Diallo
Wyatt Rogers
Azharia Henderson
Hannah Roldan
Lexi Hausely
Makynzee Smith
Milly Hernandez
Austin Wright
Levi Evans
McKenzie Harrigan
Elly Darling
Karla Lopez
Legend Boswell
Araiyah Gadson
George Glanton
Mackenzie Thatcher
Patrick Hutchinson
Elaina Brumit
Ginger Christopher
Kamiren Frantz
Carter Clay
Blake Rowe
Renee Phillips
Kara Dillon
Layla Riddell
Shane Lovejoy
Vivien Clark
Ben Zerkle
Alaenna Newton
Sarah Wogoman
Morgan Thompson
Kiara Brown
Zoe Sturgill
Mason Bayman
Peyton Massie
Landen Baker
Savannah Jacobs
Ja’Laron Hart
Marissa Smith
Lynniah Elmore
Yazmine Hoang
Nasir Jenkins
Donnie Stanton
Sabri Kizenga
Serenity Bland
Adriana Carroll
Nathaniel Davis
Tyara Johnson
Alyssa Meacacke
Mikayla Gambill
Allee Wentz
Elijah Laine
Jadon Redmon
Nayden Davis
Paul Samera
Lacie Howell
Tessah Perkins
Caelan Hassan
Caleb Rash
Merrik Taylor
Milo McQuade
Nick Litton
Sommer Shafer
Delayney Harris
Shawn Carter
Ethan Dreier
Quarter 1 Winner – Christian Murray – Brandt Pike
Nominees:
Layla Riddell – CG
Jocelyn Straight – GVS
Justin Howard – Tipp
Quarter 2 Winner – Hayden Burger – Sidney
Nominees:
Audrina Middleton – CG
Altie Lawson – PE
Sherry Hensley – GVN
Sidecar Health: My Savings Journey
Meet Amanda, one of our dedicated managers at the Bellefontaine South location. Recently, Amanda made the switch to Sidecar Health, the health plan offered through SFM — and the results have been incredible. She’s already discovered thousands of dollars in savings, all while getting the care she needs.
Hello, my name is Amanda and I’m only 39 years old. I have some serious heart issues and was struggling and stressed about insurance coverage. With Sidecar, I was able to save $6,000 on medical expenses. When we switched to Sidecar, I was skeptical because of my health. I was paying $900 a month for insurance and was trying to find something more affordable . That’s when we went to the company meeting and Sidecar was introduced.
I spoke to our representative and told them my story; I had my first heart attack in my late 20s, and things got worse from there. I had to get a heart monitor and see a cardiologist regularly. Just the cardiologist appointments were $1,200, and I paid $475 out of pocket each time. My prescriptions were costing me $450 a month, and my heart monitor bills were another $150–$180 monthly.
After speaking to the Sidecar rep, I signed up — and it changed everything. She helped me find lower-cost specialists near me and directed me to GoodRx and ScriptSave for medications. I went from paying $900 a month on insurance to $300. Cardiologist appointments went from $1200 with a $475 out of pocket to $90 out of pocket. I now pay $60-70 a month for my heart monitor. My prescriptions went from $450 a month to $75 and a few of them I get for free.
In just 6–7 months, I’ve gone from spending over $2,000/month to around $535. That’s a monthly savings of nearly $1,470 — and I’m no longer constantly stressed about how I’m going to afford my care. On top of that, my cardiologist visits are now every 3 months instead of monthly.
Sidecar Health gave me more than savings — it gave me peace of mind.
HEALTHY ICE CREAM
When the summer heat kicks in, few things hit the spot like ice cream. But what if you could enjoy a frozen treat that’s not only delicious — but also packed with protein? Enter the latest viral trend: cottage cheese ice cream! You can make endless flavors — and you only need 4 simple ingredients!
Easy Base Recipe:
• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional add-ins (fruit, cocoa, cinnamon, etc.)
Blend until smooth, freeze for a few hours, stir, and enjoy!
Directions
For Banana Ice Cream: add 2 ripe bananas
For Strawberry Ice Cream: add 1 cup of sliced strawberries
For Chocolate Ice Cream: add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder
For Cherry Ice Cream: add 1 cup of pitted cherries
For Pistachio Ice Cream: add 1 cup of shelled pistachios
For Peach Ice Cream: add 1 cup of peeled and sliced peaches
HEALTHY ICE CREAM
When the summer heat kicks in, few things hit the spot like ice cream. But what if you could enjoy a frozen treat that’s not only delicious — but also packed with protein? Enter the latest viral trend: cottage cheese ice cream! You can make endless flavors — and you only need 4 simple ingredients!
Easy Base Recipe:
• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional add-ins (fruit, cocoa, cinnamon, etc.)
Blend until smooth, freeze for a few hours, stir, and enjoy!
For Banana Ice Cream: add 2 ripe bananas
For Strawberry Ice Cream: add 1 cup of sliced strawberries
For Chocolate Ice Cream: add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder
For Cherry Ice Cream: add 1 cup of pitted cherries
For Pistachio Ice Cream: add 1 cup of shelled pistachios
For Peach Ice Cream: add 1 cup of peeled and sliced peaches
HOAL
Heart Of A Leader
Heart of a Leader is a 2-day personal development workshop brought to us by Brandon W. Johnson. This Leadership training has high energy interactions at its core along with incredible group dynamics. Participants come away from HOAL with a renewed clarity of their personal & communal purpose as leaders with resources to draw from as they face real life challenges!
Congratulations to our most recent graduates of HOAL: Nohemy Galeas, Mitchell Purcell, Shelby Rogers, and Kaitlyn Watkins!
Unlock Exclusive Deals Just for You!
As a valued member of the McDonald’s team, you have access to McDPerks — your one-stop shop for amazing discounts and offers you won’t find anywhere else!
From concert tickets and sporting events to theme parks, theater shows, and more, McDPerks brings you thousands of deals from some of the world’s most popular brands.
Don’t miss out — log in today and start exploring the perks that come with being part of the McFamily!
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.
FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL PAGES