On Thursday, May 3, 2018, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) worked the drive-thru and grill at McDonald’s in Mahwah. After working both stations, Gottheimer toured the facility and spoke to employees and leadership about creating jobs and ensuring New Jersey businesses can thrive and grow.

This past week, McDonald’s announced it will hire 5,000 new employees throughout the state this summer. These employees will be able to take advantage of McDonald’s recently-expanded Archways to Opportunity program, which provides eligible employees an opportunity to earn a high school diploma, receive upfront college tuition assistance, and learn English as a second language. Since the program launched in 2015, nearly 500 New Jersey restaurant employees have been awarded more than $550,000 in tuition assistance.

“The 5,000 new jobs McDonald’s is bringing to New Jersey are a win for our workers and a win for our economy. I was proud to get the chance the learn the ropes at the McDonald’s in Mahwah, where I spoke with owner Paul Cottrell, who began working his way up at McDonald’s in 1964, has worked every single position at the company, and now owns 18 McDonald’s across New Jersey that feed hundreds of hungry North Jersey families each day,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Businesses like McDonald’s are critical to creating jobs and boosting our local economy. I will keep fighting to lower taxes, cut red tape, invest in infrastructure, and fight for a better return on the tax dollars we already send to Washington to attract and keep businesses like McDonald’s in our state.”

View the Facebook Live from the event HERE and video of Gottheimer working the grill HERE.

Below: Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) works the grill at the McDonald’s in Mahwah.

Below: Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) presents a Congressional Certificate of Recognition to owner Paul Cottrell (left), who has been with McDonald’s since 1964.