Elbows Deep in Idaho Potatoes

Up to his elbows in Idaho potatoes, George B. Graham Jr. began working for McDonald’s of Rockford, Illinois in September 1964. It was there that he learned how a fast-food chain could be run like a “military operation.” Every Saturday morning, he and the crew lined up—all smiling, in clean uniforms and polished black shoes—for the inspection by good ole Ed, which began at exactly 10:45 A.M. (Ed’s watch time).

In Ed’s operation, quality, service and cleanliness were paramount, but George knows the irresistible “World Famous” French Fries were really what kept the customers coming back.

Leaving McDonald’s after five years, George began what would become a lifetime of “Selling Burgers” with Burger King of Rockford, Illinois. In 2013, the year George retired from the position of General Manager, his location had served over eleven million customers. After a lifetime of experience, these are his stories.