I recently had the pleasure of being invited to #BrunchwithBMOA at the new McDonald’s Headquarters in Chicago’s West Loop area. It was a great behind the scenes tour which included an opportunity for me to work in their test kitchen! Not only were we able to experience the behind the scenes, we were also able to find out more about the work that #BMOA does in the Chicagoland community. Just let me say that they do some amazing work. That was an experience I will never forget.
The workspace is an awesome concept with no offices and a variety of different configurations and locations throughout the building for your to work. What an awesome opportunity to have so many options when it comes to where you want to work when you want to. There were lockers located throughout the building (for those who were wondering where you placed personal items). There are 9 floors in the building including a rooftop bar, so there are a great deal of options available for where you can work. For more about the workspace see the blog McDonalds Relocates their Headquarters.
The day started with food. Of course it’s McDonald’s. There were a variety of options available, from a concept sandwich sold in the UK with hash browns, bacon, egg and sausage on a tortilla, to yogurt parfaits and create your own McMuffins. There was also juice and water. Coffee was available at one of several drink stations located throughout the building. Needless to say we ate well. But that wasn’t it.
Another part of our tour was a meeting with one of the chef’s in the test kitchen. We were able to see the layout of the McDonalds’s kitchen and then we were able to create a concept sandwich that is still in the development phase. So technically we were product testers for a potential new menu item that may be in restaurants soon.
There were so many artifacts and memorabilia to see from the Happy Meal wall, which showcased every toy that was ever available in a Happy Meal, to the interactive displays. There was also a historical area where we were able to experience some of McDonald’s first such as the First African American Owner/Operator, Herman Petty. There is a McDonald’s restaurant on the first floor of the building which showcases global offerings on their menu. The menu offerings change every three months. This location also as a small private room for rent.
The tour was an exciting experience. To go behind the scenes in one of the most recognized restaurants in the world was a pleasure. I am thankful to the Black McDonald’s Owners Association for the opportunity as well as the swag. More importantly for the ability to have the VIP behind the scenes experience. Now to go back and try some of the items on the global menu.
Now in the next post I will share something I learned while on the tour. How you can eat three meals at McDonald’s and remain under 1500 calories for the day. Yes you can have McDonald’s all day and maybe not gain any weight.
Be Blessed, Be Fabulous!
This Single Sole 