If you’ve been thinking about a new job or just noticed fewer people lining up at your local McDonald’s, here’s something big you should know. After facing its biggest sales drop since the pandemic, McDonald’s has decided to take a bold step: it’s opening 900 new restaurants across the United States by 2027 and hiring up to 375,000 new workers this summer.
A response to a tough sales year
McDonald’s saw a 3.6% drop in comparable-store sales in the U.S.—its steepest decline since 2020. Instead of pulling back, the company is going all in. U.S. President of McDonald’s, Joe Erlinger, made the announcement this week during a visit to a McDonald’s in Columbus, Ohio. He was joined by U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who praised the plan as a move that will boost local economies and create long-term opportunity.
“McDonald’s is creating a ripple effect of prosperity for our workers, communities, and the economy,” said Chavez-DeRemer.
Where the jobs are coming
With 13,500 restaurants already operating in the country, the addition of 900 more means McDonald’s is about to become even more present in your neighborhood. While the exact cities haven’t been listed yet, the hiring push is already underway. The 375,000 new roles—everything from kitchen crew to management—are mostly permanent positions.
Even with high turnover in the fast food world, McDonald’s doesn’t expect its U.S. workforce to go over 1.1 million people by the end of the summer. Still, this will be the company’s biggest hiring wave since it brought on 260,000 employees during the post-COVID reopening in 2020.
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More than just a job
Erlinger reflected on his own time working in the restaurants, reminding people that a job at McDonald’s can be the start of something big.
“Team members are the soul of this brand,” he said. “Putting on an apron for a shift at McDonald’s is the beginning of developing skills that will serve you a lifetime.”
McDonald’s also wants you to know this isn’t just about flipping burgers. Michael Gonda, Senior VP and Chief Impact Officer, emphasized that behind every job is a chance to build a future.
“McDonald’s is more than a restaurant: it’s a door to the future for many,” Gonda said. Whether it’s saving for school, learning time management, or gaining leadership skills, there’s more happening behind the counter than most people realize.
A 70-year legacy and still growing
This expansion lines up with McDonald’s 70th anniversary and 10 years of its Archways to Opportunity program, which helps employees pursue education and career growth.
So if you’re looking for work—or know someone who is—McDonald’s could be worth a look. With thousands of locations hiring and a focus on opportunity, the golden arches might just be the door to your next chapter.
