Chris Bardell is the Owner/Operator of more than a dozen McDonald's restaurants in the Greater New Orleans area.

The Bardell Company is an active participant in a number of initiatives in partnership with the New Orleans Police Department.  As part of the Bardell Co., Officer of the Month honor, each month, the Bardell Co., awards the winning officer with a $750 scholarship that the officer may use to participate in police training and leadership programs across the country.  Bardell started the program in October 2016 as a way to recognize NOPD officers for going above and beyond the call of duty. 

Bardell is also one of multiple local McDonald's restaurant owners who partnered with the NOPD's recruitment campaign by featuring recruitment advertisements on paper tray liners served to dine-in customers at dozens of restaurants across the New Orleans region.  This initiative includes a program called "Coffee with Cops" , where once a month NOPD officers meet with members of the communities they serve and share a cup of coffee.  Since its formation, hundreds of community members have interacted with officers and learned ways they can be more active in their neighborhoods.

When asked what he imagines he would do if he did not work at McDonald's, Bardell says it is impossible. What started as a part-time summer job at a McDonald's restaurant in Laplace led to what has become a decades-long career - next year will mark his 35th year with the brand.

Bardell moved his way through the ranks at McDonald's, working at restaurants across the entire Greater New Orleans area in the process. He was a Crew Member, Shift Manager, Assistant Manager, Restaurant Manager, Senior Restaurant Manager and Area Supervisor. He also worked in the McDonald's Corporation Regional Office as a Business Consultant, providing operational guidance to McDonald's Owner/Operators throughout Louisiana.

Bardell always knew he wanted to own his own business. In 2001, he realized that dream when he purchased his first McDonald's restaurant, the location on Bullard Avenue in New Orleans. Shortly thereafter, he became the Owner/Operator of the two restaurants on Canal Street in downtown New Orleans.

By 2005, Bardell owned six restaurants in the market. When Hurricane Katrina struck the city, all six of his restaurants were damaged and closed. Over the next several months, he helped many of his managers move back to the area, and with their help, was able to re-open his existing restaurants and buy additional ones. By 2008, he owned and operated 17 restaurants in the Greater New Orleans area.

In 2008, Bardell was selected by McDonald's Corporation to attend the National African American History Month celebration at The White House. The invitation was extended to Owner/Operators who are considered to be outstanding ambassadors and leaders in their communities.

Bardell truly is a leader, both within the McDonald's system and in his community. He is Vice President of the Great Southern Region's Black McDonald's Operator Association, a member of the Great Southern Region's Leadership Council and a member of the Executive Board for McDonald's of New Orleans Ad-Co, Inc. For many years, he has served on the Business Advisory Boards of Directors for Southern University New Orleans (SUNO) and is Second Vice Chair on Audubon Nature Institute's Board of Directors.

As a member of McDonald's of New Orleans Ad-Co, Inc., Bardell contributes to many causes in the New Orleans market, such as the local Ronald McDonald House Charities. He also individually sponsors various community events. His company is the title sponsor of Audubon Zoo's Get Yah Praise On, a gospel music experience held each year during Black History Month; a co-sponsor of Audubon Zoo's Soul Fest, a celebration of African American culture; a sponsor of the annual SUNO's Black Executive Exchange Program; and the sponsor of SUNO Alumni's Bayou Classic Breakfast.

Bardell says that one of the most rewarding things about his position as a McDonald's Owner/Operator is being able to give back to others. He credits many people with mentoring him throughout his career and he works hard to give back to his employees in the same way. Whether it is helping a crew member develop a career, or volunteering his time for local non-profit organizations, his contributions to the community are many.

Bardell gives back to his community in one other notable way as well: he is a volunteer police officer in St. John the Baptist Parish. Bardell enjoys working with his fellow police officers to keep the area safe and is undergoing the required training to become a D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Officer. He looks forward to teaching children in his community good decision-making skills to help them lead safe and healthy lives.

Bardell is a life-long resident of St. John the Baptist Parish. He currently lives in Laplace with his wife, Lentreise. They have two sons: Dylan, who attends Hampton University in Virginia, and Kyle, who is a student at Jesuit High School in New Orleans.

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