Get to know Roland Parrish; he is the second-largest African-American franchisee of McDonald’s with 24 locations across Dallas, TX, including at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, according to The Dallas Morning News.
Before becoming an entrepreneur, Parrish was an All-American in track and field in college at Purdue University. In college, he was named Most Valuable Player twice. Despite his success as an athlete, Parrish was very focused on his education.
He brought his discipline in sports into his academics, and he was mentored by Dr. Cornell A. Bell, the former director of the school’s Business Opportunity Program (BOP). After completing college with a bachelor’s degree in business in 1975, he proceeded to get a master’s degree, as per Purdue University.
He worked at ExxonMobil for 13 years and later turned to McDonald’s to pursue entrepreneurship. Despite being initially denied, he remained unfazed, and his persistence eventually paid off.
After his application was finally accepted, he kicked off his journey with McDonald’s by investing $180,000 from his savings to fund his first operation, and according to The Dallas Business Journal, he opened his first McDonald’s restaurant in 1989 in Dallas’ Pleasant Grove neighborhood.
Since then, he has launched 24 more locations across Dallas and nearby areas, making him the second-largest McDonald’s Black Franchisee. In an interview, he told The Dallas Business Journal that his operations generated $116.1 million in revenue in 2023. What is more, this figure is projected to hit $125 million by 2025.
Aside from being a decorated businessman, Parrish is a philanthropist, and he learned how to give back to society through his parents. His parents actively and financially supported the community despite not having enough money.
He has also supported his community through the Reimagining RedBird Mall Project, which is converting an old mall into a home for new stores, medical offices, and higher-ed classrooms. Also, he raised $150,000 to support student scholarships for underserved communities through his foundation.
“You got to go and give to the community,” Parrish said. “It’s embracing what my role is as a successful businessman in this community.”
In June, it was announced that his philanthropic work had led him to be named the recipient of the 95th Linz Award, one of Dallas’ longest civic honors and given annually by The Dallas Morning News. As per the media outfit, the award recognizes community involvement and humanitarian efforts with a significant impact on Dallas in the last decade.
