'McWalshes' Now On 4th-Generation Of Accomplishments At Area McDonald's

VERNON, CT — There's a saying that members of the Walsh family "have ketchup in their blood." And why not, the family owns seven area McDonald's restaurants.

On Thursday at the Reservoir Road McDonald's in Vernon, a fourth-generation "McWalsh" hit a milestone.

That is Tyler Walsh, the general manager of the restaurant. He formally received a McDonald's Outstanding General Manager Award — a national recognition given to just 1 percent of GMs each year. He's the manager of the year for the Stamford Region, which spans Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Vermont. The region boasts more than 500 locations.

He then essentially acknowledged the ketchup thing.

"My family always told me it would be my choice, but my first meal was a quarter pounder with cheese," he said. "It really is all about the customer and I really love what I do."

The Reservoir Road McDonald's has been recognized often for its service and appearance.

Tyler Walsh, of Tolland, is a fourth-generation McDonald’s leader, and has been with the family company — Walsh Enterprises — for 10 years and has been a GM for five.

His great-grandfather opened the family's first McDonald’s in 1961, and he now represents the next generation of "service and community leadership."

The "McWalsh" legacy began with Edward M. Walsh at the Manchester location in 1961. Then came Edward M. Walsh Jr., then twins Tim (Tyler's dad) and Tom Walsh. They now run a trio of McDonald's in Manchester, two in Vernon, and one each in East Hartford and Ellington.

Tim Walsh was a general manager of the year 30 years ago.

There's more to Tyler Walsh's accomplishments. Rather than the old slide-the-change-in-a-slot campaign to benefit the Ronald McDonald House charitable arm, the option, after purchasing food is now to "round up" the tab." Ronald McDonald House Charities of CT & MA was on-hand Thursday at the Reservoir Road event to recognize the restaurant raising more than $29,000 in round-up funds.
He was dubbed the chapter’s first-ever “King of Round-Up.”

"Again, I love what I do and I couldn't have done it without the staff here," Tyler Walsh said. "We enjoy serving the customers, who also have been generous."

Asked again if Tyler's in it for the long haul, dad Tim was quick to interject.

"He's going to be a franchise owner and he will. be a good one," he said.