Woods Staton, president and CEO of Arcos Dorados, the largest operator of McDonald's restaurants in Latin America and the largest McDonald’s franchisee in the world; and Milagros Bermúdez, market manager of Trinidad and Tobago, officially opened the country’s first McDonald’s restaurant at one of the most popular shopping centers in the Caribbean, The Falls at West Mall.
Almost 100 employees have already been already hired in the new market for positions of management, staff, and crew. And the process of recruitment continues, Staton said during the private ceremony held on Thursday night. “We are providing great job opportunities for the people of Trinidad and Tobago, with unmatched training and development and many opportunities for career advancement,” Staton said.
Staton also emphasized the substantial investment that Arcos Dorados is making in the new operation in Trinidad, and the importance of having a long and mutually rewarding relationship with McDonald’s customers, employees, suppliers, and the national community. “Coming to Trinidad was an important step for us and we only took it after rigorous research,” Staton said.
Arcos Dorados’ relationship with the countries in which it operates goes beyond business, and Trinidad & Tobago is not an exception. “We believe that a ‘good neighbor’ not only operates in a given community, but also works to make it better,” Staton said. “In keeping with that commitment, Arcos Dorados supports programs that promote childhood development through health, education and sports initiatives.”
During the opening, Staton presented a donation of US $10,000 to the Just Because Foundation, represented by Noel Joseph, CEO and cofounder of the organization. The donation will support the JBF Pediatric Specialty Unit, a multi-disciplinary, family-centered children’s ward located at the Wendy Fitzwilliam Pediatric Hospital at Mount Hope. The Just Because Foundation is a local non-profit founded by Noel Joseph and his wife in honor of their son Jabez “JB” Joseph, and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for seriously ill children and their families.
In addition, the celebration of the first McHappy Day in Trinidad & Tobago on November 18 was announced. During the campaign this year, the total sales of Big Mac sandwiches will be donated to the Just Because Foundation as well. “McHappy Day is a community campaign that involves our employees, our customers, our neighbors, local celebrities, and authorities. I take this opportunity to make a call to action, so that we can effectively impact the treatment of seriously ill children,” Staton said.
