Arcos Dorados Plays Pivotal Role in 2014 FIFA World Cup™ Preparations

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, Feb. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc. (NYSE: ARCO) ("Arcos Dorados"), Latin America's largest restaurant chain and the world's largest McDonald's franchisee, has been tapped by the organizers of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ to provide customer service training to more than 15,000 World Cup volunteers.

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As the official restaurant and a sponsor of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™, which will be held in Brazil from June 12 – July 13, McDonald's will leverage its decades of expertise in creating consistent and memorable customer experiences for the benefit of both event volunteers as well as spectators.  McDonald's successfully provided similar training during the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, also held in Brazil.

"The intuitive, helpful training program implemented by McDonald's for the FIFA Confederations Cup was a key component of our ability to provide a tremendous fan experience throughout the competition.  We look forward to that same expertise being applied to ensure our volunteers contribute to an excellent FIFA World Cup™ fan experience as well," says Thierry Weil, FIFA Marketing Director.

The initial online training session is based on three core pillars of customer service: knowledge, skills and attitude.  In addition, volunteers will receive on-site training in the weeks leading up to the World Cup. The training will be focused on familiarizing volunteers with real-life spectator interactions, especially in dealing with different cultures. Practical examples will include helping spectators find their seats, answering questions about the event, assisting those with special needs, and more.

At the end of the training program, each volunteer will receive a Certificate of Completion from McDonald's University, globally recognized as a pioneer in corporate training and education.  

"When the world turns its attention to Brazil this summer, McDonald's employees and FIFA World Cup™ volunteers will be well prepared to ensure our global neighbors enjoy a truly memorable experience," said Woods Staton, Arcos Dorados' Chairman and CEO.  

McDonald's University provides McDonald's managers, mid-managers and owners/operators with training on best practices in restaurant and people management, sales, marketing and accounting, while emphasizing consistent, high-quality restaurant operations, procedures, service, quality and cleanliness.  In addition to McDonald's University, Arcos Dorados invests in various training programs annually to equip young employees with workplace responsibility and customer service skills that will take them well into the future.

About Arcos Dorados
Arcos Dorados is the world's largest McDonald's franchisee in terms of systemwide sales and number of restaurants, operating the largest quick service restaurant ("QSR") chain in Latin America and the Caribbean. It has the exclusive right to own, operate and grant franchises of McDonald's restaurants in 20 Latin American and Caribbean countries and territories, including Argentina, Aruba, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curacao, Ecuador, French Guyana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, St. Thomas, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay and Venezuela. The Company operates or franchises more than 1,880 McDonald's-branded restaurants with over 90,000 employees serving approximately 4.3 million customers a day. Recognized as one of the best companies to work for in Latin America, Arcos Dorados is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ARCO). To learn more about the Company please visit our website: www.arcosdorados.com.

For more information, contact:
Kelley Yoder
312-447-2575
[email protected]

SOURCE Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc.