McDonald’s was in its first decade of existence when Fewster, now 62, came along looking for a job at a Toledo franchise. Little did he know then that decision would color the rest of his life or that he would play such a role in the development of the franchise.
This week, Fewster celebrates 35 years since he opened his first McDonald’s at the intersection of Bridge and Second streets.
“I’ve always enjoyed the fast pace of the restaurant business,” he said. “I always enjoy the young people who work … it keeps me in touch.”
Getting in touch began when Fewster was 27. He had been involved in all facets of management at the Toledo franchise and was looking to get into business for himself. He got a call asking if he’d be interested in opening a franchise in a smaller market – up until that point, no McDonald’s was located in a market smaller than 50,000 people, Fewster said.
“(Opening) was very difficult, but Chillicothe was a test market,” he said. “It depended on Chillicothe on whether we expanded into smaller markets. There was a lot of pressure to make sure we did well. It was unbelievable how Chillicothe welcomed us, and I’ll always be grateful to Chillicothe.”
The beginning was rocky, and Fewster suspects the first year that service wasn’t up to par. The closest place to train employees was in Columbus since there were no other franchises nearby. Fewster recalls spending four straight days at the restaurant from the day before the Friday opening through the Sunday following.
“The biggest thing I can remember is opening a store with an inexperienced crew and working for four days straight and not going home,” he said. “You have to be young to do that and love what you’re doing.”
Although Fewster was concerned about the service at the time, he can remember a line wrapping out the door and around the street.
“Every time I looked up, it didn’t look like we were making any headway,” he said.
In 1972, the food choices in Chillicothe were slim. Burger Boy, Burger Chef, Frisch’s, and Rax were the only places Fewster could recall being in town when he opened his doors.
“It opened up the market for not just McDonald’s, but a lot of foods … Others watch what McDonald’s does and follow,” Fewster said.
What once was one franchise grew to several in the area opened and overseen by Fewster. In 1988, he opened his office, R.H.F. Enterprises, on Western Avenue to oversee the franchises. Currently, all four Chillicothe McDonald’s are overseen by Fewster, as well as the ones in Waverly, Circleville and Greenfield. Others he opened along the way he has since sold.
All along the way, Fewster has striven to give back to the community, often donating to area groups fundraising as well as supporting 4-H at the Ross County Fair. His first contribution came before he opened when he purchased the grand champion at the fair, which happened to belong to the son of late auctioneer Gene Acton.
“It helps kids. Kids really work hard on these projects. It’s my passion to make sure I’m there every year to reward them for their work,” Fewster said. “I think it’s every business’ responsibility to make the community a better place to live, and I think giving back to the community makes it a better place to live.”
Fewster’s dedication also has kept others with him for years, including Dave Reese, who started at the beginning with Fewster. Brother and sister duo Jana and Jeff Detty also have been with the franchises for years and currently are supervisors.
“We’re a family … We enjoy being with each other,” Fewster said, adding the group of them all recently took a vacation to Pigeon Forge, Tenn., together. “They know they can count on me to be there, whatever their needs are.”
Involvement with McDonald’s has been a traditional family affair also. Not only has his brother been involved for numerous years – he was executive vice president in Columbus for 13 years before leaving for Chicago – but Fewster’s wife, Melody, became approved to be an operator, and his 24-year-old daughter is the youngest second-generation to be approved as an operator.
Fewster expects his daughter will take over the enterprise at some point.
“I really love the opportunities the business gives to people who work for me and my family,” he said.
By JONA ISON for CentralOhio.com