From Army Sergeant to McDonald’s Owner: Manny Abreu’s Journey of Service and Leadership
From serving his country in uniform to leading restaurants across Atlanta, Manny Abreu’s story reflects determination, service, sacrifice, and the enduring power of leadership.
“It was the greatest honor I’ve ever had in my life and something that I always carry with myself.”
For Manny Abreu, those words capture the impact of his time serving in the United States Army.
In observance of Veterans Day, his story highlights how military service shaped not only the man he is today, but also the type of leader he has become as a McDonald’s Owner/Operator.
From humble beginnings to military leadership and entrepreneurship, Manny’s journey is rooted in accountability, adaptability, resilience and trust.
Humble Beginnings and a Calling to Serve
Manny is a first-generation American born to parents from Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
Raised by a single mother who worked as a maid to provide for their family, Manny grew up with a deep understanding of sacrifice, perseverance and gratitude for opportunity.
His family’s appreciation for the opportunities America provided instilled in him a strong sense of patriotism.
After witnessing the events of September 11 and the country’s response, Manny felt called to serve. Shortly after high school, in 2007, he enlisted in the United States Army.
A Sergeant at Just 19 Years Old
Once enlisted, Manny quickly advanced through the ranks, becoming a sergeant at just 19 years old.
His primary military occupation was military police, but he also had a unique opportunity to work alongside various administrative and command centers supporting Reserve and Active Guard units stateside, in the Middle East and South America.
In 2010, Manny deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, where he worked alongside international forces and supported efforts involving the Afghan military.
The discipline, responsibility and perspective he developed through military service would later influence every stage of his life and career.
From Military Life to McDonald’s Leadership
After returning home, Manny started considering what life could look like beyond military service.
In 2013, McDonald’s offered an operations-focused opportunity for veterans, and Manny joined.
What began as a transition from military life to civilian life grew into a career involving restaurant operations, business leadership and ownership.
Leadership isn’t about necessarily a rank or title.
The lessons from his time in the Army remained central to his approach. Accountability, adaptability and earning trust continue to shape the way he leads.
Manny applies those principles while working with restaurant employees, coaching team members and investing in their professional growth.
Building a Five-Restaurant Organization
After spending many years in McDonald’s corporate leadership, Manny took an important step into ownership.
In 2023, he purchased his first two McDonald’s restaurants in the Atlanta area. His organization continued to grow, expanding to five restaurants with his latest purchase in 2025.
Manny’s transition from service member to business leader demonstrates how the values learned in uniform can continue guiding a person long after military service ends.
A Life of Service, Leadership and Community
Moments from Manny Abreu’s military journey and his leadership in the McDonald’s community.
Remembering the Sacrifice, Carrying the Lessons Forward
For Manny, Veterans Day symbolizes both pride and humility.
As he reflects on his military experience, he remembers the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice, the friendships he formed, and the experiences that helped shape him.
From military service to restaurant ownership, Manny’s story demonstrates the lasting impact of dedication, perseverance and purpose.
And as he considers the next generation, his message is one of encouragement, discipline and possibility.
From a young Army sergeant to a McDonald’s Owner/Operator in the Atlanta area, Manny Abreu’s journey is a powerful testament to service, leadership and determination.
Honoring Our Veterans
This Veterans Day, Atlanta Latinos Magazine proudly recognizes the courage, dedication and sacrifice of those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
