Comedian Chris Redd explains how McDonald’s influenced his work ethic, interview

Long before he won an Emmy for Saturday Night Live or stood on a stage making people laugh, Chris Redd mastered another task that brings smiles to people’s faces. He learned the secret to making the perfect McDonald’s fries. As a proud member of the 1 in 8ers, Redd shared how being a member of the McDonald’s employees crew history shaped his work ethic.

The number might seem staggering, but it is true. 1 in 8 people have worked at McDonald’s. From Vice President Kamala Harris to celebrated chef Kwame Onwuachi, these famous faces and a multitude of others have mastered the Big Mac and served numerous Happy Meals.

Chris Redd is a member of that group. During high school, he made the short walk after class to his local McDonald’s, clocked in, and helped to fulfill orders. Today, he makes people smile on a much larger stage. Still, that first job influenced him.

Redd joined other 1 in 8ers at a special McDonald’s Employees Only event. Ahead of the event, Redd graciously spent a few moments speaking with me about his experience being a McDonald’s employee, how comedy can bridge divides, and a fry hack that is a must try.

For many people, that first job is more than earning a paycheck.  For Redd, reflecting on his McDonald’s employment created a sense of responsibility.

He said, “I think there’s a difference between your parents talking to you about responsibility or talking to you about work ethic and putting it into practice. I think that changes how you take the information and how it affects you. While I had some difficulties in school, it was reassuring to know when I went to a job where I could put hard work into practice, earn money, get good feedback, and validation, I benefited from it. My time at McDonald’s reinforced that work ethic early.”

The special Employees Only event brought together all types of people who share a connection over that fast food experience. As Redd shared, “I think finding ways to connect is really important. We’ve been focusing on everything that makes us different and divided. Finding more of these connecting points is good energy and hopefully more people catch on.”

While food connects people at the table and beyond, Redd appreciates that comedy can be a way for people to deal with issues. He said, “comedy is the way I have dealt with issues or difficult things. It has healed a room full of people. People look at comics and actors to give them a moment of escapism and even see a new perspective on harder topics.”

Although a good laugh can bring some lightness to a dark day, enjoying a favorite meal can be that bright spot, too. Since Redd has some experience with cooking the perfect McDonald’s fries, he shared his secret. According to him, ask for fries without salt. With that request, the fries are always made hot and fresh. After all, those World Famous Fries are a must with any McDonald’s order.

Redd has many projects on his plate. The SNL alum has his Netflix series Resurrected Rides, comedy shows, and an upcoming album. Fans of that infamous SNL song, “Come Back, Barack” are anticipating the next great ballad.

While Redd might have come a long way from working at the Naperville, Illinois McDonald’s, he appreciates that the lessons learned in the restaurant provided a foundation for his success. The Employees Only community and conversation is about creating those connections. If he can inspire other 1 in 8ers or encourage others to appreciate the benefits from that first job, the McDonald’s program has succeeded.

What does Chris Redd want people to know about working at McDonald’s. It is simple. He said, “you are learning the fundamentals that you need for any job. People are going to teach you and you will get some work ethic.” From there, anything is possible.

McDonald’s will be hosting 1 in 8 Employees Only events over the next several months. For more information on the program or to share your own 1 in 8 story, please visit www.McDonalds1in8.com.