Family Legacy and Leadership: Rob Sparrer and Chris Sparrer-Baer’s McDonald’s Journey
From Childhood Roots to Franchise Success
For siblings Rob Sparrer and Chris Sparrer-Baer, McDonald’s has been a lifelong passion woven into their family’s story. Their journey began in childhood, growing up in their father Chuck Sparrer’s first McDonald’s restaurant in Granger, Utah, opened in 1975. Immersed in the family business from an early age, Rob and Chris took on roles ranging from pulling weeds to managing restaurant operations.
“My first job at McDonald’s was pulling weeds outside the store,” Rob recalls. “During high school, I joined the team every summer as a crew member, learning teamwork, customer service, and what it takes to run a successful McDonald’s. I eventually opened my first restaurant in 1996.”
Chris adds, “We grew up in the business, and it became part of our family DNA. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to become a franchisee myself, especially since it gave me the chance to work alongside Rob. We have a great working relationship.”
Today, the siblings oversee 31 McDonald’s locations across Utah, continuing the legacy their father began nearly 50 years ago.
Commitment to Safety and Quality
Rob and Chris prioritize safety and quality in every aspect of their operations, fostering a culture of care and excellence. From rigorous food safety protocols to thorough team training, they ensure their restaurants consistently deliver on McDonald’s high standards.
“It’s all about processes and routines,” Rob explains. “We monitor everything from the moment ingredients arrive—checking temperatures during delivery, ensuring proper storage, and overseeing preparation in the kitchen.”
Chris emphasizes, “We conduct regular training sessions to keep our crew updated on food safety standards. Our goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment for both employees and customers. Systems are in place to ensure procedures are followed multiple times daily, with reports to verify compliance.”
Celebrating Their Team
For Rob and Chris, the success of their business is a testament to their exceptional crew. They cultivate a family-oriented culture by hosting events that include employees’ families, from potlucks and milestone celebrations to renting out movie theaters.
“We focus on collaboration and recognizing each other’s strengths,” Chris says. “It’s important to us that everyone feels connected and valued.”
Rob shares, “McDonald’s is built on opportunity. Many of our leadership team members started as crew members. We promote from within and help our team develop skills, whether they’re starting their first job, working part-time, or pursuing a career with us.”
Supporting the Community
With their restaurants serving as community hubs across Utah, Rob and Chris are dedicated to giving back. They regularly host McTeacher’s Nights to raise funds for local schools and encourage customers to support Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) through the “Round Up” program, where purchases are rounded up to the nearest dollar, with proceeds going to RMHC.
“Each restaurant has its own unique sense of community,” Chris says. “It’s fulfilling to see the impact we can make.”
Chris’s personal commitment extends further as she serves as Board Emeritus and a former Board Chair for RMHC of the Intermountain Area, supporting families with seriously ill or injured children.
Inspired by People
When asked what motivates them, Rob and Chris are unanimous: “The people, without a doubt. From our team members to our customers, the relationships we’ve built are what keep us going. Watching employees grow, families thrive, and the next generation get involved is incredibly rewarding. This is more than a business—it’s a community, and we’re proud to be part of it.”
Through their leadership and dedication, Rob and Chris Sparrer-Baer continue to honor their family’s legacy while building a brighter future for their employees, customers, and community.