#USA #McDonald's #Chicago #Ambition #Arches

McDonald's Celebrates '1 in 8 Day'

On January 8, McDonald's introduced '1 in 8 Day', designed to honor the millions of current and former team members who have contributed to the brand's iconic status over the past 70 years. Did you know that one in every eight Americans has worked at a McDonald's restaurant?

This statistic isn't just a number; it represents a shared experience that quietly connects over 40 million people across the United States. McDonald's seeks to highlight this community through a series of events held nationwide, recognizing team members and offering local promotions to celebrate their contributions. The celebrations include recognition events at restaurants and opportunities for customers to join in the festivities, making it a day to honor the skills and experiences that team members have gained during their journeys under the Golden Arches.

Skills Beyond the Counter

The essence of this occasion is to spotlight the valuable skills honed by team members while working at McDonald's. These skills—learning to work purposefully, thinking on their feet, and mastering the art of maintaining composure during the busiest lunch hours—often extend into their future career endeavors. McDonald's emphasizes that these experiences serve as foundational pillars that transform ambition into achievement.

Arches and Ambition Mentorship Program

As part of the '1 in 8 Day' celebration, McDonald's also launched the 'Arches and Ambition' mentorship program. This initiative features a four-part video series on YouTube that showcases the stories of four team members who experienced one-on-one mentorship with successful McDonald's alumni. These mentors have made significant impacts in various fields, including entrepreneurship, culinary arts, fashion, and sports.

1. New Orleans: Jade Colin, a young black woman and owner/operator of a McDonald's franchise, served as a mentor to Justin Hicks, a current manager and aspiring entrepreneur, helping him navigate and contribute to the city's business community.
2. Los Angeles: Chef John Liu, owner of award-winning restaurants, mentored current manager Abby Robles, allowing her to experience a special lunch collaboration between her bakery and his restaurant for '1 in 8 Day'.
3. Milwaukee: Fashion designer Tamy Idrobo connected with Marie Pérez, an aspiring actress and Chicago team member, to discuss the parallels between their artistic expressions and their work experiences.
4. Queens: Professional BMX athlete Nigel Sylvester mentored Brijanna Crawford, a native New Yorker and current team coach, on the creative process behind launching a product line inspired by the '1 in 8 Day' spirit.

Each story underscores a powerful truth: when ambition meets essential skills and a supportive community, the possibilities are limitless.

Gratitude and Community Support

Myra Doria, President of McDonald's USA, remarked, "Everyone has ambitions, and I take pride in being part of a brand that facilitates opportunities for our team members to realize those ambitions. Initiatives like 'Arches and Ambition' connect current team members with successful alumni who have walked similar paths and achieved their dreams."

To encourage support for the team that serves you, there are several ways to show appreciation:

• - Watch and share the mentorship videos from the 'Arches and Ambition' series on YouTube.
• - Share your story on social media using the hashtag #1in8Day, showing the world that you are part of the one in eight.
• - Visit your local McDonald's restaurant and offer a 'nugget' of thanks to your team for all they do.

About McDonald's

McDonald's USA, LLC, provides customers daily with a vast array of menu options made from high-quality ingredients. Approximately 95% of the 13,500 McDonald's restaurants in the U.S. are owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs. For more information, visit McDonald's website and follow them on social media on X, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.