Our Story
The Dobskis’ Bloomington-Normal story begins in 1988. Bob and Julie Dobski, along with their four children, moved to the twin cities as the owners of several Central Illinois McDonald’s restaurants. Since then, Bob and Julie have become pillars of the community, having made numerous charitable donations and volunteering and serving as members of many committees, boards, and organizations. In 2013, they were named Philanthropists of the Year by the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation.
The Dobskis opened their first McDonald’s franchise in 1982 in Farmington, Missouri. In 2017, they retired from the McDonald’s franchises in Bloomington, Normal, McLean, and Gibson City. However, feeding Central Illinois is not the only impact the dynamic duo has made on the community.
In 2004, the Dobskis opened their first Little Jewels Learning Center, spearheaded by Julie. Little Jewels is a child development center dedicated to providing family-orientated child care in Bloomington-Normal. There are now three locations open in Bloomington-Normal, providing a place for families to feel connected and children to grow, learn, and experience opportunities to help make the world a better place.
They have given much of their time, effort, and resources to these two companies; however, they managed continued community support for the community that supports their businesses. Both have served as President of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce. Bob is a Trustee at Illinois State University, while Julie serves as a trustee at Holy Trinity Church. As a result of their contributions to their community, they were each honored with the McDonald’s People Award and the McDonald’s Ronald Award, two of the organization’s highest honors.
Since moving to Bloomington-Normal, Julie and Bob have started a local amateur theatre group called the One Nighters II. The Dobskis and friends serve meals monthly at Safe Harbor, and both have performed in the Holiday Spectacular and the Nutcracker for many years.
Julie and Bob have received numerous local honors, including Large Business of the Year and the prestigious Boy Scout Award.
They contribute much of their success to the support system around them, including friends, family, and of course, the wonderful employees that have helped establish their businesses over the years.
The Dobski’s are exciting to continue serving the community and invite you to dine at Rob Dob’s Restaurant & Bar.
