Ben Stockbridge first walked into McDonald's Belconnen in June 1992 as a 15-year-old seeking a casual job. Today, he and his wife Emma operate seven restaurants across the ACT, including the Dickson location celebrating its 50th anniversary. Mahassen Haddad started at 14 to save for Doc Martens and a Swatch watch; she now owns the Weston restaurant with her husband Helmi. Both are examples of how a teenage job can become a lifelong career, embodying what the industry calls having 'ketchup in their veins.'
From Teenage Employees to Franchisees
Ben Stockbridge earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of Canberra before buying his first restaurant in Broome, Western Australia in 2007. He moved his young family—including two-year-old Jack and three-month-old Alex—across the country for the opportunity. In 2009, they returned to Canberra, purchasing the Tuggeranong and Erindale restaurants. 'I never imagined that my first casual job would become a lifelong career and eventually lead to owning restaurants across the region,' Ben said. Taking over Dickson last year held personal significance: 'It's my earliest memory of visiting a McDonald's as a child. Celebrating both my 50th birthday and the 50th anniversary of McDonald's in Canberra feels quite special.'
Mahassen Haddad rose from crew member to the corporate office in 2002, spending 17 years there. She worked as a training consultant, supported franchisees across Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia, and later managed a billion-dollar portfolio of company-owned stores in Sydney. She led the launch of barista-made coffee through the drive-through in 2015, now standard across Australia. 'I led the change in how we serve coffee... it was an incredible change considering it's now the norm,' she said. She transitioned to franchisee two years ago, moving from Sydney to Canberra to operate the Weston restaurant.
World-Class Training and University Pathways
McDonald's provides training in communication, teamwork, customer service, time management, food safety, and problem-solving. Leadership roles add coaching, people management, financial accountability, and business operations. Through the Archways to Opportunity program, employees can convert real-world skills into university credits. A partnership with the University of Canberra allows business degree students to save up to $17,500 in their first year and between $38,000 and $40,000 over their degree via recognised prior learning. Ben noted that one in 12 Australians has worked at McDonald's. 'Watching them grow, develop confidence and realise what they're capable of is incredibly rewarding,' he said.
Multi-Generational Community Impact
Mahassen sees this generational connection daily. 'We have crew members who had their first job at the Weston restaurant... now their grandchildren are employed by us or about to be,' she said. 'If we didn't make a good impact 40 or 50 years ago, they wouldn't recommend their children or grandchildren come through. I don't know who else could do that.' The 50-year legacy is marked by transforming casual shifts into multi-generational career paths and deep community roots.
50th Birthday Celebrations
The official celebrations take place on Saturday, July 25. Activities include a Grimace tour, birthday cake cutting at Dickson (11:45am) and Weston (1:15pm), $3 Big Macs, face-painting, balloons, party hats, a colour-in competition, and donations for Ronald McDonald House ACT and South East NSW. Former employees are invited to fill out commemorative cards and receive an exclusive lapel pin while stocks last.
