McDonald’s first jobs fuel workforce skills, NJ economy

The basics:

• McDonald’s promotes first jobs as foundation for career skills
• 1 in 8 Americans have worked at the chain, building experience
• Company’s NJ impact includes $1.5B in GDP contribution, 19K jobs and $429M in taxes
• Programs like Archways to Opportunity support education and growth

From babysitting the neighbor’s kids to scooping ice cream to bussing tables, first jobs don’t usually get the credit they deserve. While most Americans opt not to include their very first gig on a resume or LinkedIn profile, that early work experience often winds up helping build career-shaping skills.

Though artificial intelligence is reshaping tasks, workflows and expectations across industries, experts believe abilities like communication, teamwork, and execution are traits that will withstand shifts in technology and job design.

With nearly 14,000 locations in the U.S. alone, McDonald’s is known for being many teens’ first job. It is also a place where many people remain employed well into their adulthood. In fact, a 2023 survey conducted by the fast-food giant revealed that 1 in 8 Americans – roughly 41 million people – currently or previously worked at a McDonald’s restaurant, making it an essential training ground to help the nation’s workforce develop skills and connections.

Some famous ‘1 in 8ers’

Just a few of the well-known figures who have had jobs under the Golden Arches include former television host Jay Leno, musician Shania Twain, actress Rachel McAdams, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, retired NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, former Vice President Kamala Harris, Olympic athlete Carl Lewis and playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Given the impressive roster of entertainers, business leaders and public figures who have worked there at some point, McDonald’s regularly touts itself as a launchpad into a wide range of careers as part of its “1 in 8” initiative celebrating former and current crew members.

The effort revolves around emphasizing transferable skills, career pathways and economic mobility that can come from working there. It also includes storytelling campaigns, mentorship programs, events, and networking opportunities designed to connect alumni and shows how early work experience at McDonald’s can open the door to a wide range of careers.

Raised on McDonald’s

PJ Fonseca, the owner of one of McDonald’s largest franchise groups in the New Jersey-New York region, is among millions of Americans whose background includes time behind the counter.  “Many 1 in 8ers, myself included, continue to grow within McDonald’s while others take those same skills to different careers. I’m proud to say we’ve valued those same skills throughout The Fonseca Group’s history, beginning with when my grandfather worked in the restaurants,” he said.

Though first jobs in the fast-food industry are often regarded as “just entry-level or temporary,” Fonseca said that couldn’t be further from the truth. “In reality, they’re foundational and lead to countless career growth opportunities. This role is where people learn how to show up on time, collaborate as part of a team, communicate with each other and customers, and so much more, all in a fast-paced environment,” he said. “There’s a misconception about the skills learned, too. These are highly transferable skills that carry into any career. Too often, there’s no recognition for the long-term value these roles provide in building confidence, discipline and career pathways.”

The third-generation McDonald’s owner-operator went on, “About 80% of new hires come in with less than a year of experience and get to build important skills that help them grow within our organization and beyond – from tech to health care, education and more. Crew members learn essential skills that today’s employers value the most, like responsibility, leadership, teamwork, communication and problem-solving,” he said.

“Many crew members use these same skills to work in diverse fields – I’ve seen it all at The Fonseca Group. Whether they advance within our organization and become a general manager, pivot to a career in education or entrepreneurship, or even apply to become a McDonald’s owner/operator, they take the foundational skills they learned with them,” Fonesca said.

Essential to success

Based in New Brunswick, The Fonseca Group employs more than 1,675 workers across 29 McDonald’s restaurants in New Jersey and New York. Locally, it runs outposts in East Brunswick, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, Edison, Piscataway, Jersey City, Monmouth Junction, Plainsboro and South Plainfield.

The family-run business began in 1980 with just four sites in Central Jersey and has since grown into a regional operator focused on supporting job creation, workforce development and long-term economic growth.

“First-job team members are essential to our success, bringing energy, adaptability and a willingness to learn, which strengthens our team culture and service quality. Many of our current supervisors and managers started in these roles, so investing in them early creates a strong internal pipeline of talent,” Fonseca explained.

“Beyond our restaurants, we’re helping develop a workforce with real-world skills – customer service, time management, accountability – that benefit the broader local economy as they grow into new roles and industries,” he explained.

Value feels

As New Jersey remains a competitive labor market, Fonseca said the company’s strategy for recruitment and retention revolves around focusing “on what we can control – creating a workplace where people feel valued and see opportunity.”

“That starts with flexibility in scheduling, which is critical for students and working families, and extends to clear pathways for growth. We invest heavily in training and promote from within whenever possible, so employees know this can be more than just a short-term job,” he said.

