Inside the McDonald’s Supply Chain: A Franchise Perspective
Inside the McDonald’s Supply Chain
A Franchise Perspective
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Schreiber Center, 16 E. Pearson St., Room 1001
We were excited to kick off our Fall Speaker Series yesterday by welcoming alumnus Nick Karavites (Class of 1996) for Inside the McDonald’s Supply Chain: A Franchise Perspective, an engaging look at his three-decade journey with McDonald’s.
Nick started as a crew member and grew into a second-generation owner-operator. Today, he manages 30 McDonald’s restaurants—with three more opening this December. Notable locations include the Chicago and State Rock and Roll McDonald’s, the only LEED Platinum McDonald’s in the U.S., and the Global McDonald’s restaurant, which attracts international visitors from around the world.
Highlighting the company’s focus on talent development, Nick noted that one in eight Americans has worked at McDonald’s: “Investing in people is the best choice.”
The discussion also explored McDonald’s hub-and-spoke supply chain, which ensures efficiency and consistency across its global operations, serving millions daily. For a deeper dive into this system, check out this supply chain overview.
Special thanks to Rob Liss at MAKA Logistics for providing food and beverages, and to everyone who attended—or registered but couldn’t join us. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Events like this reflect the mission of Loyola’s Quinlan School of Business and the Supply Chain & Sustainability Center: connecting students, alumni, and industry leaders in meaningful conversations that bridge classroom learning with real-world practice.
Meet the speaker
Nick Karavites
Nick Karavites is a second-generation McDonald’s Owner/Operator who has led the Karavites Organization since 1997, operating 30 restaurants across Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin—including the Rock-N-Roll McDonald’s and the flagship location inside McDonald’s Global Headquarters. A Loyola University Chicago graduate (1996), he has received multiple honors from McDonald’s, including the Golden Arch Award, Leading Edge Operator Award, and the Ronald Award. Beyond his business, Karavites serves on the board of Ronald McDonald House Charities and co-hosts its Rock the House fundraiser, which has raised over $1 million. He is also active in several civic organizations, including the Fulton Market Association and the Oak Park & River Forest Chamber of Commerce.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Schreiber Center, 16 E. Pearson St., Room 1001
We were excited to kick off our Fall Speaker Series yesterday by welcoming alumnus Nick Karavites (Class of 1996) for Inside the McDonald’s Supply Chain: A Franchise Perspective, an engaging look at his three-decade journey with McDonald’s.
Nick started as a crew member and grew into a second-generation owner-operator. Today, he manages 30 McDonald’s restaurants—with three more opening this December. Notable locations include the Chicago and State Rock and Roll McDonald’s, the only LEED Platinum McDonald’s in the U.S., and the Global McDonald’s restaurant, which attracts international visitors from around the world.
Highlighting the company’s focus on talent development, Nick noted that one in eight Americans has worked at McDonald’s: “Investing in people is the best choice.”
The discussion also explored McDonald’s hub-and-spoke supply chain, which ensures efficiency and consistency across its global operations, serving millions daily. For a deeper dive into this system, check out this supply chain overview.
Special thanks to Rob Liss at MAKA Logistics for providing food and beverages, and to everyone who attended—or registered but couldn’t join us. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Events like this reflect the mission of Loyola’s Quinlan School of Business and the Supply Chain & Sustainability Center: connecting students, alumni, and industry leaders in meaningful conversations that bridge classroom learning with real-world practice.