McDonald’s honored its top restaurant managers today in Chicago with the 2008 Ray Kroc Award, an annual performance-based award that recognizes the top performing McDonald’s restaurant managers in the country. This award was established in 1999 to honor hard-working restaurant managers–those who make Ray Kroc’s, McDonald’s corporate founder, vision of excellence come to life in restaurants and for customers each day.

A select 139 managers were chosen this year to receive the Ray Kroc Award, an honor that comes with a cash award, a Ray Kroc award trophy and pin and a trip to Chicago for an awards gala, which was hosted today by McDonald’s U.S.A. President, Don Thompson. The banquet took place in Chicago at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers.

“We are proud to pay tribute to this select group of managers that play a critical role in the McDonald’s system,” says Don Thompson, president, McDonald’s U.S.A. “Each of these managers truly raise the bar in delivering an outstanding restaurant experience for our customers and creating a positive work environment for their fellow employees. We value their contributions to our team and are proud of all of their accomplishments that set them apart in our industry.”

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. Each year, this prestigious award is given to the top 1 percent of McDonald’s U.S. restaurant managers to recognize their superior performance and achievement.

McDonald’s Owner/Operators and/or regional staff nominate restaurant managers for the Ray Kroc Award to recognize their hard work, dedication and commitment to McDonald’s. From there, a selection committee of representatives from McDonald’s Operations, Training and Human Resources select the top 1 percent of McDonald’s Restaurant Managers for the Ray Kroc Award.

For more information on the Ray Kroc Awards and this year’s winners, please visit www.mcdepk.com/raykrocawards.