When Keith Pryor decided within a year of owning the McDonald’s restaurant on 114th Street and Halsted that it was time to renovate, people questioned the idea of him making this type of financial investment in a community that endures more than its share of crime. Four years later, his vision has been realized and those same people are enjoying the upgrades: a fireplace, flat screen television and mural.
“People questioned me. I wanted to bring something good to the community,” explains the restaurant industry veteran.
Pryor is a staunch supporter of the Roseland community. Having a heart for young people, he explains that he loves being able to work with them — especially young males.
“I’m very conscious of how I carry myself. I want to be a positive role model. I try to interact with the young [customers]. I have hired some of the students in the community and try to maintain relationships with them,” he says. “I support a lot of the youth programs at the [church]. I support different things at different schools in the community. I just recently made a donation to a school for their Fun Day. We’ve donated gift certificates and food to others. I’ve spoken at schools on career day–sharing with kids how to interview, [with emphasis on] how they should dress and conduct themselves.”
With nearly 20 years of experience working within retail and restaurant environments, Pryor was placed on the fast track of McDonald’s world-class franchise management training program after leaving his district management position at a competitor. Pryor offers valuable tips to upcoming managers and entrepreneurs: “Set goals, have a plan and stick to it and don’t procrastinate.”
Pryor is a graduate of Eureka College, “the same school Ronald Reagan attended.” He majored in economics and business with a concentration in business management and a minor in computer science. He’s married to Cynthia and they’re the proud parents of three children: Kendric, 12, Kenton, 7, and a daughter Caris, 3.
He boasts that he’s a golf fanatic, and when asked if he could handle a round with Tiger Woods, he jokes, “Not at all. Maybe Tigger, definitely not Tiger.” –yvette caslin
