Tim and Terri Skubitz Prioritize Philanthropy at Rathdrum McDonald’s

“Tim and Terri Skubitz haven’t spent nearly five decades with McDonald’s for the food alone.”

The couple behind multiple McDonald’s restaurants in the Inland Northwest are marking business growth with community-minded events and fundraising efforts, including a new location at 4163 E. Poleline Ave. in Post Falls that will feature a first-responder celebration and a donation to the Red and Blue Foundation.

Terri’s involvement with McDonald’s began 46 years ago when she took a crew job at a Seattle-area restaurant, earning $3.35 an hour. Her experience shaped a people-first approach to the business. “It’s a people business,” Terri said. “Any job is an opportunity,” she added, “What you do with it is what matters.” Tim and Terri advanced into management roles and crossed paths in 1985 while serving as general and assistant managers at a south Seattle restaurant. The couple moved to the Inland Northwest in 2002 and acquired the Rathdrum McDonald’s after that move.

The Rathdrum restaurant has become an anchor for local philanthropy through an annual McTeacher’s Night that pairs teachers with behind-the-counter roles to serve customers. The event is designed to connect students with educators in a new setting; “The kids get so excited to see their teachers outside of the school environment,” Tim said with a laugh. Since 2003, the Rathdrum McTeacher’s Night has raised over $47,000 for the Lakeland Joint School District. Across all participating restaurants in the Skubitzes’ portfolio, the fundraiser has brought in more than $92,000.

Their newest Post Falls location will open with community recognition baked into the launch. The grand opening will include a celebration honoring first responders from 4 to 6 p.m., and the location will make a donation to the Red and Blue Foundation. Terri framed the decision to honor first responders in personal terms: “They are the guardians of our community,” she said. “We want to say thank you and recognize the service they provide.”

A photograph accompanying coverage shows Tim and Terri reviewing blueprints for the Post Falls restaurant. Photo caption: “Tim and Terri Skubitz go over blueprints for their newest McDonald’s restaurant in Post Falls.” Photo credit: HAILEY HILL/Press.

For Kootenai County residents, the Skubitzes’ approach ties everyday commerce to local priorities: classrooms receive steady fundraising support and first responders are publicly thanked at a high-profile business opening. Details about the calendar date for the Poleline grand opening were not provided; community members interested in attending the first-responder celebration or supporting McTeacher’s Night should watch local announcements for the confirmed schedule and any additional ways to participate.