02/05/2025
Eve nurses no regrets as she rises up the ranks at McDonald’s
Not everyone can climb the ranks as rapidly as Eve Young!
But, at just 24 years of age, the Saintfield native has become the first female Business Manager at McDonald’s in Downpatrick.
That means she oversees the busy Co Down restaurant with over 100 employees that generates a multi-million-pound turnover.
“I wasn’t enjoying my A Levels so I left school at 18,” she said.
“It’s great running the Downpatrick restaurant. It can be challenging but I’ve got great people around me.
“It makes me proud to be able to say I’ve progressed so far within the company in such a short space of time.”
After Eve, who started working in McDonald’s part time in 2017, left school, she was promoted to Shift Manager.
Prior to that she’d been a Crew member and a Crew Trainer.
“In 2021, I became Second Assistant Manager in Newtownards,” she said.
“I moved to Knocknagoney in the same role before being promoted once again to First Assistant Manager. I worked there for just under two years.
“Then, last July, I moved to Bangor as First Assistant Manager from July to December and, finally, moved to Downpatrick.”
For the former Victoria College pupil, the best part of working at McDonalds is the people – and seeing famous faces.
“I’ve worked with hundreds of people and it’s amazing to meet everyone,” she said.
“My confidence in myself has grown and I’ve acquired so many new skills such as managing people and running a business.
“There’s nothing I dislike about my job.”
She added: “I served the legendary England footballer Paul Gascoigne in the Saintfield Road restaurant and actor and comedian Shane Todd in Knocknagoney multiple times.”
Her current job is a far cry from her childhood dream.
“I was studying health and social care for A Levels because I really wanted to become a nurse but then I decided that education wasn’t really for me,” she said.
Eve said her parents were “100% supportive” of her choice to pursue a career in the fast-food industry.
“Hard work pays off at McDonald’s and my mum and dad can see that already because I’ve gone so far,” she said.
“They’re fascinated by the whole business and they’re proud of me for getting so far.”
A work life balance is extremely important to Eve, who makes sure she gets enough downtime.
“I work eight hours five days a week – obviously more if I’m needed,” she said.
“I’m very organised so I make sure I get all my work done in work time.”
When she’s not in the office or sampling her favourite food (“a Big Mac”), Eve can be found meditating and walking her dog.
“I’ve taken up hot yoga which I really enjoy three or four times a week,” she said.
“My Cocker Spaniel Sally and I love going for long walks.”
Franchisee Des Lamph, who also owns and operates restaurants at Abbey Centre, Knocknagoney and Carrickfergus, said Eve was an inspiration to all.
“The opportunities at McDonald’s are endless for someone with as much drive as Eve,” he said.
“She shows that hard work and dedication pays off and I’m excited to see what the future holds for her.”
So, what’s next for energetic Eve, who sees herself as saying at McDonald’s “for life”?
“Down the line I would love to progress to franchisee supervisor, which would be the next step for me,” she said.
