Eddie Leligdowicz Went From Working At International Computers Limited To Running 13 Mcdonald's Franchises - And This Is How He Did It

McDonald's franchisee Eddie Leligdowicz has come a long way in 20 years.

The grandad-of-one has gone from working in various roles at international computer business ICL to running 13 McDonald's franchises in North Staffordshire and South Cheshire - employing 1,650 staff.

Here the man who is responsible for all but one of the fast food chain's branches in Stoke-on-Trent reveals all about his growing McDonald's empire.

"Prior to McDonald’s I was working at ICL" Eddie told StokeonTrentLive.

"I ended up being sent over to Australia for four-and-a-half years as part of my role there and when I returned home I looked at doing something different; that’s when I found McDonald’s - or should I say, McDonald’s found me."

After taking part in an intense eight-month training course which required him to do everything from flipping burgers to serving customers, Eddie took on his first franchise in Newcastle-under-Lyme high street in 1999.

"The Newcastle store was where I learned to cut my teeth as a franchisee. It was an interesting time, especially because the Wolstanton store opened soon afterwards. I had to deal with the challenge of the impact that had in terms of footfall, but it was good and it helped me learn how to deal with competition.

"We had a lot more freedom in terms of menu choices and promotions back then – we could do what we wanted."

Over the next 12 years, Eddie's portfolio of branches grew to 10 restaurants in North Staffordshire, South Cheshire and Derby - including those in Hanley, Crewe and Congleton.

By 2017 he had sold his three Derby stores as part of a franchisee to franchisee deal - and took on a further three branches in Festival Park, Fenton and Tunstall in Stoke-on-Trent.