McDonald's in Latin America: Where Transparency Meets the Taste Test
October 03, 2025
In Latin America, McDonald’s franchisees, including Arcos Dorados (“Golden Arches”), the region’s largest operator and developmental licensee across 20 markets, have long prioritized transparency and food quality.
One standout initiative is the Open Doors Program, which invites guests behind the scenes to experience McDonald’s kitchens firsthand. From Argentina to Puerto Rico and Chile to Brazil, across Latin America the program offers a free 15-minute tour where guests over the age of five can get a front-row look at McDonald’s food preparation and safety practices, offering a transparent look at the business behind the counter.
What Happens on a McDonald’s Restaurant Tour?
After stepping behind the counter, guests are guided through everything from ingredient sourcing (like lettuce and beef patties sourced in-country) to rigorous food safety protocols.
It’s not just about showing off shiny fryers and spotless counters. The Open Doors program tours are an opportunity for customers in Latin America to not only see how their food is made but also learn more about how McDonald’s kitchens are run. It also gives restaurants a chance to share the pride behind every Big Mac®. Turns out, transparency is pretty tasty.
What’s On The Menu? Hint: It’s Trust
- 🥬 Lettuce sourced in-country
- 🍔 Beef sourced per the McDonald’s Deforestation-free Beef Procurement Policy
- 🔬 Safety protocols that ensure safety for food scientists
- ♻️ Sustainability efforts, from energy-efficient equipment to waste reduction strategies
The Good Stuff Starts Inside
Open Doors is more than a tour; it’s a delicious window into the heart of McDonald’s in Latin America that is open to all. Through the program, customers can see how the franchisees are actively committed to what matters most:
- Our Restaurants: Making sure restaurants are welcoming spaces run by top-tier teams who serve up memorable guest experiences with a smile (and maybe some fries).
- Our Food: Family-first menus that mix iconic favorites with exciting local twists and value.
- Our People: Arcos Dorados is redefining service culture and bringing warmth, humanity, and connection to every interaction.
To accelerate these practices, many franchisees, including Arcos Dorados, are leaning into the Four D’s: Drive-thru, Delivery, Digital, and Development. Through these four areas, guest experiences are modernized globally across Experience of the Future (EOTF) restaurants with sleek design upgrades and smart digital tools.
Behind the Counter, Beyond Expectations
By opening the doors (literally) to their kitchens, McDonald’s Latin American franchisees are walking the walk when it comes to accountability, quality, and community. It’s a bold move in an era where customers demand not just good food, but good values too. Arcos Dorados’ Latin American McDonald’s locations, like all McDonald’s restaurants globally, are serving both.
Haven’t taken the tour yet? There’s no secret handshake or VIP pass required. From Brazil to Argentina and beyond, just bring your curiosity (and maybe a craving for a Big Mac) and McDonald’s will take care of the rest. Tours are available year-round, and when it comes to food, and feel-good moments, we believe everyone deserves a seat at the table.