HR

Best Employee Enrichment Effort

McDonald’s Employees Earn College Credits

Don’t try to tell a Hamburger University grad their certificate on the wall isn’t for real. The lessons are perfectly tuned for business success, both within and beyond the McDonald’s system. More than 5,000 company and franchisee employees participate in courses and activities there each year. And all Hamburger U. courses have been awarded college credit recommendations from the American Council on Education.

But many McDonald’s employees want more for their resumes. So in June 2007 McDonald’s partnered with Excelsior College to put college degrees within reach for Hamburger U. alumni.

Through the partnership, Excelsior, one of the first institutions to award credit for college-level education received in non-collegiate settings, will count up to 46 Hamburger U. credits toward its fully accredited associate or bachelor’s degrees.

“As a brand, we cannot be successful unless our employees are successful,” said Diana Thomas, vice president of U.S. Training, Learning & Development and Dean of McDonald’s Hamburger U., at the time the partnership was announced. “And education provides a solid foundation to achieve success.”

That, and to increase loyalty, too.

Best New Class

Quiznos Recruits New Leadership Team

At the start of 2007, the Quiznos brand needed fresh initiative in franchisee communications and unit profitability. So the company toasted its executive lineup and re-stocked the executive halls with experienced change agents. First it brought in Greg Brenneman—leader of turnarounds at Burger King and Continental Airlines—as president and CEO. TurnWorks, Inc., Brenneman’s private equity firm, also took an equity position in the company.

Steve Provost, formerly of YUM! Brands, joined Brenneman as executive vice president and chief marketing officer and Michael M. Elliott as executive vice president of franchise owner assistance. Then came Richard J. Emmett, formerly of Papa John’s, as executive vice president and chief legal officer as well as Clyde Rucker, another Burger King alum, as executive vice president and chief administrative officer.

The talent is stacked high. Now Quiznos needs to put all that collective experience to work making each of its 5,000 locations a star.

Best Celebrity Hire

McAlister’s Deli Partners with Deuce McAllister

McAlister’s Deli made a big catch, then shook ’em off to the right, cut hard left, and rushed straight ahead when it hired New Orleans Saints standout Deuce McAllister. The partnership announced in August gives the NFL star a three-and-a-half year deal to appear in McAlister’s commercials and attend regional grand openings. But the relationship goes deeper—Deuce, a McAlister’s Deli fan since his days at Ole Miss, also has the opportunity to become a McAlister’s franchisee.

Apart from the nearly-namesake tie-in, McAlister’s Deli officials say they admire Deuce’s business sense and strong character. They’re even partnering on charity work: Deuce’s Catch 22 Foundation will benefit from McAlister’s Tea for Tots Golf Classic held each June.

The 6'1, 232-pound. Deuce (real name: Dulymus Jenod McAllister) made his mark on the menu immediately. He huddled up for a day with McAlister’s Executive Chef David Groll and emerged with The Deuce, a grilled chicken breast sandwich with provolone cheese, honey mustard, spicy Creole dressing, and lettuce and tomato on rosemary ciabatta bread.

No doubt company officials hope the Deuce can help them rush ahead with plans to open 50 new restaurants and enter three new states—Colorado, Nebraska, and New Mexico.

Best Work/Life Balance Program

Cuppy’s Coffee & More Offers Daycare

Cuppy’s spent 2007 brewing up expansions of all kinds—in unit numbers, menu offerings, and corporate support. At headquarters the company created new business development and training departments to help franchisees with business operations and compliance. Cuppy’s also strengthened its Coffee College training program, expanding it from three days to five days and making it obligatory for all employees.

But what really caught our eye is what the company is doing for the demitasse set. In 2007 Cuppy’s celebrated its first anniversary of providing free day care for the children of all corporate employees. About 20 parents use the daycare service each day, at an average of two children apiece. Now, that’s a sweet treat.

Best Recruitment Strategy

Pizza Hut Seeks Honorary VP

Dude, executive searches can be such a grind. Why not take a page from reality TV and let the fans decide your next big hire?

Pizza Hut went the virtual route with its America’s Favorite Pizza Fan contest, which invited video applications through YouTube. Nick Mathis of Crystal Lake, Illinois, posted an entry titled “The Great American Pizza Fan,” and America voted to award him the title of honorary vice president of pizza. The title might be virtual, but the perks are solid: a $25,000 prize, three-month use of a car, and free pizza for a year.