Elgin, IL – December 15, 2025 — David A. Bear, President and Owner of Bear Family Restaurants, announced today that the final 25 McDonald’s restaurants operated by the company will be sold effective December 16, 2025, marking the close of nearly six decades of Bear Family leadership within the McDonald’s system. Over the course of 2025, Bear Family Restaurants divested ownership of its McDonald’s portfolio, which at its peak included 35 restaurants, with transitions completed in April, September, and December.

“Growing up in the McDonald’s system has shaped who I am today,” said Bear. “The lessons learned, the work ethic instilled, and the relationships built with our teams and communities have been among the greatest blessings of my life.”

Bear emphasized that McDonald’s restaurants will remain open and all current team members will continue to have opportunities under the new franchise owners taking over each location.

“Our team members — the heart of our restaurants — will continue to have opportunities with the new owners, and the McDonald’s restaurants our guests know and love will remain open to serve their communities,” Bear said.

While Bear Family Restaurants will no longer operate McDonald’s locations, the company is not closing. Instead, it will move forward as BFRx Hospitality, an evolution of the Bear Family name that will continue its mission to Serve with Significance through new and purposeful hospitality ventures.

In November, the Bear family announced its first step into the future of BFRx Hospitality through a multi-unit partnership with K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel, bringing their nationally recognized, award-winning pet hospitality experience to the Chicagoland area.

“K9 Resorts is redefining pet care with best-in-class standards and an unwavering commitment to quality,” Bear added. “Their vision aligns perfectly with ours, and this partnership represents the meaningful, community-focused ventures we look forward to pursuing through BFRx Hospitality.”

Bear expressed deep gratitude while looking toward the future.

“Together with my wife Nicole, our leadership team, and our dedicated staff, I’m excited for this next chapter. We may look different going forward, but our heart for people and community remains the same.”

The transition will not affect daily restaurant operations. Guests will continue to be served by the same teams in their local McDonald’s restaurants.

Media Contact:
Michelle Shalla, Communications Supervisor
michelle@bfrmcd.com