Stories from America’s Dining Room
Everyone has a McDonald’s story. As an employer of 1 in 8 Americans and a source of delicious food and memories for the U.S. population, McDonald’s holds a unique place in American society and has a positive impact on the American workforce.
Produced by two-time Academy Award-winning production company, Breakwater Studios, in association with McDonald’s, Stories from America’s Dining Room brings to life five powerful, real-world narratives that showcase McDonald’s role as a community connector and catalyst.
- The Napkin Playbook: In a Midwest city marked by hardship, five coaches meet at a McDonald’s in Akron, Ohio to draft a dream on the back of a napkin and igniting a youth football tradition that transforms their community one yard at a time. Directed by Kevin Wilson Jr, The Napkin Playbook follows Clarence Kaiser and four coaches as they come together to bring the Midwest Youth Football Classic to life.
- Desert Hotspot: In California’s Coachella Valley where opportunity is limited, and internet access even more so, promising student Alejandra Franco turns to an unexpected lifeline for her dreams: the Wi-Fi at McDonald’s. Desert Hotspot, directed by Fritz Bitsoie, takes on a journey of determination that leads Alejandra to a full-ride scholarship to USC – and ultimately to a PhD from Emory University.
Look out for the remaining films launching throughout 2026 - follow along on YouTube.
A Decade of Impact:
Celebrating 10 Years of Archways to Opportunity
Since 2015, Archways to Opportunity has helped 90,000+ crew members by providing the flexibility and financial support they need to further their education.
Kendall Hurns: Creative Entrepreneur, Former Crew & 1 in 8 Member
Designer, entrepreneur, and artist are just a few of Kendall Hurns' many titles. But perhaps the most relatable: former McDonald's Crew. What started as a part-time restaurant job evolved into a life-long membership, making Kendall Hurns a part of the 1 in 8.
Joy Frank-Silmon: McDonald’s Owner-Operator, Former Crew & 1 in 8 Member
When Joy Frank-Silmon started working at her father’s McDonald’s restaurant, she figured it was just another high school job. But twenty years later she returned to the Golden Arches – this time to take over the family business as an owner-operator.
Elizabeth Gomez: Surgical Technologist, Former Crew & 1 in 8 Member
Elizabeth Gomez discovered her calling to help others while working as a McDonald's crew member. Eventually trading in her spatula for a scalpel, she studied surgical technology through Archways to Opportunity and applies the same skills learned in the kitchen in the operating room.
Yenis Blanco: Student, Current Training Manager & 1 in 8 Member
After arriving in the U.S. from Central America, Yenis Blanco knew little English when she began working as a crew member. Now, she's a college student studying business through Archways to Opportunity and oversees the training programs at 15 McDonald's restaurants.
Arches & Ambition: The 1 in 8 Mentorship Program
A dynamic four-part YouTube series pairs four current Crew members with former McDonald’s employees who’ve gone on to make their mark in entrepreneurship, food, fashion, and sports.
Are You Part of the 1 in 8?
We want to hear from you, the Crew, who make up the 1 in 8. Tell us how McDonald's played a role in your journey.
