by Shannon Royster
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - At the crack of dawn every Thursday six men representing six different churches get together for fellowship and Bible study. There was nothing unusual about that, except where they choose to worship.
Not at a church or someone's home, but at the Hickory Hollow McDonald's in Antioch, and that was all thanks to store manager Patty Powers.
"She's a genuine person, and we just like it here," said bible study member David Jordan. "She treats you like royalty."
They've been going to that McDonald's week after week for the past five years.
"I try to act like this is my house," said Patty. "The customers aren't just my customers, they're my guests."
Not only did the Bible study group recognize her outstanding service, so did the McDonald's corporation.
"I was just so blown away with excitement," said Powers. "I couldn't believe that they selected me."
She was selected for the Ray Kroc Award, which is only given to the top one percent of McDonald's managers across the country, and there are 14,000 restaurants.
"I've worked at McDonald's 23 years, and this is the award that I've always wanted," said Powers.
"The people here just like to be here, and I've connected with so many people as a result of being here because of the environment she's created," said Bible study member Richard Nelson.
"I think everybody should be nice," Powers said. "If you just wake up every morning, smiles are free. If you're nice to everybody just imagine how much better the world's going to be."
McDonald's will be flying Powers and her husband out to Chicago for a special awards ceremony next month. She will take home a trophy, a check and the honor of being recognized for her dedication.
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Patty Powers
