McDonald's Shares Eyebrow-Raising Stat About How Many People Have Worked There

McDonald's employee scooping fries.

Did you know that one in every eight Americans has worked at McDonald's at one point or another?

It's a massive number when you first read it, though when you think about the fact that McDonald's is a staple employer for many first-time teen workers, it does feel a little less shocking.

On Oct. 11, the fast-food chain announced a new initiative to honor current and former employees—an estimated 41,000,000, according to Today. Anyone falling in the one-in-eight statistic will gain access to special programming, exclusive events, mentorships with successful alumni, team reunions, and more.

“For 1 in 8 Americans, the McDonald’s restaurant experience offers critical life skills and creates opportunities for meaningful work and connections,” Tiffanie Boyd, senior vice president & chief people officer at McDonald’s, said in a statement. “Formally bringing this group together will give past and present crew members alike the chance to continue growing, building their networks and celebrating the special community they represent.”

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The group includes folks like astronaut Katya Echazarreta, Tony, Emmy and Grammy-award-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, Peloton's Cody Rigsby and countless others.

But while many took the skills they learned at McDonald's and shifted into other fields, others stayed and grew with the corporation. One example is Myra Doria, the company's U.S. national field president, who has been with the brand for nearly 40 years. “Reflecting back on my beginnings as a McDonald’s restaurant employee 38 years ago, I’m proud to be a part of an organization that roots for and supports its people,” she said. “It’s special to have experienced first-hand the doors that the Golden Arches can open for a person.”

But while McDonald's focuses on empowering its community, Taco Bell is busy throwing shade at the competitor.

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