RODRIGO COFIÑO - DIRECTOR MCDONALD’S GUATEMALA

What is your opinion, Mr. Rodrigo Cofiño, regarding the food and beverage sector in Guatemala, and what do you think should be done to further strengthen it in the coming years?

I am very optimistic about what I see in the food and fast-food sector in Guatemala. We are all growing, and that reflects the opportunities that exist both inside and outside the capital. The country is experiencing very interesting urbanization, which opens up possibilities for expansion and development for all brands.

The challenge now is to continue connecting with consumers and adapting to their changing habits. Guatemala has enormous potential to strengthen its food value chain, from local production to the service experience.

Tell us more about the history of McDonald’s Guatemala, Mr. Rodrigo Cofiño. What do you consider to be the greatest achievements, awards, and recognitions you have received to date?

McDonald’s arrived in Guatemala in 1974, founded by my grandfather, José María Cofiño. It was a challenging start: the first few years weren't easy, and shortly after, the 1976 earthquake struck, profoundly impacting the country. However, my family persevered with hard work, discipline, and a long-term vision.

I remember an anecdote: when the second restaurant opened in Zone 9, a real estate agent told my grandfather that the location was perfect because it was near another hamburger restaurant. That other business is no longer there, but McDonald's Guatemala now boasts more than 120 restaurants. This growth has been the result of perseverance, resilience, and a family culture focused on service. For 50 years, we have spearheaded iconic projects like Drive-Thru, McDelivery, and McCafé, in addition to social initiatives such as Ronald McDonald Houses and McHappy Day, one of the largest fundraising events in the country.

Mr. Rodrigo Cofiño, what sets you apart from other companies in the sector in Guatemala and the region?

Without a doubt, our people. From day one, we've worked to build a strong culture that fosters teamwork, hospitality, and customer service. At McDonald's, people are at the heart of the brand.

Every employee understands that their work directly impacts the customer experience. This human connection, combined with global operational discipline, allows us to maintain standards of excellence in every restaurant.

Furthermore, McDonald's Guatemala has successfully adapted the brand to local tastes, incorporating specialty products, such as traditional breakfast items, without losing the international essence that defines us.

What is your vision for McDonald's Guatemala over the next five years?

We will continue to grow steadily. There are still many areas of the country where we want to be closer to Guatemalan families. Geographic expansion, along with improving our delivery service, is a priority.

We also want to continue creating jobs: each new restaurant creates more than 30 job opportunities and trains young people with technical and leadership skills. In the coming years, we aspire to maintain sustained growth and continue developing our people, because we are a people-centric brand.

Currently, McDonald’s Guatemala has more than 8,500 direct employees, making it one of the leading employers of young people in the country.

Mr. Rodrigo Cofiño, what do you consider to be your main contribution to the development of the sector and the country in general? Do you have CSR or training programs?

Our greatest contribution is developing exceptional people. As my Aunt Patty, whom I deeply admire, says: “At McDonald’s, we turn ordinary people into exceptional people.” From day one, we invest in training, leadership, and values. Many employees who start here end up becoming entrepreneurs or professionals in other sectors, and they retain a great affection for the brand.

In environmental matters, we implement recycling programs, water treatment plants, the use of solar panels, and electric vehicle charging stations in our restaurants. Today, 75% of our supplies come from Guatemalan providers, which boosts the local economy and raises the quality standards throughout the entire supply chain.

On the other hand, our Ronald McDonald Houses and McHappy Day are pillars of our social responsibility. There are currently four Ronald McDonald Houses in Guatemala, which provide free lodging for families of children undergoing medical treatment, especially in rural areas. McHappy Day, with over 25 years of history, raises funds for causes that support children and health, including the Aldo Castañeda, Puente, and Techo foundations.

TOPIC 2: BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNITED STATES

What is the relevance of the United States to McDonald’s Guatemala? Would you be willing to forge more strategic alliances for the company?

The United States is an essential part of our identity. McDonald’s is an American brand, and that connection fills us with pride. We maintain an excellent relationship with the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala, and we work together on projects that foster opportunities for young people. Each restaurant we open is an opportunity to reduce migration by offering formal employment, training, and personal development. We believe that by creating more opportunities in the country, we contribute to a future with less migration and more hope. Historically, we have also collaborated on various programs, and we remain open to new alliances with U.S. entities that share our vision of positive impact.

Before we move on to the last question, we would like to learn more about your personal and professional background.

I studied Finance in Boston, USA, and I was fortunate to interact with people from many cultures, which broadened my perspective on leadership and business. Upon returning to Guatemala, I worked at CBC, where I learned the value of hard work and discipline from the most basic positions.

Then I joined McDonald’s, starting in the restaurants, performing all roles to understand the operation from the inside out. I believe that you can only lead an organization if you know how its people live and work.

Today, I am deeply proud to lead a committed team and to maintain the family legacy with the same values ​​that founded the company: hard work, humility, and service.

Final message for the influential readers of the Los Angeles Times: Why come and invest in and get to know Guatemala?

Guatemala is a country of energy, talent, and opportunity. Its strategic location, young population, and economic stability make it an ideal destination for investment.

McDonald’s Guatemala is an example of how multinational companies can grow sustainably, create jobs, develop talent, and contribute to social well-being.

Investing in Guatemala is believing in its people. And we firmly believe in them.

.