McDonald’s franchisee Meoli signs DSU athletic sponsor deal

The Meoli Companies has signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with Delaware State University’s athletic programs, including its football team. | PHOTO COURTESY OF DSU

DOVER – Local McDonald’s franchisee The Meoli Companies has signed a multi-year athletic sponsorship deal with Delaware State University.

The agreement, which runs from the 2020 to 2023 athletic seasons, is the first such sponsorship deal in the historically Black university’s history. The financial terms of the deal announced Thursday were not disclosed.

Michael Meoli

“We’ve always believed in supporting the communities in which our restaurants operate,” said Michael Meoli, owner and operator of the franchise that runs 25 McDonald’s across the Delmarva Peninsula, in a statement announcing the deal. “Since purchasing the Dover McDonald’s restaurants last year, it has been our mission to find ways to engage with organizations like Delaware State University Athletics. These student-athletes are vital members of the community, and we are honored to be a part of their team.”

The multi-year sponsorship will support the university’s football, baseball, softball, and both men’s and women’s basketball programs. All of the teams compete in the NCAA Division I Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).

“We are excited to partner with The Meoli Companies and McDonald’s. Mike and Kelli Meoli are embedding themselves within the Dover community following their recent acquisition in our local market,” Delaware State University Athletics Director Scott Gines said in a statement. “We look forward to growing with the Meolis and McDonald’s as we mutually strengthen Hornets Athletics in ways that engage our communities through collegiate sport.”

As part of the sponsorship, The Meoli Companies will be inviting Hornets fans to visit its restaurants for deals and promotions throughout the year.