McDonald’s Announces Major Summer Hiring Spree Amid Expansion Plans

McDonald’s is gearing up for a significant hiring initiative this summer, with plans to onboard up to 375,000 new employees at its restaurants across the United States. The fast-food giant unveiled its ambitious recruitment drive on May 12th, signaling a major push to bolster its workforce as it embarks on a period of expansion.

The announcement was made at a McDonald’s restaurant in Ohio, with McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger taking center stage alongside prominent figures, including U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel. The presence of these high-profile officials underscored the significance of McDonald’s hiring initiative for the American economy.

According to a press release issued by the company, this summer’s hiring blitz represents one of the largest recruitment efforts undertaken by McDonald’s in recent years. The move coincides with the company’s ambitious goal to expand its restaurant footprint to a total of 50,000 locations by 2027. This expansion plan entails the addition of 900 new restaurants over the next two years, requiring a substantial influx of new employees to staff these locations.

Joe Erlinger emphasized the vital role of McDonald’s employees in the company’s success. "I often think about the time I spent working in our restaurants as a General Manager, and it was immediately clear that crew members are the heart and soul of this brand," Erlinger stated in the press release, highlighting the importance of frontline workers in delivering the McDonald’s experience to customers.

McDonald’s stands as the leading chain restaurant in the United States, generating over $53 billion in sales in 2023, according to Statista. The company’s global workforce is estimated at nearly two million people, making it one of the world’s largest employers. In the United States alone, McDonald’s estimates that one in eight people have worked in one of its restaurants at some point in their lives, showcasing the company’s far-reaching impact on the American workforce.

Despite its massive employment numbers, McDonald’s, like many fast-food chains, is known to have a high employee turnover rate. USA TODAY has reached out to McDonald’s for further details on its turnover rate, as retaining employees in the fast-paced and demanding fast-food industry remains a significant challenge.

In response to McDonald’s announcement, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer took to social media platform X to express her support. She stated that the company "is sparking a ripple effect of economic prosperity for our workers, communities, and economy. Thanks to @POTUS’ leadership, the Golden Age is here." Chavez-DeRemer also spoke at the press conference in Ohio, where she touted McDonald’s as "the best first job." Her remarks reflect the government’s perspective on McDonald’s as a key employer that provides entry-level job opportunities for many Americans.

It’s worth noting that McDonald’s has occasionally been a backdrop for political figures. Last year, during his election campaign, former President Donald Trump worked a drive-thru at a McDonald’s restaurant in Pennsylvania, illustrating the company’s presence in the everyday lives of Americans.

Melina Khan, a trending reporter covering national news for USA TODAY, authored the initial report on McDonald’s hiring announcement. She can be reached at [email protected].

McDonald’s summer hiring initiative highlights the ongoing demand for workers in the fast-food industry and the company’s commitment to expanding its operations. The company’s efforts to recruit and retain employees will be critical to its continued success in the highly competitive fast-food market. The ripple effects of this hiring spree will extend to communities across the nation, providing employment opportunities for individuals seeking entry-level positions and contributing to the overall economic landscape. As McDonald’s continues to evolve and adapt to changing consumer preferences, its workforce will remain a crucial component of its brand identity and operational efficiency. The company’s ability to attract and retain talent will ultimately determine its ability to achieve its ambitious expansion goals and maintain its position as the leading chain restaurant in the United States. The announced hiring spree is not just about filling positions; it’s about investing in the future of the company and the communities it serves.