Former and current McDonald's employees are getting the best Happy Meal.
According to the fast-food chain, 1 in 8 Americans has worked in one of its stores, a statistic that McDonald's has turned into a club of its own. “8 in 1” club (aka The Crew), with a website for members to officially connect with each other.
Now, the Golden Arches is launching a series of special events for past and present crew members.
The event, which kicked off with a pop-up in Chicago on Tuesday, is the first event series of its kind for Employees Only celebrating its employees.
“We've heard from 1 in 8 members that they feel a sense of pride in being part of this exclusive club and the shared experiences that a job at McDonald's brings,” said Alma Angiano, U.S. National Field People Officer at McDonald's and 1 in 8 8er, said in a statement,
“The employee is just one example of our continued commitment to connecting past and present crew members, providing them with special opportunities such as mentorship with notable alumni who have made an impact in the world, and much more.”
The event featured a star-studded lineup of former McDonald's employees who spoke in a question-and-answer session with attendees at a “Fryside Chat” panel about their career journeys, what it was like being a part of the 1 in 8 What is the meaning and importance of working at McDonald's. A role in their success.
Comedian and “Saturday Night Live” alumnus Chris Redd explains how his two stints at McDonald's gave him the inspiration and work ethic for his comedy career. He even performed a stand-up set inspired by his time as a Golden Arches crew member.
“These days, people are surprised to hear that my first job was at McDonald's,” said Redd, 39. “When I think back to that time, I remember that McDonald's always supported me. Once I walked through those staff doors, I learned what it means to put a real work ethic into practice, which is necessary to survive as a comedian, or really in any profession. .
James Beard Award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi was also in attendance and discussed how the skills he gained from working at McDonald's – including running a kitchen – helped accelerate his culinary stardom.
Actress, TV host and Emmy Award winner Clarissa Molina explains how her time at McDonald's helped her become Miss Dominican Republic 2015, place in the Top 6 at Miss Universe, and win Nuestra Belleza Latina VIP in 2017.
In addition to hearing from notable members of 1 of 8, attendees were able to get professional headshots, tour a historic uniform exhibit displaying crew costumes over the years, participate in a friendly skills challenge, and receive an exclusive merchandise But had the opportunity to get limited-edition swag. station.
The title, Employees Only, is a nod to the doors you see at McDonald's locations – or any restaurant you visit – that mark the backstage area for customers.
“What happens behind these doors is more than you can imagine – it's a unique shared experience that unlocks vital skills and opportunities to harness infinite career possibilities,” McDonald shared in a press release.
A survey from the series found that more than 70% of past and present crew members claimed that McDonald's was the place where they learned important skills – such as communication, collaboration, dependability and leadership – and nearly half said that their job at the Golden Arches helped them learn such skills. Created opportunities that they might not have had otherwise.
The employee-only series will continue in more cities across the country, including Washington DC and San Diego, over the next several months.
