From a single restaurant in 1967 to a growing portfolio of hospitality ventures — our journey is built on legacy, leadership, and purpose.
Our Story
Rooted in Family,
Built on Integrity.
Our story began in 1967, when Jerry and Marcelle Bear opened their first McDonald’s restaurant in Elgin, Illinois. With a handful of employees and an unwavering commitment to integrity and service, they built more than a business — they built a reputation for care and community.
Over the decades, the Bear Family name became synonymous with excellence, generosity, and the belief that success means lifting others along the way.
What started as one family’s dream soon grew into a legacy of leadership, inspiring generations to serve with purpose and heart.
Leading With Purpose.
Under the leadership of David and Nicole Bear, that same spirit of service expanded beyond restaurants — growing from a handful of locations into one of the region’s most respected franchise organizations.
For more than three decades, the Bear Family has been known for operational excellence, strong community partnerships, and an unwavering belief that people are the foundation of success.
Today, those principles continue to guide every new chapter of growth as BFRx Hospitality evolves beyond restaurants and into new industries where hospitality, quality, and care remain at the heart of everything we do.
“Our family has always believed that hospitality is more than a business — it’s how we make a difference.”
- David Bear, President,
BFRx HospitalityEvolving the Legacy.
“BFR” honors our past — the bear head icon of the Bear Family Restaurants — while the “X” symbolizes our transition into new possibilities.
BFRx Hospitality was created as the next evolution of a six-decade tradition of service and innovation. We’re expanding our family’s mission into new territories — bringing the same trust, quality, and care that have defined us since 1967.As we look to the future, we remain guided by one simple truth: our success will always come from serving people well — together.The People Behind the Purpose.
Every great story is written by the people who make it possible.
Meet the team leading BFRx Hospitality’s next chapter of growth, service, and innovation.