McDonald’s is changing hands – Thank you to the Cummings family for 40 years of service to Ripley County

AMY DAVIDSON PHOTO

For nearly four decades, the Cummings family has served Ripley and Dearborn counties. Thirty years ago, the landscape at Versailles was forever changed when McDonald’s came to town. The corner of US 50 and US 421 was the spot. Ed Cummings, Sr. brought the fun food chain to Versailles and also owned the Batesville, Greendale and Lawrenceburg McDonald’s locations.

Ed Cummings, Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps and bought the franchises. He has been successful with all locations for the last 30 years and recently rebuilt the Batesville McDonald’s location. He is well involved with the community not just with his business. He has supported local schools, blood drives, food drives, coat drives and auctions for The Children’s Hospital. An employee stated to the Osgood Journal, “Ed is a great employer. He is not just a boss, he treats everyone like family.”

Fast forward, Ed Cummings met with the Osgood Journal last Thursday and said he was “hanging up his spatula.” As of May 1, 2024, Erica Shadoin, of Cincinnati, OH, is the new proud owner of McDonald’s locations in Batesville, Greendale, Lawrenceburg and Versailles. She currently owns 19 McDonald’s throughout Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati (West side) and is now ready to expand and cover Southeastern Indiana. Shadoin stated to the Osgood Journal, “I am very excited about having this opportunity but know I have some big shoes to fill of Ed Cummings.”

Shadoin told the Osgood Journal that her family, the Groens, and Cummings have had 50 years of family partnership which made her decision easier knowing the Cummings like family. Erica’s grandfather was even at the grand opening 40 years ago at the Versailles McDonald’s on August 9, 1994. There is great history there between families. Shadoin is a third-generation owner/operator following in the Groen and Cumming footsteps.

While the ownership is changing, Cummings told the Osgood Journal he feels secure with the new ownership since the families have known each other for generations. In concluding with the Osgood Journal, Ed Cummings said, “Thanks everyone for a great 30 years!”