As reported by AFROTECH, Roland Parrish, reportedly the second-largest Black franchisee of McDonald’s, has built an impressive empire of 24 locations across Dallas, TX, including at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport over the span of more than 30 years in the fast-food industry, as outlined by The Dallas Morning News.
Parrish's journey to franchising took root during his college years. A standout All-American in track and field, he balanced his athletic pursuits while pursuing studies at Purdue University's business school, as indicated by the school's website. The discipline and focus that propelled him to be named Most Valuable Player twice during his college years extended to his academic pursuits, with guidance from Dr. Cornell A. Bell, the former director of Purdue's Business Opportunity Program (BOP).
Reflecting on his time at Purdue, Parrish conveyed, "I spent more time in the libraries than on the track during my time on campus," as reported by the school's website. His dedication culminated in the attainment of a bachelor’s degree in business in 1975, followed by a master’s degree the following year. Subsequently, he spent 13 years at ExxonMobil before setting his sights on entrepreneurship through McDonald’s, which he was initially denied.
After persistently pursuing his goal, Parrish's application to become a McDonald’s franchisee was ultimately approved. Investing $180,000 of his savings, he opened his first McDonald’s restaurant in Dallas' Pleasant Grove neighborhood in 1989, which, as detailed in The Dallas Business Journal, generated $500,000 in revenue.
Parrish's success has since burgeoned, with his operations raking in $116.1 million in revenue in 2023, an achievement he anticipates will reach close to $125 million by 2025, as relayed to The Dallas Business Journal. However, beyond his accomplishments in the business realm, Parrish has a deep commitment to giving back to his community, a value instilled in him from a young age by his parents.
His community-centric mindset is evident in his involvement in various initiatives aimed at empowerment and upliftment, such as his participation in the 2nd Annual Franchise Game Symposium and Trade Show, orchestrated by Tarji Carter to encourage Black community involvement in franchising. Additionally, Parrish has been pivotal in the ReImagining RedBird Mall Project, serving as a lead investor in the ambitious endeavor to revitalize an old mall into a center for new businesses, medical facilities, and educational spaces.
Further exhibiting his dedication to community support, Parrish has raised $150,000 to fund student scholarships focused on underserved communities through his foundation. In an interview with The Dallas Morning News, Parrish emphasized the importance of giving back. "You got to go and give to the community. It’s embracing what my role is as a successful businessman in this community."
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