Hamburger University

McDonald’s Center of Training Excellence

Since its inception, training at Hamburger University has emphasized consistent restaurant operations procedures, service, quality and cleanliness. It has become the company’s global center of excellence for McDonald’s operations training and leadership development.

In 1961, Fred Turner, McDonald’s former senior chairman and Ray Kroc’s first grillman, founded Hamburger University in the basement of a McDonald’s restaurant in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.

• February 24, 1961, Hamburger University's first class of 14 students graduated 

• Today, more than 5,000 students attend Hamburger University each year 

• Since 1961, more than 80,000 restaurant managers, mid-managers and owner/operators have graduated from this facility

At McDonald’s, our training mission is to be the best talent developer of people with the most committed individuals to Quality, Service, Cleanliness and Value (QSC&V) in the world. Our strong commitment to the training and development of our People has resulted in many “firsts” and honors, including being…

• The first restaurant company to develop a global training center

• The only active QSR currently to receive college credit recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE), the United States’ oldest and most recognized unifying body for higher education

• Continually recognized for excellence in training

Our founder Ray Kroc once said, “If we are going to go anywhere, we’ve got to have talent. And, I’m going to put my money in talent.” Hamburger University continues to promote that philosophy, everyday.

• Our Students

• Our College Degree Program

• Our Curriculum

• Our Facility