McDonald’s restaurant managers gathered in Chicago this week to receive the Ray Kroc Award, an annual performance-based award recognizing the top one percent of McDonald’s restaurant managers in the country. Named after McDonald’s corporate founder Ray Kroc, the award is given to managers who deliver superior results in achieving operational excellence, reinforcing McDonald’s commitment to people, and building the business.

Only 133 managers were chosen this year to receive the Ray Kroc Award, an honor that comes with a cash award, a Ray Kroc award trophy, a pin, and a trip to Chicago for an awards gala March 13. The banquet was hosted at Chicago’s Marriott Hotel by Don Thompson, president of McDonald’s USA.

Ray Kroc built the McDonald’s business on the belief that greatness can only be achieved through the dedication and support of a company’s people. The award was named after him based on his commitment to people and recognizing their contributions to the organization he helped establish.

“We are proud to pay tribute to the best and brightest managers in our system for the critical role they play in delivering a truly outstanding restaurant experience for our guests and our employees,” Thompson says.

McDonald’s owner/operators and regional staff nominate restaurant managers for the Ray Kroc Award to recognize their hard work, dedication, and commitment to McDonald’s and its customers. From there, a selection committee of representatives from McDonald’s operations, training, and human resources select the award winners.