A McDonald's franchisee who owns nine locations across Metro Vancouver was recently awarded the highest "McRecognition" for franchisees across the globe.
Joe Guzzo is one of 40 franchisees who received the Fred L. Turner Golden Arch Award at the McDonald's Worldwide Convention in Barcelona back in April.
Presented biennially, the award recognizes franchisees for their impact on the community.
"Joe, his wife Mary Anne, and the entire Guzzo family have made an incredible impact by feeding and fostering their local communities," reads the media release.
Guzzo's 48-year journey at McDonald's began when he was a student at Alpha secondary in Burnaby in 1975. He now owns locations in Richmond, Vancouver, New Westminster and Burnaby, including the first international location outside the U.S. on No. 3 Road in Richmond.
His sons are now following in his footsteps, with his eldest son Giovanni owning restaurants in Vancouver and Richmond and his younger son Lorenzo hoping to do so as well.
The Guzzo family made "many contributions" over the years to support the purchase of life-saving machinery and equipment at the Royal Columbian Hospital's NICU and support local organizations including business improvement associations, Italian cultural associations, youth sports teams and the New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services.
Their restaurants also recently raised $12,600 last week through the McHappy Day fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon and other local children's charities.
