From Fast Food to Fame: 15 Celebrities Who Started Their Careers Flipping Burgers

It’s pretty common for many young people to start their careers in fast food. Despite rising prices, these jobs are still popular for those looking to make some cash. In fact, around 85% of fast food workers are under 30, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported over 3.6 million people working in this sector in 2023. That’s a lot of young folks flipping burgers and serving fries!

With so many people working in fast food, it’s no surprise that some famous faces got their start there. Many celebrities had their first jobs in fast food chains before hitting the big time. Here are just a few who started their journeys in a fast food kitchen.

Chappell Roan Worked at Scooter’s Coffee

Before rising to pop stardom, Chappell Roan brewed coffee at Scooter’s Coffee, a popular chain in the Midwest. Hailing from Willard, Missouri, she worked there during the pandemic while pursuing her dreams. In her Grammy acceptance speech, she shared her struggles, including being dropped by a label and needing to find work. Nonetheless, she has remained supportive of aspiring artists, donating $25,000 to help them thrive.

Brad Pitt Was El Pollo Loco’s Chicken Mascot

Brad Pitt’s first gig was as the Chicken mascot for El Pollo Loco. Back in the day, he donned a giant chicken costume to promote a new location in Los Angeles. Despite facing some backlash from customers, Pitt embraced this quirky job and later recalled it fondly, saying, “Man’s gotta eat.” His humorous experience showcases how the journey to fame can start in unexpected places.

Madonna’s Short Stint at Dunkin’

Pop icon Madonna briefly worked at Dunkin’ while trying to make it in New York. However, she found it tough to take the job seriously. After just a week, she was more interested in playing around than serving customers. Madonna’s fun antics, like goofing off with a jelly machine, showed her creative spirit even at a young age.

Tyler, the Creator’s Starbucks Days

Tyler, the Creator spent two and a half years at Starbucks where he brewed coffee and enjoyed the perks of the job. However, he often got into trouble for snacking on the pastries. His time there ended when he had a clash with a new manager, but he looks back on those days as a pivotal moment in his life.

Eva Mendes Worked at the Mall

Before her Hollywood fame, Eva Mendes served samples at a mall. She worked at a couple of fast food places, including a hot dog stand. Mendes was eager to earn her own money as a teenager and learned a lot from her early jobs, including the importance of hard work.

Pink’s Time at McDonald’s

Pink also worked at McDonald’s during her teenage years where she had quite a rebellious time. Despite having other food service jobs, she claims her time at Mickey D’s was memorable, as she often snuck snacks for friends and did things her own way. She has mentioned that she still dreams of those early days but cherishes her success now.

Barack Obama at Baskin-Robbins

Even Barack Obama had a taste of fast food life. Before becoming the 44th U.S. President, he served ice cream at Baskin-Robbins in Hawaii. Obama learned valuable lessons about responsibility during this time, which shaped his work ethic in the long run. His experience helped inspire initiatives for youth programs later in his career.

Megan Fox Brought Bananas to Life

Actress Megan Fox worked at a Tropical Smoothie Café, where her manager made her dress as a banana to attract customers. Despite the embarrassment, Fox embraced the experience, which added an amusing chapter to her journey to stardom.

Eva Longoria’s Early Days at Wendy’s

Eva Longoria started working at Wendy’s when she was just 15, even faking her age to get hired. She learned valuable kitchen skills there and later became a voice for fast food workers, advocating for better working conditions.

Rachel McAdams Worked the Fryer

Before her fame in films, Rachel McAdams worked at McDonald’s. She had a fun but challenging time, handling the fryer while dreaming of acting. Her quirky approach and creativity often led to her getting distracted but she successfully balanced work and her passion for theater.

Gwen Stefani’s Dairy Queen Days

Gwen Stefani got her start at Dairy Queen, where her love for music blossomed, resulting in the formation of her band, No Doubt. While working there, she found camaraderie with her coworkers, and though she gained a little weight, it led her to a successful music career.

Bobby Flay’s Ice Cream Experience

Celebrity chef Bobby Flay also had his first job at Baskin-Robbins. He scooped ice cream and created toppings, using this experience as a stepping stone to his renowned cooking career. Flay reflects on those days fondly as key to his future success in the culinary world.

Jennifer Hudson Sang at Burger King

Jennifer Hudson’s incredible voice was already shining back when she worked at Burger King. She couldn’t help but sing while managing drive-thru orders. Her musical talent was evident even then, foreshadowing her future as an award-winning performer.

Pharrell Williams and McDonald’s

Pharrell Williams experienced a rollercoaster at McDonald’s, getting fired three times for munching on the nuggets. Despite his struggles, his love for music brought him back full circle as he helped create the famous jingle, “I’m lovin’ it.”

Jeff Bezos’ First Job at McDonald’s

Even Jeff Bezos worked at McDonald’s in his youth, where he learned the importance of hard work. He recalls a wild incident that involved a huge ketchup spill on his first week, showing that his journey to success began with humble beginnings.