North Jersey McDonald’s Owner Is A Success Story From Newark

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A “self-made” businesswoman from Newark who owns 10 McDonald’s restaurants across North Jersey and employs hundreds of local residents was recently honored with an award from the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA).

Celestina Quintana, who grew up in Newark and attended East Side High School, will be presented with the group’s 2023 Caren Franzini Leadership Award at its annual New Jersey Women Business Leaders Forum in September.

The NJBIA will also honor Sally Glick, business development advisor and ambassador with CliftonLarsonAllen, with its annual Legacy & Leadership Award at the forum.

According to the NJBIA, here’s why Quintana earned her award this year:

“Celestina S. Quintana came to the United States from Spain when she was 10 years old. She grew up in Newark with eight brothers and sisters. After graduating from East Side High School, Quintana worked as a dental assistant for 15 years. At age 28, she opened a clothing store with two friends called ‘Impulse’ in Harrison. She then moved the boutique to Newark as a single proprietor. In 1992, Quintana opened her first McDonald’s restaurant on Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen. Since then, she has steadfastly expanded, now owning and operating, with her daughter Jessica Quintana, 10 restaurants in Jersey City, Newark, Irvington, East Orange and Parsippany. Her restaurants employ more than 500 local residents. Quintana has attributed ‘hard work and lots of it’ to her success as an entrepreneur, as a way of leading by example for her employees. At the same time, she provides for those in need in the communities that she serves through donations and fundraisers. Her stores are true community centers where families gather to share a meal, and staff and neighbors come together to support the local communities. She has also been a member of NJBIA’s board of trustees since 2008, serving as the board’s chairperson from 2021-2023.”

“It is a privilege to honor both Celest and Sally, who are true trailblazers in their respective fields and have given so much to the world of business and public service in New Jersey,” NJBIA president and CEO Michele Siekerka said.

“These amazing women have achieved immeasurable results for their businesses, while opening the doors for other women seeking to advance themselves in business,” Siekerka added.

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