New North Jersey McDonald's Owner, 32, Plans Changes

HOBOKEN, NJ — Elijah Adderley, 32, has a favorite McDonald's meal.

The fast food chain, founded in California in 1940, has encouraged customers to "Have it your way" for decades — and he does.

Adderley, whose family owns 12 McDonald's restaurants in New Jersey, just became the owner of the location on Hoboken's Washington Street.

In an interview with Patch, he explained which changes he wants to make, and what led him to his career.

He also told Patch is favorite meal: "A Bacon Quarter Pounder Meal with a strawberry watermelon refresher."

New Generation

Adderley took ownership of the restaurant at 234 Washington St. on July 1.

Adderley is a second-generation McDonald’s owner/operator, as his mother, Angela Adderley has owned many locations. The family business, Adderley Management, purchased the Hoboken location last summer from a former owner/operator who retired, a spokesperson said.

Adderley Management has 600 employees at their 12 New Jersey locations, a spokesperson said.

Born and raised in West Orange, Elijah Adderley began working at McDonald's as a crew member during high school and summers, he said, while studying at New York University’s Stern School of Business.

During the pandemic, he helped out with delivery for the restaurants.

After college, he worked in leadership positions including manager, general manager, supervisor and director of operations.

For the last year, Adderley — who grew up in West Orange and now lives in Bloomfield — has been working at the Hoboken restaurant, getting to know the operations better.

“Becoming a second-generation McDonald’s owner/operator is an incredibly rewarding full-circle moment,” Adderley told Patch. “I started as a crew member, and the valuable skills and experiences I gained sparked a passion for the business."

Changes Ahead

Adderley shared some changes he has in mind for the Hoboken location.

He hopes to deepen the company's involvement in the local community, partnering with schools and organizations, sponsoring local events, and helping to educate and empower the next generation.

He said his goal is for the reastaurant to be recognized "not only for providing great food and service, but also for making a meaningful, lasting impact in the Hoboken community."

The Hoboken store has focused on employee development, growth opportunities, and a hospitality-first approach.

Adderley plans to connect employees with Archways to Opportunity, McDonald’s education and career advising program, while continuing operational and digital initiatives.

"I'm proud to follow in my mother's footsteps while building my own path," he said, "centered on developing people, serving our customers, and making a lasting impact in the Hoboken community."

Adderley Management owns these other McDonald's restaurants:

• • • 157 W 63rd St. in Bayonne
    • 944 Route 202 S. in Branchburg
    • 10 US Highway 22 in Green Brook
    • 107 W. Edgar Road in Linden
    • 145-147 Main St. in Orange
    • 15-31 Central Ave. in Passaic
    • 90 Dayton Ave. in Passaic
    • 160 Market St. in Paterson
    • 265 Crooks Ave. in Paterson
    • 234 W Front St. in Plainfield
    • 1241 South Ave. in Plainfield

Do you know of a local restaurant that's opening, closing, or making a major change? Let Patch know so we can write a story.