McDonald
Joey Antwi Kusi’s career is a masterclass in strategic transitions. With over 15 years in financial services, a background in consulting at top firms like Capco and Accenture, and an MBA in Finance, he built a successful corporate career. However, for Joey, success was not just about climbing the corporate ladder; it was about ownership and impact. Today, as a McDonald’s franchisee overseeing multiple restaurants with over 300 employees, he is redefining what it means to lead in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry.
A Bold Career Pivot: From Financial Strategy to Fast Food Leadership
Joey’s decision to transition from finance to franchising was not a leap of faith but a calculated move. He spent years solving complex business problems for large corporations but wanted to build something of his own. Owning a McDonald’s franchise allowed him to combine structured operations with entrepreneurial freedom.
He believes that McDonald’s is not just a restaurant business but a globally recognized brand that thrives on efficiency, customer service, and consistency. His long-term ambition is to secure the master license for McDonald’s in West Africa, introducing world-class QSR operations to a high-growth market.
Leadership at Scale: Running a Team of 300+
Managing over 300 employees across multiple locations requires more than just operational know-how. It demands leadership. Joey follows a philosophy of empowerment, equipping his team with the necessary skills, and fostering a culture of ownership.
He ensures that managers do not just run restaurants but drive businesses. They are trained to understand key performance metrics, customer experience benchmarks, and financial indicators that define success. By prioritizing leadership development, he ensures that his team remains motivated and results-driven.
Diversity and Inclusion: More Than Just Buzzwords
Diversity and inclusion are fundamental principles in Joey’s business approach. His restaurants reflect the communities they serve, with leadership opportunities open to people from all backgrounds.
He actively promotes an inclusive culture where employees feel valued. Whether it is feedback on operations or new ideas, open dialogue is encouraged. From hiring practices to community engagement, he ensures that representation and inclusivity are embedded in his franchise’s DNA.
The Financial Edge: Leveraging a Corporate Background for Success
Coming from a finance and consulting background, Joey applies a strategic and data-driven approach to franchise management.
He views cash flow and pricing strategies as critical components of decision-making. By analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) and optimizing processes for scalability, he has transformed his restaurants into high-performing businesses. His focus extends beyond daily operations, as he continuously seeks ways to build a scalable, multi-unit enterprise.
A Full-Circle Moment: From Crew Member to Franchisee
Joey’s journey with McDonald’s began years ago, not as an owner, but as a Customer Care Assistant in the UK. That experience planted the seed for what would become his entrepreneurial dream.
Becoming a franchisee a decade later was a full-circle moment for him. The transition required meticulous preparation, including studying the McDonald’s system, building industry relationships, and securing financial backing. His first store was not just an acquisition but a statement of his commitment to building a best-in-class operation.
Navigating Challenges: The Shift from Corporate to Franchising
While Joey’s corporate experience provided a strong foundation, the shift to franchise ownership presented unexpected challenges.
In consulting, he was accustomed to advising on strategies, whereas in franchising, he had to implement them daily. Leadership in the restaurant industry required a hands-on approach, involving frontline management, real-time decision-making, and problem-solving. Unlike corporate projects with structured timelines, running a restaurant required agility and quick execution.
For Joey, success in franchising is built on daily operational discipline and strong leadership at every level.
Creating a Positive Workplace Culture
A high-energy, fast-paced industry like QSR demands a strong workplace culture. Joey ensures that employees feel valued by focusing on career progression, recognition, and inclusivity.
He believes that a McDonald’s crew member is not just an employee but a future leader. Providing clear career paths, rewarding high performance, and fostering teamwork are core aspects of his leadership style. He maintains that a great customer experience begins with a great employee experience, and when people feel invested in, they naturally perform at their best.
Beyond Business: Giving Back to the Community
For Joey, a McDonald’s franchise is more than a restaurant. It is a platform for community impact. He actively supports local schools, charities, and mentorship programs.
Whether it is supporting youth employment or funding community projects, he ensures that his restaurants play a role in empowering the next generation. His commitment to social responsibility extends beyond business, reinforcing his belief that franchising should create lasting change in the communities it serves.
The Road Ahead: Expanding a Franchise Powerhouse
Joey’s vision extends far beyond his current stores. Over the next five years, he aims to scale his UK operations, refine his leadership team, and continue growing his store count. However, his ultimate goal is to bring McDonald’s to West Africa.
He believes that the region presents a billion-dollar opportunity and is positioning himself to secure the master franchise rights. For Joey, running restaurants is just one part of his larger mission to build a thriving franchise powerhouse.
Advice for Aspiring Franchisees
For corporate professionals looking to transition into franchising, Joey offers three key lessons:
- Understand the business model. A franchise is not just a food business. It is a complex operation that involves financial management, customer service, and operational efficiency.
- Think like an investor. Many treat their franchise as a small business, but Joey approaches his as a multi-unit enterprise with long-term growth in mind.
- Leverage corporate skills. Finance, strategy, and leadership experience can provide a significant competitive advantage in the franchising world.
According to Joey, franchising is a structured pathway to entrepreneurship, and those who approach it with the right mindset can build long-term wealth and scalable ownership.
Final Thoughts
Joey Antwi Kusi’s journey is a testament to strategic vision, strong leadership, and relentless execution. From finance to franchising, his story demonstrates that with the right mindset, skill set, and determination, building a business empire is within reach. For Joey, this is just the beginning.
Next: Building More Than Burgers: Sandip Bhatia’s Entrepreneurial Rise with McDonald’s in Canada