When the Kennebec River flooded in December 2023, water gushed into the McDonald’s at 303 Main Street in Farmington, but General Manager Andrea Flukey did not panic. 

Instead, she grabbed a mop. 

She wasn’t the only one. Crewmembers – some high school teenagers – showed up to help.

After realizing it would take more than a mop to reopen the restaurant, Andrea’s attention shifted from the rising water to the dozens of employees who look up to her and depend on her. For many of them, McDonald’s is their first job, where they’re learning life skills and values like responsibility, time management and the importance of being a team player, with Andrea serving as their example. 

Jumping into action, Andrea called nearby McDonald’s restaurants, coordinated schedules and personally drove her employees who did not have vehicles to other locations in the state so they could continue working. This wasn’t just for a day or even a week. Andrea, with help from her husband, did this for months.

“Andrea exemplifies what McDonald’s is all about – leadership, teamwork and showing up for your crew and community,” said local McDonald’s Owner/Operator Peter Napoli, who owns restaurants across Maine in partnership with his son, Sal. “The way she cares about the people of Farmington and her team is what makes her so special. We are incredibly fortunate to have her a part of The Napoli Group.” 

By summer 2024, Andrea’s crew, who had been working in neighboring restaurants while the Farmington McDonald’s underwent repairs, was able to return. Loyal customers were happy to have their fresh coffee and favorite meal once again, but they were most excited to be back in a restaurant that felt like home, surrounded by people who felt like family. That is the culture that Andrea has created at the Farmington McDonald’s.

A surprise she never saw coming 

Andrea’s tenacity during the flood is just one of the reasons why she was awarded the prestigious Ray Kroc Award this past fall. This award honors the top 1% of McDonald’s managers around the globe who lead by example, deliver outstanding business results and embody McDonald’s values through their everyday actions.

Receiving this award was never something Andrea thought she’d achieve. When she first walked into the Farmington McDonald’s in 2003, she was simply looking for a job near her home. What she found was much more than a paycheck. Like many McDonald’s employees, Andrea discovered an incredible group of people who guided her step by step toward a successful career. 

“Surprising Andrea with the Ray Kroc Award was incredible,” said Kim Young, Vice President of Operations for The Napoli Group. “She is so deserving of the honor and I am so proud of the team she has built in Farmington. They truly value her.”

More than two decades since stepping foot inside, Andrea is now celebrating her eighth year as the restaurant’s general manager. Her husband, Josh, also works at the restaurant. Her son, Dominik, does, too. Dominik is taking advantage of McDonald’s tuition assistance program, Archways to Opportunity, powered by EdAssist, to receive his college degree. Dominik is among hundreds of Maine McDonald’s employees who have benefited from the program, including more than 200 team members supported by The Napoli Group, which has provided nearly $480,000 in tuition assistance across its Maine restaurants since 2015.

“Growing with McDonald’s, supporting my family through its benefits and building up my crew have been the highlights of my career,” said Andrea. “This Ray Kroc Award doesn’t just belong to me. It belongs to my entire team. We did this together and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us in Farmington.”

The #1 restaurant in New England for Round-Up for Ronald McDonald House 

Together, Andrea and her team have also accomplished another huge endeavor. In 2025, the Farmington McDonald’s raised more than $46,000 through Round-Up for Ronald McDonald House, which is more than any McDonald’s restaurant in New England. Round-Up is a simple, but powerful way customers can round up their order totals to the nearest dollar to support the local Ronald McDonald House, which provides comfort and care to families whose children are receiving critical medical treatment at nearby hospitals. 

“We are a small town with dedicated and generous customers, most who visit three to five times a week and often round up their order totals,” Andrea said when asked how her restaurant was able to rise to the top. “Our success isn’t accidental. It is absolutely driven by our passionate and caring community.” 

When asked to Round-Up, customers often share personal stories, such as how they’ve stayed at a Ronald McDonald House or know someone who has stayed in the past. Those conversations reinforce the purpose behind the pennies. 

“To have Andrea and the Farmington community leading our region in fundraising speaks volumes to their compassion and commitment to Maine families,” said Julie Mulkern, Chief Executive Officer at Ronald McDonald House Maine. “The dollars and cents raised through Round-Up translate directly into warm beds and homecooked meals for parents facing some of the hardest days of their lives.” 

McDonald’s has been a Founding and Forever mission partner of Ronald McDonald House, supporting families with sick children for more than 50 years. 

A leader who stays 

Today, Flukey leads a team of more than 45 employees, with about 20% of them working their first job. Many members of her team have grown into leadership roles. At least half of them have been with her long-term. 

“I’m nothing without them,” Andrea said of her team. “I’m thankful and proud of each and every one of them and I tell them every day that I wouldn’t trade any of them for anything.” 

Andrea’s loyalty and commitment to her team was evident during the flood. It’s evident in the restaurant’s Round-Up results. It’s evident in the culture she has built. 

“I love my team. I love my customers,” she said. “I love the Farmington community.”