Paula Wright has built an empire of McDonald’s restaurants, having made history at the start of the franchise era.
According to MetroWest Daily News, Wright and her late husband, Don, became New England’s first Black McDonald’s franchisees in 1984. Before venturing into the fast-food industry, she had a career in technology at IBM.
“A co-worker of mine, her husband was in the business,” Wright told the outlet. “That’s how Don and I got involved.”
Their first location was in a newly built mall in downtown Boston, MA. However, the business did not fare well due to low foot traffic, with capacity never more than 60%.
“There just weren’t enough people there,” Wright recalled to the outlet.
The couple then secured a second location, but once again, sales did not match their expectations, which they believe was due to construction for TD Garden, a multi-purpose arena that opened in 1995.
However, success would come when they moved into the suburbs.
“We lived in Sudbury (MA), so when we got our first (suburban) restaurant in Acton (MA), we were right there,” Wright expressed. “It was great.”
Today, she owns 16 restaurants across 14 locations in Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Though her husband passed away in 2013, she remains a full-time owner-operator while still visiting her locations regularly.
“I really enjoy meeting with the managers and workers,” Wright explained. “I’m not out back much anymore, and it’s been a while since I made a Big Mac — and I love them — but I could probably still do it. I’ll give feedback, tell them what they’re doing well and tell them where there’s opportunity.”
Wright is also being assisted by her son Don Jr. Together they manage more than 700 individuals.
“That’s the best part of the business — the people,” she expressed. “By no means is it perfect, but it’s just a joy to see people working hard to achieve their dreams. It’s like a family.”
It’s not just about the business for Wright either. She is a member of local chambers of commerce and has a passion for helping families through Ronald McDonald House Charities. Additionally, she donates food for youth activities and mentors young adults.
