As a second-generation McDonald’s franchise owner/operator, Mike Yontz’s story is rooted in family tradition, building on his father Bill’s legacy with the brand that began in the late 60s.

With a career spanning 40+ years, Bill Yontz worked his way up from fry cook to head of operations for one of the largest McDonald’s franchisees in Tampa.

“All throughout my childhood, the dinner table conversations were simply about McDonald’s, company growth and challenges,” says Mike. “So I've been hearing it since a very, very young age.”

In 1995, at the age of 14, Mike followed in his father’s footsteps and began working as a “fry guy” and drive-thru order taker. “I joined the team and worked on and off for several years, like many do, until ultimately I made a decision to choose McDonald's at about the age of 20,” says Mike.

The Yontz’s careers continued to grow with McDonald’s as Mike joined the management program and Bill was presented with the opportunity to become an independent owner/operator. “During that time with my father there, it was the best days of our lives,” admits Mike. “It was an incredible, euphoric time period.”

However, their halcyon days would be cut short just 11 months into that new chapter with Bill’s sudden passing at the age of 56. “We were totally lost,” says Mike. “McDonald's became the light in the darkness that led me out of that time period.”

With a company in name only, and no restaurants of his own, Mike went back to basics and rebuilt from the ground up. “It was my duty at that point to attempt to carry on my father's legacy.” Over a three year period Mike went through the process of being approved for franchise ownership in his own right. A journey that would pay off in 2012, when he was presented with the chance to purchase his first location in Tucson, Arizona.

“My family and I literally packed the car with the dog and the young babies and headed west with nowhere to stay and no true plan in mind other than opening our first restaurant,” Mike reflects. “We are just as excited today as we were day one.”

Today Yontz Enterprises owns and operates ten McDonald’s locations in the Orlando area, employing over 500 team members united under the Golden Arches.

“I wish to try and present this opportunity to as many others who want to learn more and pursue this path,” says Mike. “The possibilities are endless. I'm a living testament.”