Phil Fuentes is a McDonald’s owner/operator since 1989. He currently owns six restaurants. He is also on the Board of Directors of the Regional Transit Authority, Urban Partnership Bank, Smithsonian Latino Center, Chairman of the McDonald’s Hispanic Operators Association, and Chairman of the Institute of Latino Studies at University at Notre Dame.

His many accomplishments have been recognized by his peers in both the public and private sectors. At McDonald’s, he has received the highest honors awarded to franchisees: the 2004 Global Award for Outstanding Owner/Operator of the Year; and the Ronald McDonald Award, which is presented annually to an individual franchisee that demonstrates outstanding community service.

Fuentes also received the Man of the Year Award from the Mexican Civic Society for his tireless efforts to help the community. His work with Cook County and Cicero Health Department official in developing and implementing an immunization program for inner city children that significantly increased the vaccination rate in the community was recognized by the Town of Cicero with a Presidential Citation.

His life story was recently featured in the book “Think and Grow Rich: A Latino Choice” by Lionel Sosa. His active civic and business life has resulted in numerous recognitions, including: 2003 Business Leader of Color Award from Chicago United; Volunteer Recognition Award from El Valor; Outstanding Citizen Award from the Rotary One Club; Key to the Town of Cicero; Ches Perry Fellow Outstanding Store Operation Award from 

McDonald’s Corporation; Outstanding Drive-Thru from McDonald’s Corporation; Top Sales Increase Award in 1997 from McDonald’s Corporation; 2006 Father of the Year – American Diabetes Association Father’s Day Council; 2006 Citizen of the Year – Town of Cicero; November 8, 1998 declared Phil Fuentes day in the Town of Cicero; 2009 Guadalupe Reyes Outstanding Citizen Award; 2010 Top 100 Influential Hispanic Leaders and 2010 Maestro Award from Latino Leaders Magazine.

Phil was born and raised on the northwest side of Chicago, where he still resides with his wife MaryAnn and two children, Joe and Katie.