McDonald’s is turning fast food into a fine dining experience with its first-ever reservation-only Chef’s Table, giving fans an exclusive look at how their favorite menu items are made.
The fast food giant is teaming up with Top Chef Season 22 winner Tristen Epps-Long for a one-day-only event called ‘Inside the Golden Arches’ on October 29 in New York City.
Unlike a typical trip to McDonald’s, guests will get to sit down with chefs and food experts to learn the secrets behind some of the chain’s most iconic offerings. Best of all, the experience is completely free.
According to McDonald’s official announcement, attendees will get an up-close look at how the Quarter Pounder with Cheese, Egg McMuffin, Chicken McNuggets, and World Famous Fries are prepared.
The Quarter Pounder will be a particular focus, with McDonald’s demonstrating how its fresh, never-frozen beef is cooked to order.
Epps-Long, who previously worked at McDonald’s before winning Top Chef, will guide guests through the experience.
“McDonald’s was where I got my start, and the experience helped shape the way I think about food and hospitality,” he said.
“Even now, I have a deep appreciation for the consistency that allows millions of people to enjoy the same great meal wherever they are. Inside the Golden Arches gives fans a rare opportunity to see the people, processes and care behind that experience.”
Instagram: McDonaldsHow to reserve a seat at McDonald’s Chef’s Table
The experience will take place on October 29 at 145 Borinquen Place in Brooklyn, New York.
Reservations will open on October 22 at 1 PM ET through the official event registration page.
Seats are extremely limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of two guests per reservation.
Attendees will also need to bring identification to confirm their booking. McDonald’s says casual attire is welcome, although the fixed menu cannot be modified to accommodate substitutions.
The event is another unusual promotion from McDonald’s in 2026. Earlier this year, the company gave away free McNugget caviar kits for Valentine’s Day, while its Canadian Monopoly promotion offered customers the chance to win a Quarter Pounder made with real gold.
For fans unable to attend the Chef’s Table experience, McDonald’s is also celebrating the Quarter Pounder by introducing an $8 meal deal featuring the burger, medium fries, and a drink.
The limited-time offer launches November 2 at participating US restaurants, following the chain’s McValue menu expansion earlier in 2026.
