Billy Boldt Jr. becomes owner/operator of McDonald’s in Nappanee

Billy Boldt Jr., a longtime member of the McDonald’s family, has officially become the Owner/Operator of the McDonald’s restaurant in Nappanee, Indiana, located at 1540 E Market S.

This marks an exciting new chapter for Boldt, who brings over 30 years of experience in the industry, having grown up working in the family business.

Boldt’s journey with McDonald's began at the age of nine, when his father, a McDonald's franchisee, gave him his first job at the family-owned restaurant in Utah. "I started working in the gardens, washing windows, and doing all the small tasks that nobody else wanted to do. From there, I worked my way up," said Boldt.

Over the years, Billy has worked in almost every capacity within the business, from maintenance to swing management, and has built an impressive career that spans decades.

Before taking on his new role as Owner/Operator, Boldt served in numerous leadership positions, including as a General Manager and Supervisor for several McDonald’s locations in Indiana. His experience also extends to technology, having earned an associate's degree in software engineering, which has played a key role in enhancing operational efficiencies and implementing IT solutions across the restaurants he’s managed.

"Being in the McDonald's business is more than just flipping burgers—it's about creating meaningful relationships, whether with customers or employees," said Boldt. "I want my employees to feel respected and valued. I lead by example, whether that means working alongside my team or listening to their feedback."

Billy’s father, a seasoned McDonald’s operator himself, has been a major influence on his approach to leadership. "My dad taught me the importance of hard work and loyalty. He also encouraged me to pursue a college education before joining the business,” said Boldt.

The Nappanee McDonald's marks the next milestone in the Boldt family’s long-standing relationship with McDonald's, which dates back over 30 years. Billy’s father opened his first McDonald’s restaurant in the late 1980s in Utah, before expanding into Indiana, where the Boldt family has since become a well-known name in the local business community.

Now, as an Owner/Operator, Billy is committed to not only upholding the family legacy but also giving back to the Nappanee community. He has already joined the Nappanee Chamber of Commerce and is eager to build lasting partnerships.

"We’ve had a great relationship with the Nappanee community over the years," Boldt shared. "I’m excited to be here, serve the community, and contribute to its growth. I’m here for the long haul. I want to build something that lasts and continues to serve this community for generations to come."

Boldt is keeping his family engaged in the business. His daughter Lilly (seen in attached photo) is a manager at the McDonald’s in Knox.