In 1964, as President Lyndon Baines Johnson led the country and war raged in Vietnam, a 16-year-old Emmett Patterson poured his first McDonald’s milkshake as a young crew member in Binghamton, New York. Fifty-nine years later, the owner of nine Gettysburg-area restaurants known for their hamburgers and iconic big arches has sold his stores and entered retirement.
Hamburger history
Patterson worked at McDonald’s through college and expected his life to change when he received his draft notice, but the results of a medical examination prevented him from serving. Instead, the McDonald’s Corporation hired him. He traveled overseas and even led Hamburger University in Chicago.
“If you were a hard worker, had decent intelligence, and were willing to listen, the sky was the limit,” Patterson said.
He loved his job, and was on the path to success. McDonald’s offered him a position as director of operations in Australia, but family was more important. The constant travel pulled him away from his children’s activities so he desired a home base. The owner of New Oxford, Hanover, and Gettysburg restaurants was selling his stores, so Patterson and his family moved to the town known as the site of the three-day battle that changed the course of the Civil War and President Dwight David Eisenhower’s only permanent home.
“It was a great fit, I was always fascinated with Gettysburg and grew up during the Eisenhower era,” Patterson said.
The Pattersons arrived in Gettysburg on July 1, 1991 and discovered the town in poor shape. Many buildings were dilapidated and the borough’s relationship with Gettysburg College and the National Park Service was poor. Patterson set his sights on being one of many people determined to make a difference.
Standing out in the community
Every McDonald’s in the world has golden arches. Every Big Mac sandwich consists of two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, on a sesame seed bun. Patterson’s stores followed suit while breaking the mold.
Former McDonald’s Chief Executive Officer Ray Croc, who purchased the franchise from the McDonalds brothers in 1961, instilled in a young Patterson the importance of giving back to the community.
He coached soccer, joined the boards of the Hanover YMCA and ACNB Bank, and was president of Main Street Gettysburg. Patterson donated to countless organizations and hosted many fundraisers at his stores.
“The more I gave, the more I got,” he said.
The most impactful fundraiser occurred on Dec. 8, 2011. Three days earlier, a vehicle crash killed five New Oxford High School students — Oscar Banda, 17, Anthony Campos, 16, Diego Aguilar, 16, Casey Sheridan, 16, and Chelsea McFalls, 15. Patterson’s daughter knew the group, and he coached two of them in soccer. Patterson pledged 100 percent of sales earned in his New Oxford store from 5 to 7 p.m. would benefit the families. The community arrived in full force, the fundraiser was extended to 10:30 p.m., and raised $14,641.
“Thinking about that day still makes me emotional,” he said.
Main Street Gettysburg
In Gettysburg, he is known for his service to Main Street Gettysburg. He attributes “opening my big mouth at a meeting” leading to his path as chair of the organization, but looks back on his service fondly.
Patterson was a member of the Main Street Gettysburg team that successfully revitalized Steinwehr Avenue. He played an additional part in the street’s transformation by rebuilding his store located there. He credits borough officials for finding common ground and working together, which he does not think would have been possible in 1991.
“It seems like there is more of an attitude of ‘let’s do it together,’” he said. “Which makes sense, because we are a small community with limited dollars and we all have the same goals.”
Patterson believes the Steinwehr Avenue project was a success because people put aside any differences they had, including political, and focused on a common goal.
“Emmett brought his business acumen to the organization during a challenging time in its history, and understood the importance and vision we had to ensure that Main Street Gettysburg should operate as the economic arm of the borough,” Borough Councilwoman Patricia Lawson, who proceeded Patterson as chair of the Main Street board, said. “Working with Emmett was always a delight. He gives 150 percent of himself, and has a great sense of humor.”
Supporting his crew
Patterson believes McDonald’s unfairly receives a bad reputation as an employer. He says all of his employees earn an average of $14 or $15 an hour and managers can make up to $80,000 a year.
He prides himself in giving teenagers a good first job experience, much like McDonald’s gave him in the 1960s. Students who work an average of 15 hours a week receive a college scholarship and he provides paid time for them to complete homework.
“You work the rest of your life, it is important for businesses to give kids a good experience at their first job,” he said.
Crew members are also required to watch videos that teach lessons important at their job and in the world outside of McDonald’s, such as appreciating cultural differences and avoiding bullying.
Standing out amongst McDonald’s
It is rare for a McDonald’s owner to be as visible in his or her community as Patterson. It is equally as rare for the owner to be a constant presence in their stores.
When he walks into his restaurants, Patterson seeks perfection. It’s a goal of McDonald’s worldwide, but Patterson joins his managers in achieving it. He notices little details and aims for a clean and safe environment.
“People want to walk in and feel safe,” he said. “We push cleanliness, we push sanitation.”
Changing McDonald’s
McDonald’s also has a reputation for being bad for the environment and people’s health. Patterson said the corporation has worked hard to change over time.
Burgers delivered in styrofoam containers were once the norm. The corporation partnered with environmental groups and changed to recyclable materials.
“We made a commitment to be green by 2030 to reduce carbon footprint,” he said.
The corporation has also become healthier by not advertising soda with Happy Meals and adding fruit to the menu. It also reduced salt and fat in its menu items, with some unpopular side effects.
“It’s a balancing act, salt and fat is what gives the food its taste,” he said.
Patterson said while McDonald’s tries to be part of the solution, the public also has a responsibility of dictating their own diet.
Retiring
The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on businesses across the country. Patterson struggled to keep his stores open due to staffing shortages, and found himself working extremely long hours while in his 70s. His sons, who were also involved in the business, were not interested in taking over his role so he decided to sell.
Patterson’s clout in the company allowed him to make some bold requirements for the next owner – all stores would remain under one owner, all employees would retain their jobs, and the new owner would share his passion for excellence. He found someone who met his criteria and the sale was finalized this week.
Patterson is excited for his next chapter, which includes more time with children and grandchildren. He also aims for his golf score to return to the low-teens and to rediscover a love for fishing.
He is extremely grateful for his decision to move to south central Pennsylvania 32 years ago and everyone who was part of his McDonald’s journey.
“I came from nothing and I appreciate everything I got and I appreciate the people who supported my business,” he said. “This area has been extremely good to my family.”
Read about Main Street Gettysburg’s participation in a pilot program
Alex J. Hayes has spent almost two decades in the Adams County news business. He is passionate about sharing stories focused on the people in our communities and following local governments in an age when few journalists report on their meetings. Alex is also a freelance writer for several other publications in South Central Pennsylvania. Alex encourages readers to contact him at ahayes83@gmail.com.
It’s always easier to sell them some shit than it is to give them the truth.
its amazing the same guy could do so much more for himself than he could do for his country. Way to go! I salute you!
Was good to work for you, Emmett. You did your best with what you had. Good fortune to everything in your future, especially those golf score goals
A nicely written article. Mr. Patterson truly exemplifies the concept and practice of leadership in business and community affairs. I hope other business people will follow in Mr. Patterson’s footsteps. Well done Mr. Patterson you have truly won a spot in this community’s heart.
Emmett was a great person to work for. He treated his employees fairly he thought about them first and took care of their needs I loved working for him. I’m retired now Emmett and retired for 4 years you’re going to love it enjoy your time with your grandchildren
Great and so rich life. Happy retirement.