> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Businessman who began his restaurant empire in Lichfield bids farewell to McDonald’s after more than four decades - URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/businessman-who-began-his-restaurant-empire-in-lichfield-bids-farewell-to-mcdonalds-after-more-than-four-decades/ - Published: 2025-07-28T07:26:25.000Z - Updated: 2025-07-28T07:26:36.000Z - Description: A businessman is bidding farewell to the golden arches after more than four decades. - Author: Lichfield Live - Tags: Burntwood, Business, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 18:45, News A BUSINESSMAN is bidding farewell to the golden arches after more than four decades. Doug Wright MBE began his career as a cleaner with McDonald’s in 1981 before eventually taking on his first franchised restaurant in Lichfield city centre in 2002. He then went on to build an empire of 26 sites acorss the West Midlands, employing nearly 3,000 staff. But Doug has now confirmed he is hanging up his Big Macs and selling his outlets. Sixteen will return to McDonald’s while the other ten are being purchased by franchisees. > “I’m very proud of the business we’ve created and what it has contributed to the West Midlands economy. > > “I will miss the people – we have always acted as one big family. We’ve celebrated proud moments together and also grieved collectively because along the way we have lost some very decent people. > > “I joined McDonald’s initially for three weeks and it taught me life skills. Something I hear time after time from both employees and their families. > > “From getting the opportunity to own one restaurant, the dream was then to get to two and we just kept going from there. > > “But you have to step off the bus at some stage and my dad always said ‘be sure to orchestrate your own exit’.” Business success also brought a string of personal awards including the Fred L Turner Golden Arch award – the highest accolade in the global McDonald’s network. His work was nationally recognised when he was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s final honours list in 2022 for his contribution to business and charities in the West Midlands. As chair of Ronald McDonald House Charity, he helped to raise millions of pounds which has helped house nearly 17,000 families of children under care at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. He has also sponsored and supported hundreds of initiatives in the local community, from sports clubs to arts and educational projects. Doug said: > “The thing I am most proud of is how we have made a difference to so many communities and charities where we live and work. > > “Our collective community work has been transformational and inspiring. One of the highlights has been through the staff lottery, we’ve been able to provide 9,500 nights for families to stay at Ronald McDonald House, as well as supporting the likes of Marie Curie, the Teenage Cancer Trust and Arrive Alive.” After stepping away from McDonald’s, he will remain as chair of Kids’ Village as the charity continues its mission to build the UK’s first holiday resort offering free breaks for critically ill children. Raj Kandola, acting deputy CEO of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: > “Doug stands as one of the West Midlands’ great business success stories. > > “His success with McDonald’s has not only contributed significantly to our regional economy, but also created a lasting impact in the communities he’s served. > > “His commitment to giving back has been evident through initiatives like Ronald McDonald House and Kids’ Village, which we’ve been proud to support. > > “On behalf of everyone at the chamber, I extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Doug for his contribution to the local business community. We wish him every success in this next chapter.”