President Bush Recognizes McDonald's(R) Restaurateurs at Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at the White House

OAK BROOK, Ill., Oct. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- President Bush welcomed four McDonald's restaurant managers and Owner/Operators to the White House for an invitation-only reception on Thursday, Oct. 9, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. This exclusive event brought together select Hispanic business and community leaders from across the nation.

From New York to Michigan to California, McDonald's U.S. restaurateurs were chosen to attend for their demonstrated leadership within their communities. Widely known as one of the leading companies for Hispanics, McDonald's Hispanic Owners Association (MHOA) is the largest Hispanic franchisee organization in the country.

The following McDonald's restaurateurs are among the 2008 Hispanic Heritage Month honorees:

Owner/Operator Tony Castillo (Holland, Mich.); Owner/Operator Anthony Herques (Houma, La.); Owner/Operator Mark Ruiz (Newcastle, Calif.) and restaurant manager Luis Cruz (Yonkers, N.Y.).

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year September 15 through October 15.

About McDonald's

McDonald's USA, LLC is the leading foodservice provider in the United States, serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. More than 80 percent of McDonald's 13,700 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local franchisees. For more information on McDonald's, visit http://www.mcdonalds.com.

     Contact information:
     Lisa Serritella, GolinHarris
     (312) 729-4413
     lserritella@golinharris.com