MIDDLEBURG – It’s easy to see McDonald’s as the multi-billion-dollar company with golden arches around the globe. But within some of those restaurants is a staff that remind everyone the company would be nothing without good people.

The crew at the store at 561 Plantation Dr. has adopted one of its most loyal customers, Glenn Ryan. Just over a year ago, Ryan’s wife was in hospice, and no matter what he had going on, he always visited her.

But not before making a stop.

“I came here,” Ryan said before eating his daily Big Breakfast without pancakes. “Every day, no matter what.”

Unfortunately, Ryan’s wife passed away, but he’s kept the routine of making a daily trip to McDonald’s. And while his wife is no longer with him in person, he is reminded of her by a chain around his neck with both of their wedding bands.

“She’s always here with me,” Ryan said.

Sure, Ryan is a fan of McDonalds’ breakfast. He eats there every morning. But the welcoming and heartwarming service he receives that keeps him returning at 8 a.m. sharp. According to Ryan, his favorite McDonald’s has the best service. And regardless of what shift is working, he says the staff always meets, and often exceeds, his expectations.

“This morning, they had his coffee with two creamers for him ready at the door when he walked in,” Ryan’s great-grandson, Jacob Ryan said. “They’re always doing stuff like that for him.”

Jacob joins his great-grandfather every Monday. Another morning, it might be Jacob’s mom. the morning after that, Jacob’s aunt. Regardless of the morning, Ryan never eats alone. According to Jacob, that’s because there’s enough family in Clay County to ensure that his grandfather always has a breakfast buddy.

Between his family, including 21 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, Ryan will likely never eat alone. While he doesn’t eat alone, if a day ever came where Ryan needed to, he wouldn’t be alone thanks to the staff.

“We, all of us, love that man,” Shift Manager Korinne Hodges said after giving Ryan a hug. “He’s family.”

Hodges said the crew calls “Poppy,” and they do their best to make him feel like family. Ryan recently turned 97, and on the morning of his birthday, when he came for his usual breakfast, his table had a card, balloons and a free breakfast waiting for him. When new people are brought onto the staff, Hodges said teaching them who Ryan is and what he orders is a part of the training.

In her 22 years at McDonald’s, Hodges said she’s never experienced such a warm and close relationship with a customer like that of she and Ryan.

“He’s truly family,” Hodges said. “He’s our Poppy.”