Reginald Webb, entrepreneur and philanthropist, passes away

Overview: Reginald Webb, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, passed away in his sleep on July 20. Webb, the founder and CEO of Webb Family Enterprises, Inc., owned more than 15 McDonald’s restaurants and provided employment to over 1,100 residents across Southern California. Webb was honored with the 365Black award from McDonald’s in 2004. His philanthropic work did not go unnoticed. He received an Honorary Doctors of Humane Letters degree from Cal State San Bernardino in 2021 and was named Philanthropic Honorees for their work helping others in the community in 2022.

S. E. Williams

In a touching memo, the family of Inland Empire entrepreneur Reggie Webb, apprised the community of his passing. Webb passed away in his sleep on Saturday, July 20.

To write Webb down in history as only an entrepreneur would grossly under define the significance of his impact to the African American community across the country, the inland region and Southern California. Webb, the founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Webb Family Enterprises, Inc., was the owner of 16 McDonald’s restaurants that provided employment to more than 1,100 residents  across Southern California.  

As noted in a memo by Webb’s family, “His entire life was in service to building communities where everyone had an equitable place at the table. . .” In his “striving to achieve parity,” in a nation where issues related to parity remain at the forefront of the fight for economic justice, he created employment and career opportunities for the underserved.

Webb was born in South Bend, Indiana, on March 25, 1948. He spent one year in 1958, living in the South with his great-grandparents helping on their farm. The following year, he moved with his grandmother to California where they settled in South Central Los Angeles. 

Later, while attending Manual Arts High School, Webb was mentored by the family minister and also by an elderly friend of his grandmother’s who happened to be Jewish.  After high school, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard. Subsequent to his service and an honorable discharge, he attended California State University, Los Angeles.

As a college student he focused on political science and became involved with the War on Poverty. The War on Poverty, is the unofficial name for legislation introduced by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. The legislation was in response to the national poverty rate that at that time hovered around 19%. 

Webb eventually joined the McDonald’s team and in the 1970’s, moved to its corporate division after spending time as a trainer in its restaurants. Concurrent with this move, he became part of the company’s accelerated management program. He went on to hold numerous positions with the company before  becoming a franchise owner in 1985. His first two franchises were opened in the city of Pomona. 

Webb’s status as a McDonald’s franchise owner was just part of his presence and influence with the fast food giant. He served as chairman of the National Leadership Council for McDonald’s owner/operators. This group included about 11,000 of the nation’s 13,000 McDonald’s restaurants. Webb was also chairman and CEO of the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association from 1994 to 1997. In this position he was very effective in helping more Blacks become franchise owners in their own right. For these efforts, Webb was honored with the 365Black award from McDonald’s in 2004.

His concern for others, as  demonstrated by his leadership with the National Black McDonald’s Operations Association, flowed over to the community at large. His philanthropic work did not go unnoticed. In 2021, Webb and his wife René were recipients of Cal State San Bernardino’s Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters. “Through their company, Reginald and René supported various early entrepreneurs and created a community of successful individuals, which in turn helps elevate the quality of people’s lives in our region,” said CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales when the honor was announced.

This recognition was followed in 2022, when the Association of Fundraising Professionals Inland Empire Chapter named Reggie and René  Philanthropic Honorees for their work helping others in the community.

Over the years, Webb served on multiple boards. He was a member of the University of La Verne’s board of trustees; the Los Angeles Urban League; Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center; Los Angeles County Fair Association; McDonald’s of Hawaii; and the Ronald McDonald Children Charities. 

As noted by his family, “Reginald was a beacon of strength, a loving husband, father, and a true leader. His life was a testament to the power of love and the impact one person can have on so many.” 

In the coming days/weeks, the family will honor and celebrate Webb’s extraordinary life. There will be more information to follow.  The family is requesting that those who knew him, assist in creating “a beautiful tribute to Reginald.” You are invited to share your memories, stories, and heartfelt messages. Please use the following link to contribute to the video collage. As noted by the Webb family, “Your words will help us celebrate his life and keep his spirit alive in our hearts.”