Inside McDonald’s Headquarters: Top 10 Can’t-Miss Features
October 28, 2025
While it’s no secret that McDonald’s serves up some of the world’s favorite burgers daily, our Chicago headquarters has an endless menu of exciting and exclusive features for corporate employees. From the test kitchen to Speedee Labs, our Happy Meal® toy wall to the employee gym, there’s something for everyone at McDonald’s Headquarters. After years in Oak Brook, Illinois, the new headquarters near downtown Chicago takes an innovative approach to design and operations. Take a (digital) walk through the halls of MHQ...and stay for a trip down to the McDonald’s Global Headquarters Restaurant.
McDonald’s Fan Store
Open exclusively to corporate employees, the Fan Store is stocked up with fan-favorite apparel and merchandise so that they can show off McDonald’s pride with a side of swag.
Happy Meal® Toy Wall
Ever wished there was a wall-to-wall display of all the Happy Meal® toys imaginable? Luckily for McDonald’s corporate employees, they don’t have to look far. Whether rushing to meetings or taking a lunch break at the McDonald’s Global Headquarters Restaurant, a nostalgic Happy Meal® toy is never far away and is always ready to brighten your day.
Hamburger University
No, Hamburger University isn’t where you earn your degree in flipping patties, it’s a global training center where McDonald’s franchisees and managers get a crash course on restaurant operations to ensure that the very best experience is served up across the globe.
Speedee Labs
We don’t just take pride in our burgers; we’re equally as passionate about innovation. Inside MHQ, Speedee Labs is an innovation center featuring everything from a drive-thru simulator to two full-sized restaurant floors all designed to find new ways to innovate the customer experience.
Work Café
Corporate employees can take a coffee break during their busy days under the arches in this amphitheater-style seating area in the Work Café. Here, they enjoy complimentary hot and cold beverages made in the Work Café and place orders through McDonald’s state-of-the-art digital kiosks.
Cloud 9 Gym
After a long day, corporate employees can enjoy a workout at the Cloud 9 Fitness gym, which includes a plethora of different equipment, private classes, and offers stunning views of Chicago’s West Loop from the 9th floor of MHQ.
McDonald’s Test Kitchen
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that it takes many months for our fabulous chefs in the Test Kitchen to try out, develop, and refine new recipes and menu items. In the Test Kitchen, innovation and ingenuity are always on the menu.
Notable Alumni Wall of Fame
So many people have played an instrumental role in shaping the Golden Arches, and these faces have earned their rightful place on the walls of McDonald’s Headquarters. From Lou Groen, creator of the Filet-O-Fish, to other pioneers who built the brand and menu over the years, their contributions are honored at MHQ.
Architecture
Nicknamed “In the Kitchen,” the large sculpture that hangs from the ceiling was designed by a local Chicago artist and includes thousands of pieces of restaurant equipment from fry baskets to tabletops. Sitting on one of the nearby sofas in front of our glowing golden walls is one of the best ways to take in the view.
McDonald’s Global Restaurant
Just around the corner from the main MHQ lobby is the Global Headquarters Restaurant. Guests can take an international trip via their tastebuds with a rotating list of menu items from McDonald’s restaurants around the world – from burgers served on baguettes to loaded fries. What’s better than traveling the world all from one restaurant?