Arnold Roxas was honoured recently by McDonald's Canada for his work managing the Bowen Rd. branch for the global chain. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

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Bombs and Big Macs: Nanaimo McDonald’s manager honoured with national award

Aug 29, 2024 | 5:23 AM

NANAIMO — Arnold Roxas has looked out a drive-through window and seen everything, from cars and trucks to tanks and artillery.

Roxas, manager of the McDonald’s on Nanaimo’s Bowen Rd., was presented with the company’s 2024 Outstanding Manager of the Year award recently, an honour reserved for the top five per cent of managers nationwide.

He said the award came as a little bit of a shock, but he was happy to see his performance and the store overall recognized on this scale.

“The success of the store is because of my team. I was happy with all the things they’ve been doing, they’ve helped me with my management team and also my crew. All the things we’ve done and been recognized for…all the awards are accepted for the store.”

Originally from the Philippines, Roxas has worked with McDonald’s in some capacity since the early 2000s.

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He was stationed in Kuwait during the United States war with Iraq as McDonald’s remained one of the only fast food options in the Middle Eastern country.

“The U.S. were bombing Iraq, we were still there doing burgers. I think we were the only fast food open, it was terrifying because during that time we experienced the sirens, alarms…then you see the missiles intercepting, exploding in the air.”

Roxas, a shift supervisor at the time, emphasized they still felt safe despite being caught in the middle of an escalating conflict.

“On our drive through, it was tanks. Tanks would go through with artillery and stuff. It was fun but also scary as well.”

Roxas said the Bowen Rd. location has many regulars, who know him by name. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

He eventually moved to Nanaimo in 2014, still with the company, seeking increased opportunity.

Roxas’ family was eventually able to join him as he earned his permanent residency and worked his way up the ladder with McDonald’s.

He’s worked at most locations in the city, was appointed manager at the Rutherford Rd. location, then transferred to Bowen Rd. two years later.

Working in Canada allowed Roxas, 46, to experience a much more diverse workforce than he’d experienced in the Middle East.

A wide array of ages and cultural backgrounds make up the staff at almost any McDonald’s.

The opportunity to work with and mentor people is something Roxas takes great pride in.

“My day-to-day goal is just serving our guests, making sure they’re well fed and happy when they come to the store. My goal is also to make sure I can be part of someone’s development, to coach them how to be able to manage the store. I’m always proud to help a new employee, students locally in their first job.”

Roxas said one of his favourite parts of the job is interacting with the regular customers who enjoy their daily coffee or meal at the Bowen Rd. location.

“A lot of people come to the restaurant and they know my name…when you build those connections they’re not just a customer anymore, they feel like they’re part of the family or part of the store.”

Roxas, and the Bowen Rd. location, were honoured following site visits by representatives from the head office, including McDonald’s Canada president and CEO Michèle Boudria earlier this year.

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