Mcdonalds’ headquarters is leaving its home in Oak Brook, Illinois for the excitement of downtown Chicago in an effort to attract millennial talent.
The world’s largest hamburger fast-food chain announced it will make a new home in the hustle and bustle of West Loop, replacing the former site of Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Studios by spring 2018, moving its 2,000 corporate employers to one of downtown Chicago’s fastest-growing neighborhoods, according to the Consumerist.
“Moving our headquarters to Chicago is another significant step in our journey to build a better McDonald’s,” McDonald’s President and CEO Steve Easterbrook told Consumerist. “This world-class environment will continue to drive business momentum by getting us even closer to customers, encouraging innovation and ensuring great talent is excited about where they work.”
As Chicago continues to be a hot spot for millennials seeking jobs after college, companies hope to catch young talent in Chicago’s business district.
The move holds significance for the company’s history, as McDonald’s began in downtown Chicago before moving its base to Oak Brook in 1971.
The move appeals to more than just millennials, as Mayor Rahm Emanuel expressed his excitement about the location change.
“McDonald’s has identified the keys to success to today’s global market, talent, technology, and access to transportation networks,” Emanuel said. “I’m proud to welcome them to our dynamic city.”
The move is an economic growth opportunity for the city of Chicago, that recently saw the 2nd-largest population decline in American history.
“Illinois’ stark out-migration problem demands attention from the General Assembly, and a policy agenda that will help industrial towns grow and heavily indebted towns to lower their costs and restructure their debts through the bankruptcy process,” the Illinois Policy Institute reported.
To see Mcdonald’s making such a large move into downtown Chicago, when other corporations have been reportedly making significant staff cuts, is a positive addition the city is in dire need of.
“Companies like McDonald’s have choices. And they chose Chicago as their headquarters. It speaks volumes to the investments we’re making in the future of this city,” Emanuel said.
