Bedford man celebrates 20th anniversary as a McDonald’s franchisee

After working his way up the ranks, Ismail Anilmis, of Bedford, is celebrating his 20th anniversary as a McDonald’s franchisee.

He started as a crew member in 1981 at the Bedford High Street restaurant, and progressed quickly, moving up to restaurant manager in 1982 and then supervisor in 1984.

And after 19 years in the business, Ismail bought his first franchise in February 2000 in Hockliffe, near Leighton Buzzard, employing just 35 crew members.

Now, he is the franchisee for 18 restaurants across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire, employing more than 1,500 members of staff.

Ismail said: “I can’t quite believe I’m celebrating my 20th year as a McDonald’s franchisee in Bedford.

"McDonald’s has been a terrific company to be part of and has provided me with so many opportunities throughout my career, allowing me to progress and develop within the company and then as a franchisee.

“I’m really proud to have reached this milestone with McDonald’s. It’s a shame that I’m not to be able to celebrate properly with my team but I’m looking forward to toasting, in a socially distanced manner, with them all.”