'I Am Very Proud': Bergen Co. McDonald's Owner Retires After 50 Years

HACKENSACK, NJ — A respected leader not only at his restaurants but also within his local community, Bergen County's Ed Acre is retiring after a decades-long corporate career with fast-food giant McDonald's.

"I am very proud of what we have accomplished, " Acre said, "and as I say goodbye to McDonald’s, I want to thank all of my dedicated team members, many of whom have been with me for more than 15 years."

Across Acre's four restaurants, three of which are in Bergen County, he has managed more than 375 employees, some of whom have been with him for more than 15 years.

Acre acquired his first two McDonald's restaurants in 2007 in Hackensack, which he operated until retirement, and he opened a new restaurant in Garfield in 2013. Six years later, he opened another in Passaic.

In his role as owner and operator, Acre has donated to and supported a range of local organizations, including the YMCA of Greater Bergen County. He also sponsored Health Kids Day at the YMCA for more than 10 years.

"(Acre is) a community leader dedicated to improving the lives of children and families," the Greater Bergen County YMCA's Development Specialist Julie Morrow said. "We are grateful for all that he has done to support our YMCA."

Acre worked with McDonald's for more than 50 years. He started with the fast food chain in 1970, and moved on to a corporate position in 1980. He continued to work his way through the ranks, and eventually grew a franchise base.

“I feel very grateful," Acre said, "to have been a part of the wonderful communities in New Jersey that we’ve served for so long."