For 1 in 8 Americans, a job at McDonald’s offers far more than just serving burgers and fries. It’s about joining a unique community and gaining skills that help propel careers forward. Over 70% of McDonald’s crew members—both past and present—report that working at the Golden Arches taught them key skills, such as communication, teamwork, reliability, and leadership. Nearly half say their experience at McDonald’s opened doors to opportunities they wouldn’t have had otherwise.
McDonald’s recognizes its crew as the heart and soul of the brand, celebrating their efforts to make every day a bit brighter for customers.
Today, McDonald’s launched Employees Only, an exclusive event series celebrating the contributions of the “1 in 8” alumni. These events offer both current and former crew members access to mentorship, inspiring stories, and networking opportunities with successful alumni. The Employees Only name pays tribute to the iconic “Employees Only” doors in McDonald’s restaurants, symbolizing the unique experiences that take place behind them—experiences that unlock essential career skills and endless possibilities.
The inaugural event was held in Chicago, McDonald’s hometown, and featured a star-studded lineup of 1 in 8 alumni, including:
- Chris Redd, comedian and SNL alum, who delivered a stand-up performance inspired by his time as a McDonald’s crew member. Chris shared how his experiences at McDonald’s instilled the drive and work ethic that fueled his comedy career.
- Kwame Onwuachi, a James Beard award-winning chef, who hosted a live cooking demonstration, adding his Afro-Caribbean twist to McDonald’s sauces. Kwame highlighted how running a McDonald’s kitchen helped him achieve culinary success.
- Clarissa Molina, actress, TV host, and Emmy Award winner, inspired attendees as she shared how her McDonald’s job prepared her for success, including becoming Miss Dominican Republic and placing in the Top 6 of Miss Universe.
Chris, Kwame, and Clarissa also participated in a panel discussion with fellow 1 in 8ers, Faith Taylor, an Archways to Opportunity graduate, and Gianna Funkhouser, a franchise owner. During this Fryside Chat, they reflected on their career journeys and the profound impact McDonald’s had on their lives.
“People are often surprised when they learn one of my first jobs was at McDonald’s,” said Chris Redd. “But when I look back, I remember how McDonald’s had my back. Through those Employees Only doors, I learned the value of hard work, something you need to succeed in any profession.”
In addition to networking and mentorship, attendees enjoyed various activities such as professional headshots, touring a crew uniform exhibit, participating in a skills challenge, and picking up exclusive merchandise.
“We’ve heard from many of the 1 in 8 about the pride they feel being part of this community,” said Alma Anguiano, U.S. National Field People Officer at McDonald’s and a fellow 1 in 8er. “Employees Only is one way we’re continuing to connect past and present crew members, providing them with unique opportunities, including mentorships with accomplished alumni.”
The Employees Only series builds on past crew-exclusive experiences, such as Thank You Crew and Homecoming events, all designed to help members grow personally and professionally. In the coming months, the series will expand to cities like San Diego and Washington D.C., offering more opportunities for 1 in 8ers to connect, share, and thrive.
