Did you know that among McD’s beef suppliers is one of the largest Hispanic-owned protein businesses in the U.S.?

When you think of McDonald’s, one of first things that pops into your head is our classic burgers... but did you know that one of the suppliers behind the fan-favorite beef patties is one of the largest Hispanic-owned protein businesses in the US?

Lopez Dorada, who has a rich history rooted in the meatpacking industry, produces 100% USDA-inspected beef patties with no additives or preservatives for McDonald’s. Under Chairman Ed Sanchez’s leadership, the company has grown into a leader in the food industry. Ed attributes this success to a commitment to food safety, innovation, and quality, as well as showing up in the communities they serve to make an impact.

As a former McDonald’s crew member, Ed has a unique perspective into the McDonald’s System and how suppliers like Lopez Dorada power our restaurants. Like 1 in 8 Americans, Ed learned valuable skills at the Golden Arches - from collaboration to dependability to leadership. We sat down with Ed to learn more about how he’s applied these skills in his current role and what his experience has been like as a McDonald’s supplier.

What trends are you seeing right now across the food supply chain or within the meatpacking industry?

These days, sustainability and climate change are more important than ever. That’s why Lopez Dorada is an active part of McDonald’s Beef Council - working together to tackle key challenges in our supply chain and focus on reducing emissions, minimizing water impact, enhancing biodiversity and building a more resilient future. It’s all about making a real impact and driving meaningful change across the beef industry.

Can you tell us about the importance of guiding and uplifting fellow Hispanic business leaders like yourself?

When you help educate someone, you give them a chance to break a cycle, one where perhaps education was not the top priority. Lopez Dorada will be starting a scholarship program at Oklahoma City University in 2026.  My wife and I personally sponsor scholarship funds at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL, who has about 35% Hispanic students, but the scholarships are for anyone in need.

You’re part of McDonald’s 1 in 8 (in other words, part of the 1 in 8 Americans that have worked at a McDonald’s). How did working at the restaurant help you grow into the leader you’ve become today?

Working at a McDonald’s restaurant teaches you a ton of skills, everything from time management and teamwork to economics and budgeting labor/food costs. I still recommend to anyone just joining the workforce and looking to make a change to consider working at a McDonald’s to learn the business and life skills that can help you grow in the business world.

What are the keys to maintaining a strong company relationship, like Lopez Dorada’s partnership with McDonald’s, over multiple decades?

Our partnership with McDonald's is founded on shared commitments to food safety, quality standards, operational excellence, and the development of a sustainable supply chain for the future. The mutual trust established between our organizations is an essential, non-negotiable foundation of our business relationship.

What is your McDonald’s order of choice?

My day is always better when I have an Egg McMuffin® sandwich for breakfast.