Joni Thrower, general manager of the McDonald’s restaurant at Detroit Metro Airport McNamara Terminal in Romulus, Mich., has won a Ray Kroc Award, an accolade that recognizes the top performing McDonald’s restaurant managers globally.
Thrower, a Detroit resident, was one of 340 McDonald’s restaurant managers around the world (representing the top one percent of restaurant managers) to receive the honor, which includes a cash prize and a trophy. She will be awarded her prize on April 13, at the Ray Kroc Awards Gala in Orlando, Fla., hosted by Steve Easterbrook, McDonald’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and David Fairhurst, McDonald’s Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer.
“I am honored and humbled to receive this award,” said Thrower. “My success is truly a reflection of the strong team I have in place. We are appreciative of every customer we serve.”
Thrower, daughter to McDonald’s owners Jim and Marla Thrower, has been working for McDonald’s periodically for more than 25 years. Prior to returning to McDonald’s, Thrower was a senior attorney and Director of Diversity for one of Michigan’s top law firms. She was recognized as a 2013 Rising Star award from Super Lawyers magazine. She serves on the boards of The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce and Detroit Free Press Reading Works.
McDonald’s owner-operators and regional management nominate restaurant managers for the Ray Kroc Awards to recognize their hard work, dedication, and commitment to McDonald’s and its customers.
“Joni was nominated for many reasons, including her commitment to operational excellence,” said Marla Thrower. “She and her team provide guests with unparalleled service, and she understands that building the business can only be achieved through the development and support of her people. Staff working with Joni has told us they appreciate the training, coaching and overall positive work environment she has created. We’re delighted that we are able to recognize Joni this way for her commitment to McDonald’s.”
McDonald’s is committed to creating employment opportunities for people of all ages and from all backgrounds, as well as boosting employability to help people gain the skills and experience they need to progress in their careers. McDonald’s provides opportunities for progression and promoting from within; around 90 percent of restaurant management began their careers as crew members.
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