Donald Nickerson Smith (born 1940) is a restaurant executive for McDonald's, Burger King and other fast food franchise restaurants in the latter half of the 20th century.

Smith was senior executive vice president and COO of McDonald's Corporation, before leaving to become CEO of Burger King Corporation from 1977 to 1980, and then Diversifoods, the largest franchisee of Burger King,[1] later leaving for Pepsico to improve sales in Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.

Smith led the unsuccessful buyout of Diversifoods before resigning as CEO in 1985 to start a partnership with Holiday Inns Inc. and Investment Limited Partnership to form the Tennessee Restaurant Company.[2]

Smith's business practices helped shape the modern operational procedures and advertising models for the industry.[3][4]

References

  1. ^ "Restaurant chain chief resigns". The New York Times. 1985-01-04. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
  2. ^ Siler, Julia Flynn (1988-08-11). "Business People; Deal for Friendly Offers Official Chance to Shine". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
  3. ^ "History of Burger King Corporation". Answers.com. Retrieved 2007-10-24. Donald Smith was third in line for the top spot at McDonald's when Pillsbury lured him away in 1977 with a promise of full autonomy in the top position at Burger King.
  4. ^ John A. Jakle; Keith A. Sculle (1999). Fast Food: Roadside Restaurants in the Automobile Age. Douglas Pappas. JHU Press. ISBN 0-8018-6920-X. 1977, Burger King hired Donald N. Smith, McDonald's third highest ranking executive...


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