We treat our people like family.

We care. We show up. We create opportunity!

The Big
Idea

It all started with a random newspaper ad … and then from two restaurants, we grew!

Company founder Steve McGue was browsing the Chicago Tribune when an ad caught his eye: two KFCs were up for sale. In between executive-level roles, Steve decided to take a risk on the two restaurants.

Steve’s casual entrance into restaurant ownership as investor quickly necessitated that he assume the operator role. And, Shamrock Company took off! Today, under the passionate leadership of son Dan McGue, Shamrock continues to thrive in the Midwest with a growing portfolio of Taco Bells and Dunkin’ Donuts.

“dan continues to
carry on steve’s
legacy with the way
he treats his people.”

— Rob Russ, Chief Operations Officer

THE SHAMROCK WAY

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Our mission

We put people in a position to succeed and develop them to their full potential.

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How we lead

We get down in the trenches — together! We believe in high-touch, hands-on leadership.

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Our vision

Quite simply, at Shamrock, we’re here to lead the way!

Our
Values

We believe that in order to grow, you have to first have focus. These are the values we live by:
DRIVE CULTURE
STRIVE TO IMPROVE
SHOW INTEGRITY
STAY MOTIVATED
HAVE FUN

Like what you see? JOIN SHAMROCK today!

Company History

  • 1994

    Founder Steve McGue responds to a Chicago Tribune newspaper ad, seizing the opportunity to go into the restaurant industry with the purchase of two KFCs. Shamrock Company is born!

  • 1996

    Shamrock acquires its initial 10 Taco Bells from Taco Bell Corporate, expanding to two brands and forming Shamrock TBC. This is the start of its three-year trend of buying 10 restaurants per year.

  • 1997

    Shamrock grows its KFC portfolio, adding three new locations this year.

  • 1998

    Shamrock Company celebrates a milestone as it grows to a total of 30 Taco Bell locations throughout Illinois and Indiana.

  • 1999

    Shamrock’s KFC business grows again. The company acquires eight new restaurants!

  • 2006

    Three of Shamrock’s own are named KFC Best of the Best Managers!

  • 2010

    Shamrock Company enters the dual-branded KFC/Taco Bell business with the purchase of two locations in Sandwich, IL and Yorkville, IL. Three more of these restaurants are built in Lockport, Lemont and Lisle.

  • 2015

    Shamrock sells off Shamrock KFC, comprising 17 restaurants (KFCs and KFC/Taco Bells) to focus on its Taco Bell business.

  • 2018

    Steve’s son Dan returns to join Shamrock Company after attending West Point and serving as an officer in the U.S. Army. His father throws him right into the overnight shift!

  • 2020

    Dan takes over as president and CEO during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • 2021

    Dan proudly continues caring for Shamrock’s people like his father before him, promoting several of its own to Area Directors. Shamrock Company also experiences healthy sales growth through Taco Bell despite the impact of a global pandemic.

  • 2022

    Shamrock opens three new Taco Bell restaurants in Illinois: two in Aurora and one in Oak Lawn. Meanwhile, the company experiences loss with the sudden passing of beloved company founder, Steve.

  • 2023

    Shamrock expands to Wisconsin with the acquisition of six Taco Bells, also acquiring restaurants in Glen Ellyn, Hazel Crest, and Oak Forest, IL.

  • 2024

    Shamrock grows its portfolio to TWO strong brands, sweetening things up with the addition of its first four Dunkin’ Donuts locations in Grand Rapids, MI!

  • 2025

    Shamrock hits major milestones early — opening its 50th restaurant a year ahead of schedule with the Taco Bell in Lemont, IL, and launching a scholarship program that awards its first round of $5,000 scholarships.

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