The road to becoming successful McDonald’s franchisees for Rob and Chris Sparrer-Baer was paved with dedication, hard work, and a deep connection to family. Their ties to the iconic fast food chain go back to their childhoods when they first stepped into their father Chuck Sparrer’s McDonald’s restaurant in Granger, Utah, in 1975. For Rob and Chris, McDonald’s wasn’t just a place to work – it was part of their identity,Leadership a family legacy that shaped their professional lives and personal values.
Early Immersion in the McDonald’s Family Business Leadership
For Rob, his first job at McDonald’s wasn’t behind the counter serving burgers or taking orders but involved something more humble yet equally important—pulling weeds in front of the store. However, that seemingly simple task marked the beginning of his deep involvement in the family business. During high school, Rob spent every summer working as a crew member at the restaurant. Those early years exposed him to the ins and outs of running a successful McDonald’s location, teaching him invaluable lessons about teamwork, customer service, and operational efficiency.
“My first job at McDonald’s was pulling weeds in front of the store. During high school, every summer I joined the restaurant team as a crew member – which taught me the importance of teamwork, customer service and what it takes to run a successful McDonald’s restaurant.Leadership I then opened my first restaurant in 1996,” Rob recalls.
For Chris, the experience was similarly formative. Growing up in the business, McDonald’s became an integral part of her upbringing, so much so that she couldn’t resist the opportunity to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a franchisee herself. “We grew up in the business and both learned so much from our dad. It was a part of our family DNA,” said Chris. “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to become a franchisee myself – but most importantly, it gave us the chance to work alongside family. Rob and I have a great working relationship.”
Their shared experience and strong family bond have allowed Rob and Chris to build a solid foundation as co-owners, overseeing a portfolio of 31 McDonald’s locations across Utah today.
Upholding Excellence: Safety, Quality, and Accountability
As franchisees, Rob and Chris place a strong emphasis on maintaining safety and quality across their restaurants. They believe that upholding McDonald’s high standards involves not just following strict procedures but fostering a culture of care and integrity throughout their operations. For them, it’s not just about serving fast food but about ensuring that every meal is prepared safely, every interaction is customer-focused, and every team member is well-trained and supported.
“It’s all about following processes and routines with rigorous training and follow-up,” explains Rob. “From the moment ingredients arrive at our back door, we monitor everything—from temperature checks during delivery to proper storage and preparation in the kitchen.”
Chris further underscores the importance of safety: “We adhere strictly to McDonald’s safety protocols, conducting regular training sessions for our crew to keep them updated on the importance of food safety standards. Leadership Our goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment for both our employees and customers. We have systems in place to ensure food safety procedures are completed multiple times daily, and we review reports to confirm that nothing is missed.”
By staying vigilant in their adherence to McDonald’s safety and quality standards, Rob and Chris ensure that their customers receive nothing less than the best. Leadership They also cultivate an environment of responsibility within their teams, where employees feel confident in their ability to uphold these standards every day.
Fostering a Family-Oriented Work Culture
For Rob and Chris, their success as small business owners is rooted not only in their operational practices but also in their approach to leadership and team dynamics. A key component of their success lies in the strong, family-oriented culture they’ve cultivated within their workforce. Leadership The duo understands that their employees are the lifeblood of their business, and they go to great lengths to ensure that every member of their team feels valued, respected, and motivated.
“We strive to build an environment where everyone feels valued,” Rob shares. “McDonald’s is built on opportunity. Many of our leadership team members started as crew members. We promote from within and focus on helping people develop skills, whether it’s their first job, a part-time position, or a career path.”
Rob and Chris also actively nurture this culture by organizing events that include their employees’ families, further strengthening the bonds within their workforce. These Leadership events, which include renting out movie theaters or hosting dinners, allow employees and their families to feel appreciated for their hard work and dedication. Over the years, Rob and Chris have even witnessed their employees’ children joining the business, continuing the legacy of family involvement.Leadership
“It’s all about collaboration and recognizing each other’s strengths,” says Chris. “It’s important to us that everyone knows one another and that we’re sharing expertise and helping each other succeed across the team. Whether it’s potlucks, milestone celebrations, or simple acts of kindness, we strive to build an environment where everyone feels valued.”
Leadership and Legacy at McDonald’s: The Impact of Rob and Chris Sparrer-Baer
Giving Back to the Community: McDonald’s as a Local Hub
In addition to their commitment to running successful restaurants, Rob and Chris also prioritize giving back to their local communities. They view their McDonald’s restaurants not just as businesses but as community hubs where people can gather, connect, and make a positive impact.
Through programs such as McTeacher’s Nights, Rob and Chris have raised funds for local schools, supporting the education of children in their neighborhoods. Leadership Their McDonald’s locations also serve as points of support for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), where customers are encouraged to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar to benefit the organization’s mission of assisting families with seriously ill or injured children.
“We’re committed to showing up for our neighbors,” says Chris. “Each restaurant has its own unique sense of community.”
On a personal level, Chris has served as Board Emeritus and was previously the Board Chair for RMHC of the Intermountain Area. Leadership This role allowed her to have a direct impact on the organization’s efforts to provide support for families with critically ill children, a cause that is close to her heart.
The True Motivation: People and Relationships
When asked about their driving force as franchise owners, Rob and Chris both agree that it’s the people—their team members, their customers, and the community—that keeps them motivated. While running a McDonald’s franchise certainly comes with its challenges, it’s the relationships they’ve built along the way that provide the greatest sense of fulfillment.
“The people, without a doubt,” Rob says. “From our team members to our customers, it’s the relationships we’ve built that keep us going. Seeing employees grow, families thrive, and the next generation getting involved is incredibly fulfilling. It’s more than just a business—it’s a community, and we’re grateful to be a part of it.”
Through their hard work, dedication, and commitment to family, Rob and Chris Sparrer-Baer have built something much larger than a series of McDonald’s restaurants. They’ve created a thriving community that includes not only their employees but also their customers, business partners, and local organizations, all of whom play a vital role in their success.
As they look to the future, Rob and Chris are committed to continuing their family’s legacy in the McDonald’s business and expanding their impact within the communities they serve. The success they’ve found is a testament to the power of hard work, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility to those around
