The owner of a new McDonald’s restaurant slated to open in Valley is Stephanie Jones, a second-generation local franchisee.
Jones, who will open the McDonald’s at Hwy 4 and Salmon River Road in late May, already runs eight such restaurants in Dartmouth, Elmsdale, Fall River and three locations in Truro. Her father owns another McDonald’s in New Glasgow.
“All my restaurants tend to be real gathering places for people and I hope this will be the same for the Bible Hill/Valley location,” said Jones.
She said the area near Valley is currently underserved, but that will soon change with the opening of a new gas station and an On The Run convenience store, together with the neighbouring McDonald’s. The three businesses form a new commercial complex that will cater to both travellers coming off Hwy 104 and local residents.
“There haven’t been too many McDonald’s restaurants in the Maritimes, so we’re trailblazers,” said Jones.
The new restaurant will also create new jobs locally, as Jones is looking to sign up 60 crew members for the new restaurant.
New hires will have insurance including dental and vision coverage, as well as access to scholarships and career growth within the company.
Jones pointed to existing staff member Anita Kajtazi, who started work as a crew member and is now a manager, just over a year after she first immigrated to Truro from Croatia.
“It’s going to be a great team,” said Jones. “I’ve already hired some people and I think it’s also going to be a fun place to work.”
Would-be employees can attend two hiring events at the McDonald’s on 93 Robie Street. The April 13 session runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the April 24 session is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Related: McDonald’s restaurant confirmed for new Valley service area, near Truro