HOBOKEN, NJ — Elijah Adderley, 32, has a favorite McDonald's meal.
The fast food chain, founded in California in 1940, has introduced dozens of new food items and drinks over the decades.
Adderley, whose family owns 12 McDonald's restaurants in New Jersey, just became the owner of the location on Hoboken's Washington Street.
In an interview with Patch, he explained which changes he wants to make, and revealed his favorite McMeal.
"A Bacon Quarter Pounder Meal with a strawberry watermelon refresher," he said.
New Generation
Adderley took ownership of the restaurant at 234 Washington St. on July 1.
He's a second-generation McDonald's owner/operator, as his mother, Angela Adderley has owned many locations. The family business, Adderley Management, purchased the Hoboken location last summer from a former owner who retired, a company spokesperson said.
Adderley Management has 600 employees at their 12 New Jersey locations.
Born and raised in West Orange, Elijah began working at McDonald's as a crew member during high school and summers, he said, while studying at New York University's Stern School of Business.
During the pandemic, he helped out with delivery for the restaurants.
After college, he worked in leadership positions including manager, general manager, supervisor and director of operations.
For the last year, Adderley — who now lives in Bloomfield — has been working at the busy Hoboken restaurant, getting to know the operations.
"Becoming a second-generation McDonald's owner/operator is an incredibly rewarding full-circle moment," Adderley told Patch. "I started as a crew member, and the valuable skills and experiences I gained sparked a passion for the business."
Changes Ahead
Adderley shared changes he has in mind for the Hoboken location.
He hopes to deepen the company's involvement in the local community, partnering with schools and organizations, sponsoring local events, and helping to empower the next generation.
He said his goal is for the restaurant to be recognized "not only for providing great food and service, but also for making a meaningful, lasting impact in the Hoboken community."
The Hoboken store has focused on employee development, growth opportunities, and a hospitality-first approach, he said.
Adderley plans to connect employees with Archways to Opportunity, McDonald's education and career advising program.
"I'm proud to follow in my mother's footsteps while building my own path," he said, "centered on developing people, serving our customers, and making a lasting impact in the Hoboken community."
Adderley Management owns these other McDonald's restaurants in New Jersey:
Do you know of a local restaurant that's opening, closing, or making a major change? Let Patch know so we can write a story.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Hoboken Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.