Local McDonald's owner-operators Steve and Vicki Murray were honored in New Orleans recently. Pictured here, from left, are Bettina Roberts, McDonald’s vice president and Great Southern Region general manager; Steve Murray, owner-operator; Adam Reeves, Nicki Murray-Reeves, owner-operator; Stephanie Murray and Vicki Murray, owner-operator.

    Local McDonald’s  owner-operators Steve and Vicki Murray received the prestigious Operations Excellence Award at the annual McDonald’s Great Southern Region meeting of the Regional Owner-Operator Association held recently in New Orleans.

    Their organization owns nine restaurants in the Meridian area.

    “The Murrays were recognized for continuing to achieve excellent operations, delivering a great customer experience and increasing profitability,” according to a press release.

    Steve Murray, who has been part of the McDonald’s system for 33 years, is the Multiple Order Point lead for the regional Operations Excellence Team.

    “He and Vicki Murray focus their efforts on the people development aspect of the organization, and their daughter, Nicki Murray-Reeves, achieves consistent results in her mid-manager role.  Also an owner-operator, she was awarded her first restaurant in Quitman, Miss., which opened in October,” the press release states.