Ottawa's own Paul Vernaleken and Tawnya Glandon have put the capital on the map for all the right reasons — earning a coveted community award at McDonald's global franchisee convention in Las Vegas last month.
The two local McDonald's operators were recognized by the company for their meaningful contributions to the communities they serve here in Ottawa. The honour, announced by McDonald's Canada on Friday, highlights the kind of grassroots community investment that often goes unnoticed behind the counter of a fast-food franchise.
More Than Just Fast Food
For many Ottawa families, the local McDonald's is more than a quick lunch stop — it's a community gathering point. Franchisees like Vernaleken and Glandon play an outsized role in shaping that experience, often partnering with local schools, charities, and neighbourhood organizations.
While McDonald's hasn't released the full details of the specific programs that earned them the award, community-focused initiatives from Ottawa-area franchises have historically included Ronald McDonald House Charities fundraising, local youth sports sponsorships, and employment programs for young Ottawans entering the workforce.
A Global Stage for Ottawa
Being singled out at a worldwide convention — among thousands of McDonald's operators from dozens of countries — is no small feat. The Las Vegas event brings together the best and brightest from McDonald's global network, making the recognition a genuinely impressive milestone for the Ottawa business community.
It's a reminder that local operators running what might seem like everyday businesses can make a real difference in their neighbourhoods, and get recognized for it at the highest level.
Ottawa's Business Community Takes Note
The award is a point of pride not just for Vernaleken and Glandon, but for Ottawa's broader franchising and small business community. Ottawa has a strong tradition of franchise operators who go above and beyond their corporate mandates to invest locally — and this recognition puts that culture on an international spotlight.
For residents who regularly visit their locations, the award may come as no surprise. Community-minded franchisees tend to be visible in their neighbourhoods, showing up at local events and supporting causes that matter to Ottawans.
What's Next
With this kind of recognition under their belts, it will be interesting to see how Vernaleken and Glandon build on their community programs in the months ahead. Awards like these often come with renewed energy and, sometimes, expanded resources to do even more locally.
For now, Ottawa should be proud to have franchisees representing the city on a global stage — and doing it with a commitment to community that goes well beyond the drive-thru.
Source: Ottawa Business Journal. Original story published June 2026.
