A local McDonald’s franchisee is focused on improving his community through his east-side store. 

Gary Eley, an owner/operator of McDonald’s, purchased his McDonald’s on East Washington Street in Indianapolis in October 2020. He says sales have increased at the location by 50% since then. “The journey has been unbelievable.”  

Eley credits the growth to improving business hours and focusing more on his staff and customers. He says his initial plan when he started with McDonalds years ago was not to become an owner. He started as a manager trainee and later became a consultant for McDonalds in Illinois. 

Now, Eley says he is focused on giving back to his community and using his family-run business to grow new leaders. He says giving back to the community where you do business is a key to long-term success. 

Eley also praised the McDonald’s franchise system for helping minority owners build and grow their businesses.