REDMOND — Thirty years can go quickly if one is deeply involved in their business and their community.

For Kathy and Paul Rodby, it’s been lightning quick.

The Rodbys are the owners/operators of five McDonald’s restaurants in Central Oregon: Two in Redmond; one in Madras; one in Prineville; and one in Hines, just south of Burns.

The main Redmond restaurant is undergoing a $1 million renovation with improvements to its lobby, dining area, restrooms and now sports a dual drive-in setup. It was originally built in 1985.

The Rodbys, who met in college while in Phoenix, Ariz., aren’t stepping away from the operations, merely giving the upcoming employees more experience at running the business.

“Thirty years have gone by fast,” said Paul Rodby, 68. “We’ve put together such an incredible team. Some people have been with me the entire time and a few have been here for 15 to 20 years, through all the highs and the lows.”

The couple purchased the Redmond operation on June 16, 1991. At the same time, the restaurant in Madras was under construction.

Having the Madras store at the Y intersection of state Highway 97 and 26, has really been a benefit, because families stop there the heading north to Portland or heading south to Bend.

“It’s been a really good location for us,” Rodby said. “Plus, we made sure that all of our restrooms stayed open during the COVID-19 pandemic, even though our dining rooms were not, and people appreciated that.”

Paul started in the business when he was a teen in 1967, making milkshakes and flipping burgers for $1.35 an hour. Working through junior college and then getting his degree from Arizona State, he was running his own restaurant six months out of college. Rodby moved up through the chain, landing a job with the corporate offices in Phoenix for 15 years.

“When the restaurant became available in Redmond, we decided to take a look at it,” said Kathy Rodby. “We’ve been very happy with the reception we’ve received, in fact, at all our restaurants by the communities they are in and we’re happy to be a positive force for those communities.”

The restaurants employ more than 300 employees and they are looking for some 30 more to hire for the summer.

“The pandemic has put a hurt on hiring and many restaurants have been struggling this past year,” Rodby said. “We’ve been fortunate that we’ve able to remain open with the drive-thru, and ordering kiosks in the lobby.”

While not fully retiring, Rodby notes that his youngest son, Mason, is following him into the business and is in training to be a manger. The couple has two other children, Taylor and Andrew.

“We enjoy staying involved with in local communities, working with local nonprofits and helping move things along,” Rodby said. (See sidebar)

“I’m looking forward to being a part of the growth at our Redmond Senior Center as it reinvents itself. Besides the Meals on Wheels programs which helps to feed more than 120 folks daily, the center can become a vital community outlet for education and information. There is a high level of energy and great folks moving forward to work together with community business partners and the City of Redmond.”

The Rodbys believe in community service as part of their commitment to the towns they operate in. Paul Rodby’s local involvement includes:

• Ronald McDonald House Charities; original board member in Central Oregon for 15 years; 
• Central Oregon Boys and Girls Club; original board member for 15 years;
• Rimrock Trails board member, 5 years;
• Redmond Reach board member, 5 years;
• St Charles Foundation board member, 4 years
• Redmond Chamber member, 15 years; 
• Redmond school board member, 4 years
• Redmond Senior Center board of directors;
• Assistance League of Bend