“We also provide a range of benefits, including Archways to Opportunity, McDonald’s signature education and career advising program where employees can earn a high school diploma, take ESL classes, qualify for tuition assistance, and receive free educational and career guidance from advisors,” he said.

While wage pressure, scheduling expectations and competition from other employers can affect recruitment, Fonseca said it varies by market.

“In places like Jersey City, where competition and cost of living are higher, candidates often compare multiple opportunities at once. In areas like Edison, proximity to home can be important. However, it all really comes down to how we build on and maintain our culture at The Fonseca Group, ensuring people feel respected, supported, and part of a team,” he said.

Running a ‘people-first operation’

Fonseca reported “great retention” within his organization, saying that many employees have gone on to advance into posts as “general managers and beyond.” He added that workers that leave the organization typically go on to “explore industries outside of the restaurant business altogether.”

As part of its mission to run a “people-first operation,” the group is focused on “creating clear growth opportunities – so employees see a path forward – and making sure every role is structured in a way that supports both the business and the individual,” he said.

“We are a local business that proudly invests in our people and employee development, so we regularly evolve benefits to keep employees engaged, supporting flexibility, and fostering opportunities for the future,” Fonseca said.

He highlighted initiatives such as the company’s Archways to Opportunity education and workforce development program that offers tuition assistance, career coaching and skills training for employees.

Through that initiative, many of The Fonseca Group’s team members “have graduated from high school or earned their undergraduate degree, allowing them to enhance their education and build new skills they can apply to their current roles or in new industries, benefiting the local economy,” he said.

On a local level

Fonseca noted that relationships with schools and community organizations play a role in building his group’s workforce, too.

“At McDonald’s, we are committed to supporting and working with the local communities around us, fostering ongoing relationships with local organizations and schools. We are always exploring opportunities to provide students in our community with countless possibilities and the resources they need to begin or further their career paths. These partnerships are incredibly important,” he said.

We are always exploring opportunities to provide students in our community with countless possibilities and the resources they need to begin or further their career paths.
– PJ Fonseca, owner, The Fonseca Group

“For many young people, this is their first introduction to the workforce, so partnerships with local schools and community groups help create that bridge. These relationships allow us to connect with talent early and provide a supportive entry point into the job market, where they can build those foundational career skills to take with them anywhere they go. It’s also a way for us to stay rooted in the community, because when we invest locally, we’re not just building our workforce; we’re contributing to long-term economic mobility in the areas we serve,” Fonseca went on.

“Authenticity is our foundation. We are committed to creating an environment where individuals are encouraged to grow through education, explore their passions, and confidently take on new challenges. We celebrate diversity, value every voice and foster open dialogue – because the best ideas come from people who feel seen, heard and empowered,” Fonseca said.

Economic engine in NJ

While McDonald’s may be best known for its Happy Meals and Big Macs, the chain is considered a quiet but powerful economic engine for New Jersey.

A recently released analysis by Oxford Economics found that the chain has a $1.5 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) contribution in New Jersey and a direct impact of more than $616 million. The Chicago-based corporation also supports roughly 19,000 jobs statewide and generates $429 million annually in federal, state and local taxes, the report said.

Here’s some other state-specific stats to chew on:

• With more than 250 locations in New Jersey operated by over 40 independent franchise groups, McDonald’s is the largest fast-food chain in New Jersey.
• Of the $366 million McDonald’s spent in the local supply chain in 2024, $43 million went toward the purchase of quality ingredients — including more than 5 million gallons of milk.
• More than 1 in 10 owner/operators began their careers as McDonald’s employees. Nearly 65% of the McDonald’s owner/operators represent as Asian, Black or Latino, or female.
• The company’s local workforce includes 12,500 direct positions such as crew members, managers and field staff. Another 6,800 are tied to supply chain activities and consumer spending. The company reported raising more than $1.3 million across New Jersey in 2024 to help support over 3,600 families who have children receiving medical care.
• Meanwhile, Archways to Opportunity provided more than $825,000 in tuition assistance to nearly 370 employees that year in the state, according to McDonald’s.

Across the U.S.

This data was part of a larger study commissioned by the company to examine its impact around the country. Overall, McDonald’s said it supports more than 1 million jobs and has a $73.3 billion impact on the U.S. economy.

In 2024, the chain spent more than $5.9 billion sourcing ingredients from farmers, suppliers and small businesses. That includes 671 million pounds of beef, 130 million pounds of cheese, 2.8 billion pounds of potatoes and 2.1 billion eggs.

McDonald’s also said it offered more than $25.8 million in tuition assistance to employees across the country through Archways to Opportunity and donated more than $230 million to Ronald McDonald House Charities.

McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger shared, “Being part of the everyday fabric of communities across America is both a privilege and a responsibility – and it’s one McDonald’s is dedicated to upholding.”