Hamburger University: A History of McDonald's Training and Development

McDonald's, a global fast-food giant, owes much of its success to its commitment to training and development. At the heart of this commitment lies Hamburger University (HU), a global training center that teaches restaurant operation procedures of quality, service, cleanliness, and value. This article delves into the history, evolution, and significance of Hamburger University, exploring its impact on McDonald's and the broader landscape of corporate education.

The Genesis of Hamburger University

Hamburger University was founded in 1961 in the basement of a McDonald’s restaurant in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. The visionary behind this pioneering concept was Fred Turner, who started as a grill man for McDonald's and later became the company's CEO for 20 years. Turner's innovative approach to corporate education and training programs set a precedent for other businesses to follow.

The first graduating class in 1961 consisted of 14 students. Those who attended Hamburger University in its earliest days received hands-on instruction from Fred Turner and Ray Kroc. Ray Kroc, an Illinois native, bought McDonald’s in 1961 for $2.7 million and built it into the most profitable fast-food chain in the world.

Before Hamburger University, McDonald’s operators trained in stores using amateur film strips. While this method was cost-effective, it lacked the comprehensive training that employees needed. Kroc initially planned a $25,000 investment in employee skills, but the actual cost to launch the program reached $100,000-a substantial sum in 1961.

Evolution and Expansion

From its humble beginnings in a restaurant basement, Hamburger University has evolved into a groundbreaking educational facility. In 1968, McDonald’s opened a larger, $500,000 facility in Elk Grove. By 1983, a $40 million Hamburger University campus opened its doors on an 80-acre site in Oak Brook, Illinois. This sprawling facility included "Heritage Hall," a museum exhibit dedicated to the history of McDonald's.

Read also: Inside Hamburger University

McDonald’s introduced the new Mansard Roof Design in 1969 in Matteson, Illinois. Initially, many franchisees remodeled their existing Red and White buildings to reflect the new design. McDonaldland Parks (Play Places) and the Drive-Thru were added to the restaurant during the 1970s. McDonald’s restaurants feature designs that incorporate existing architecture and other unique features.

In June 2018, McDonald's Global Headquarters, along with Hamburger University, moved to a new complex at 1045 West Randolph Street in Chicago's West Loop, built on the former site of Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Studios. The new location occupies 490,000 square feet of the building.

Global Reach

Hamburger University's impact extends far beyond the United States. The fast-food chain opened its newest campus in Shanghai in 2010. Over the years, Hamburger University has expanded to include seven satellite campuses worldwide, located in Tokyo, London, Sydney, Munich, São Paulo, Shanghai, and Moscow. A faculty of 30 resident professors teach and communicate in 22 languages with the help of translators and technology.

The Curriculum

Despite the school’s name, its professors don’t teach the students how to flip patties. The curriculum at Hamburger University is designed to instruct personnel employed by McDonald's Corporation or by McDonald's Independent Franchisees in the various aspects of the business and operations of McDonald's. Students at the restaurant ownership level learn to successfully run a restaurant and report and analyze the books. Further education is necessary to become an executive to support the franchises and help them develop business skills and focus on leadership skills.

Specific courses include shift management, introduction to management and guest services, and a session known as GM Capstone. There are also training classes for other leaders. A typical day for a participant at Hamburger University involves building leadership capability, learning from peers and experts, and engaging in challenging scenarios that generate insights into their own styles, opportunities, and strengths.

Hamburgerology: The Bachelor's Degree

Students who complete the training at McDonald's Hamburger University receive a "Bachelor of Hamburgerology" diploma. Graduates of McDonald's Hamburger University receive a "Bachelor of Hamburgerology" diploma at the end of their two weeks of intensive training. The philosophy behind these degrees is serious, as each graduate is essentially running a multimillion-dollar business.

Students are graded on how they respond in simulations of actual scenarios that would take place within a restaurant, in addition to putting together a group presentation at the end of the course.

Hamburger University is a fundamental degree-granting institution, so much so that credits earned can be applied toward an associate's or bachelor's degree at other colleges and universities. Within the context of Hamburger University, students can earn 23 credits toward a degree in Hamburgerology. In many countries, including the USA, attendance and completion of the curricula translate into accreditation towards a higher education degree or a nationally recognized certification level. For example, programs in the USA help managers receive college credit for completion while in countries like the UK or Australia, they can receive certification towards a nationally recognized qualification.

Admission and Cost

Admission to Hamburger University is selective. Only eight students out of 1,000 applicants are selected for each term in some locations. Typically, independent franchise owners nominate people to attend. There are no academic requirements, but attendance is quite selective.

Costs for executing the programs at Hamburger University are shared between McDonald’s and its franchisees. As such, there are no costs for participants.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Impact and Influence

Hamburger University has played a significant role in the success and expansion of McDonald's. Many graduates hope to advance their McDonald’s careers by landing a leadership role in the company. With a degree, the graduate is confident and ready to support McDonald's employees, restaurant owners, and sales growth.

The program has produced numerous McDonald’s executives, including McDonald’s USA President Mike Andres. Overall, 40 percent of McDonald’s global leadership has attended HU. To date, Hamburger University has produced around 330,000 degree holders worldwide.

Hamburger University is not just a resource that the fast-food chain's franchise owners can take advantage of - it's actually mandatory. Franchise owners are required to be "fully trained in its core Restaurant Leadership Curriculum" before being able to actually "own and operate" a McDonald's restaurant.

Hamburger University in Popular Culture

McDonald's Hamburger University has not only provided opportunities and education to thousands of the company's employees over the years, it's also served as the inspiration for a movie: the 1986 cult comedy Hamburger: The Motion Picture.

Other Initiatives

McDonald’s is among the biggest employers in the world, a multinational company with countless opportunities for leadership and career development. Most of these opportunities require enrollment in Hamburger University, the intensive five-day crash course education in management, leadership, and company culture.

McDonald’s sponsors a number of scholarship and tuition assistance programs aimed at helping its employees and community members make the leap into accredited two- and four-year colleges. These include:

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund: Provides financial assistance to outstanding students attending one of the 47 publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI) within the TMCF member-school network.
Archways to Opportunity: Helps McDonald’s employees working at participating restaurants so that they can earn a high school diploma, receive college tuition assistance, access free education and career advising services, and learn English as a second language.

McDonald’s estimates that it has increased education access for more than 38,500 employees, awarding over $58 million in overall tuition assistance.

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