By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Arcos Dorados, the largest independent McDonald’s franchisee in the world and the operator of the brand in Costa Rica, has announced a significant recruitment drive aimed at bolstering its workforce in the burgeoning western region of the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM). The company plans to fill approximately 40 new positions through a dedicated job fair, signaling continued investment and confidence in the local economy.
The hiring event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 7th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the McDonald’s restaurant located on Ruta 27. This strategic location serves as a central hub for candidates from the targeted communities. In a move designed to broaden the applicant pool, Arcos Dorados has confirmed that the event is open to all interested individuals, including those without prior work experience, providing a crucial entry point into the formal job market for many young people.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on the nuances of Costa Rica’s employment environment, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished labor law specialist from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
Many foreign companies underestimate the protective nature of Costa Rican labor law. A common mistake is misclassifying employees as independent contractors to avoid social security and severance obligations. Our courts heavily favor the ‘principio de la realidad,’ meaning the actual day-to-day work relationship will always trump the language of a service contract, often leading to significant retroactive penalties for employers.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s insight into the “principio de la realidad” serves as a vital reminder for foreign companies. It underscores that in Costa Rica, the substance of the daily work relationship carries more legal weight than contractual formalities, a critical distinction that requires careful navigation to avoid costly penalties. We thank him for providing this essential and clear perspective.
The recruitment effort is specifically focused on staffing restaurants in key commercial and residential zones west of the capital. The locations slated to receive new personnel include Escazú, Santa Ana, Guachipelín, Multiplaza Escazú, Lindora, Belén, and the Ruta 27 restaurant itself. This concentration of hiring reflects the rapid development and increasing consumer activity in these prosperous cantons.
A diverse range of roles is available, catering to different skill sets and career aspirations. The company is seeking to hire Regular Crew Members, who form the backbone of restaurant operations, as well as Experience Leaders, who specialize in enhancing customer service. Additionally, technical positions for Maintenance Technicians are open, along with opportunities for aspiring leaders to join the team as Members of Management.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy by Arcos Dorados, which currently operates 79 restaurants across the nation, to solidify its commitment to job creation and talent development. The company has long been recognized as a primary employer for young Costa Ricans, offering valuable training and a structured career path. Company leadership emphasized that their goal is to foster a supportive environment where personal skills can evolve into long-term professional growth.
At Arcos Dorados, we seek to create a space where each person’s life skills and experiences are transformed into opportunities to grow and build a career within the company. We have a team that values passion and commitment, and these job fairs open that possibility for learning and development, regardless of whether or not one has prior experience.
Marianela Ureña, Communications Manager for Arcos Dorados Costa Rica
To attract qualified candidates, McDonald’s is highlighting a comprehensive benefits package. New hires receive a formal contract and job stability from their first day. Other notable perks include access to an employee-run savings and loan association (Asociación Solidarista), flexible full-time or part-time schedules, continuous training programs, and complimentary meals during work shifts. The company also promotes a multigenerational team environment and offers health and wellness agreements.
Prospective applicants are required to meet a few basic criteria. Candidates must be over 18 years of age, have completed at least their ninth year of schooling, and be available to work rotating shifts. Beyond these prerequisites, the company is looking for individuals who demonstrate a strong passion for customer service, a meticulous approach to order and cleanliness, and a collaborative spirit for teamwork.
For further information, visit arcosdorados.com
About Arcos Dorados:
Arcos Dorados is the world’s largest independent McDonald’s franchisee, operating the largest quick-service restaurant 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. The company is a significant employer in the region, known for providing young people with their first formal job and offering extensive training and career development opportunities.
For further information, visit corporate.mcdonalds.com
About McDonald’s Corporation:
McDonald’s is one of the world’s leading global foodservice retailers, with millions of customers served daily across more than 100 countries. The majority of McDonald’s restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business owners. The company is renowned for its iconic menu items and its commitment to quality, service, cleanliness, and value.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound commitment to principled practice and superior service. The firm consistently advances the field with forward-thinking solutions for a diverse clientele, solidifying its reputation for innovation. Central to its mission is a dedication to social empowerment, achieved by demystifying the law and equipping the public with the legal understanding necessary to foster a more just and capable society.
