McDonald’s USA marked a significant new tradition by celebrating the “1 in 8 Day”, honouring the fact that one in every eight Americans has worked at a McDonald’s restaurant at some point in their lives, representing over 40 million people nationwide and underscoring the company’s cultural significance.

The celebration, which takes place annually on the 8th of January, is designed to recognise not just the volume of people who have worked for the company but the unique skills, experience, and community impact they’ve had far beyond the restaurant walls. McDonald’s leaders describe crew members as the “heartbeat” of the brand, crediting them with helping to define what it means to work for the company.

The program features a new four-part YouTube content series and introduces Chef John Liu as McDonald’s newest AAPI ambassador, spotlighting his role and involvement in the initiative.

In conjunction with the launch of 1 in 8 Day, McDonald’s also introduced Arches & Ambition: The 1 in 8 Mentorship Program. This is a new initiative aimed at amplifying the long‑term career paths that begin within the company. The program pairs current crew members with former employees who have gone on to find success in fields ranging from entrepreneurship to the arts, sports, and corporate leadership.

Through storytelling, mentoring, and shared experience, the initiative highlights the transferable life skills cultivated through crew work, such as teamwork, leadership, problem‑solving, and resilience.

Notable mentor-mentee connections includes:

• Jade Colin, one of the youngest Black women to own a McDonald’s franchise, mentored Justin Hicks, a current McDonald’s manager and aspiring entrepreneur, on strategies to grow and make a positive impact within New Orleans’ business community.
• Chef John Liu, owner of Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognised restaurants Chifa and Arroz & Fun. He collaborated with mentee Abigial “Abby” Robles, a McDonald’s manager and local small‑business baker in LA. Their mentorship culminated in Abby serving as Chef Liu’s sous chef for a special 1 in 8 luncheon at Chifa.
• Fashion designer and stylist Tamy Idrobo partnered with Chicago-based crew member and aspiring actress Marie Perez for a creative styling session.
• Professional BMX athlete and creative director Nigel Sylvester guided fellow Queens native Brijanna Crawford, a photographer and current Crew trainer, through the creative development of his McDonald’s merchandise line, Employee of the Month, inspired by the 1 in 8 movement.

Activities for 1 in 8 Day span coast to coast, with local restaurants hosting recognition events, spotlighting individual crew achievements, and inviting community members to celebrate alongside workers.

McDonald’s says the broader goal of the initiative is to foster connection and pride among those who’ve formed part of the brand’s legacy, as well as elevating the voices and experiences of crew members themselves. Thus, the company aims to reaffirm its commitment to the communities where its restaurants operate.

Watch the rest of the Arches & Ambition series here.