After owning and operating the Hope McDonalds for 34 years, Steve and Celia Montgomery are retiring and have sold their restaurants including the Hope McDonald’s.  Steve Montgomery called it “bittersweet” and noted in a social media post they want to thank “our Hope team who we are very proud of.  These guys do a great job day in and day out”.  Steve Montgomery went on to thank their customers and their administrative team at their office which included Steve’s s siter Kim Steed, Billy Macks, Doug Grimm, Karen Huffines and the Montgomery’s daughter Jessica Bauer.  Jessica and her husband now own and operate the McDonalds locations in Nashville, DeQueen, and Glenwood making them 3rd generation McDonalds franchisees.

Prior to coming to Hope, Steve and Celia owned and operated the McDonalds in Wynne from 1987 to 1991.  The Montgomery’s purchased that first McDonalds from Celia’s father which made them 2nd generation McDonalds franchisees.

Steve Montgomery noted he and Celia came to Hope in 1991 with daughter Jessica and son Tom who were both in grade school.  They grew up to be proud Bobcats.

The Montgomery’s say the community of Hope embraced them.  The local McDonalds went through several remodels and a total rebuild in 2009.  Eventually the Montgomery’s owned and operated 10 stores in southwest Arkansas and north Louisiana.  All those locations will be sold by May 29th.   The Montgomery offices on North Hervey will remain open through August as the family wraps up their business, The office will be minus the distinctive McDonalds arches.

Steve and Celia wanted the community to know what’s happening and that some sponsorships will no longer be through the local McDonalds.  The Montgomery’s will continue to be part of the community and will continue to live in and support Hope.  Both say things will be different…but they’re looking forward to that!  According to Steve and Celia, “It was a wonderful ride and we feel very blessed to have had our citizens of Hope be a part of that ride…we thank you all for your support, patronage and friendship! We will always treasure the memories.”