Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Early Years with McDonald’s
The Trefz brothers early beginnings with McDonald’s started as its Connecticut meat supplier in the late 1950’s. They both worked for the Roessler Packing Company and noticed the high quantity of meat being delivered to the area’s newest restaurant – a McDonald’s. This restaurant was the first of its kind in Connecticut and every week had double the meat orders of any other area drive-in restaurant. The brothers took notice and eventually older brother Ernie wrote a letter directly to McDonald’s Founder, Ray Kroc asking to become an owner/operator. The rest, as they say, is history.
In 1964, they opened their first restaurant in Waterbury, CT and although they planned an expensive marketing campaign for its grand opening – $1,500 worth – its first day in sales netted only $272. The restaurant grew steadily and a second restaurant location was secured just three years later in Danbury, CT. During these early years, both Christian and Ernie continued to hold down their jobs running the meat packing business, while learning the McDonald’s business as operators. Today, Ernie and Christian Trefz own and operate 43 restaurants in Connecticut and New York.
“McDonald’s was a huge challenge for us in the early years,” says Ernie. “But in my heart, I knew McDonald’s was a home run. It’s been so gratifying to be part of a large, international company and we love the McDonald’s system. My brother and I proved ourselves in a very competitive business climate. We’re extremely honored to win the Golden Arch award.”
In the early years, noted Ernie, McDonald’s restaurants employed only male help and opened at 11:00 a.m. and closed by 11:00 p.m. Today many McDonald’s are open 24-hours, offer WiFi and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Ray Kroc took a liking to the brothers right away and they were often asked to join him at speaking engagements at Yale or Dartmouth. Both the McDonald’s business model and their work with Kroc made the brothers believers in the brand. “It was never a question to be involved in the McDonald’s system,” says Christian.
Through the years the brothers and members of the Trefz extended family - crew, management and their restaurants - have won a multitude of brand awards including the prestigious Ray Kroc Award, the Ronald Award and numerous local honors, which included Ernie as Chairman of McDonald’s OPNAD, National Advertising Committee, and Chris as the local Co-op President for three years. Both brothers have been active in their local communities, especially in downtown Bridgeport where their company headquarters is located. The Trefz legacy within the McDonald’s system is now in its second generation, with sons Paul and Chris working as owner/operators.
Originally from New Haven, CT, the brothers were raised by immigrant parents who came to the United States from Germany in the 1920’s. The brothers were raised in North Haven, CT, and both brothers worked in local markets and farms from a young age. Throughout their careers, both brothers stayed local in Connecticut, with Christian living in Westport while Ernie took residence in Trumbull.
The Trefz brothers have worked together in the McDonald’s system for 46 years. And they both have the same taste in McDonald’s food: their favorite menu item is the newly introduced Angus Burger and their grand champion the Big Mac.
About McDonald’s
McDonald's USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. More than 80 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local franchisees. For more information on McDonald's visit www.mcdonalds.com or log on at any of the 11,000 Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants.
###
