What is your background ?
After graduating from EM Lyon business school, I worked for a…
–
What is your background ?
After graduating from the EM Lyon business school, I worked for fifteen years in the world of tech. I was in charge of business development.
A field quite far from catering…
It’s true, but there was this business development side that I exploited as a bridge in the second part of my career. I wanted to create an entrepreneurial project in a safe environment. In 2012, the McDonald’s franchise offered me this opportunity.
Did the McDonald’s culture suit you?
I enjoy many aspects of the McDonald’s business. We say what we do and we do what we say. There are no surprises. Shared governance is also an asset. The franchisees that we are, are in the operational and the strategy. Finally, I also note that it is a company that has reached maturity but which nevertheless knows how to revive itself.
For ten years, you owned two McDonald’s restaurants in the North of France. Today, it is the Agenaise region that welcomes you.
At 53, I had a new life project. I sold my restaurants in the North of France and took the opportunity to sell three restaurants in the Agenais owned by Eric Arnoux. The two restaurants in Agen and the one in Boé were an opportunity that was hard to refuse. McDonald’s France has once again trusted me for this challenge. The agreement was very good with Éric Arnoux and we were able to conclude this deal which allowed me to settle here.
How are these restaurants doing?
Éric Arnoux has done an excellent job for years. This is what I observe since my arrival in Agen. The team, the restaurants, everything works very well. I do not hide my enthusiasm to work in these conditions. There are 164 employees who represent the human value of the company, it is important.
The Southwest is renowned for the quality of its gastronomy, what is your approach?
McDonald’s France employs 34,000 farmers in France. 78% of our agricultural raw materials are French. Potatoes from the North, 100% of the poultry come from Brittany… We are a major partner of French agriculture. Our fast food relies on good products to be of high quality. We must remain authentic, cheating is not possible!
Projects for the future?
I take my marks. We have experienced some recruitment difficulties due to the health crisis, but everything is back to normal. The movement is now very positive. Beyond the staff, I am in the continuity of the operation initiated by Éric Arnoux, but I plan strong investments by the end of 2022.
So the choice of the South West was the right one?
I think this stage is the last of my professional life. I feel very good here, I was very well received. I arrived barely three months ago, but I have created pleasant links with this region and its inhabitants.
–
