GPR Management Inc., of Strattanville, which owns and operates five area McDonald’s restaurants, has sold the businesses to a Pittsburgh-based management company.
GRP owns two McDonald’s restaurants in Clarion and one each in St. Marys, Punxsutawney and Brookville, employing a total of about 250 people.
The sale price was not disclosed. GRP office manager Mike Adams confirmed the sale Wednesday morning, and the deal is expected to be completed Dec. 1.
The new ownership is Tri County Management.
According to its website, “Tri County Management is a three-generation family business and McDonald’s franchise organization for more than 55 years.
“Based in Cranberry Township, the company owns and operates 19 local McDonald’s restaurants in Allegheny County (four), Butler County (four), Beaver County (seven) and Lawrence County (four).”
Adams said Tri County Management was attracted to Puskash’s restaurants due to their modern and clean conditions.
“They liked that the stores are so well run and that they don’t really need to fix anything,” explained Adams. “The stores are really good to go as is.”
Adams said Puskash was not available for comment Wednesday as he was meeting with Tri County Management president Meghan Sweeney to visit each of the restaurants.
According to Tri County Management’s website, “Meghan Sweeney was born with ketchup in her veins. A third-generation McDonald’s franchisee, Meghan grew up watching her grandfather and father grow the family’s restaurant business into one of the largest franchises in McDonald’s U.S. system.”
Adams said there are no anticipated changes in store for the local restaurant managers or staff.
Adams said Puskash, 69, started out as a MacDonald’s crew member in Taylor, Michigan, in 1969.
“He (Puskash) said with everything that’s been going on the past year and a half, it’s time for someone younger to lead the stores,” said Adams.
Adams said he is not sure of Puskash’s future plans other than he intends to remain in the area.
“He won’t be involved in the restaurants anymore,” said Adams. “But I wouldn’t be surprised if he still goes through the drive-through for a Diet Coke.”