Bay Area McDonald's Locations Flip Their Arches To 'W' For Women

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — If you visited one of four select McDonald's locations in the Bay Area on Thursday, you may have noticed a slight change. The famous "M," or golden arch on packaging has been flipped into a "W."

McDonald's representatives say it's part of their way of recognizing "the extraordinary contribution of women" on International Women's Day. While a location in Long Beach actually flipped the signage outside the store for a "full face lift," 100 women-owned and operated McDonald's locations in the nation received special french fry containers, cups, bags and uniforms with a "W" in place of the "M."

Of those 100 locations, four are in the Bay Area. Those include Foster City, Millbrae, San Jose and Oakland.

"The Foster City location was chosen because Valerie Kilduff has been an exemplary leader, developing and mentoring women in her restaurants for 22 years," McDonald's representatives told Patch.

Kilduff, who owns restaurants in Foster City, Millbrae and San Mateo, is a Bay Area native. She was born in San Jose.

"As a result of her efforts, 80 percent of her organization’s management are female and she continues to inspire crew to learn and become business leaders," officials said.

McDonald's says that overall 60 percent of their restaurant managers are women.

"Their strength and leadership help run the McDonald's business... Here’s to our female employees, franchisees, suppliers, community partners and customers for all that you do today, and every day."

— Images courtesy of McDonald's