Fort Pierce McDonald's employee of 53 years recognized as new Grandma McFlurry launches

Gianna Montesano, Treasure Coast Newspapers
Updated ·2 min read

FORT PIERCE — If you've gone to the McDonald's on 615 U.S. 1, chances are you've been served by Barbara Cramer. Cramer has worked for the fast-food giant since 1970, recently celebrating her 53rd anniversary with the Golden Arches.

"They call me the McLegend," Cramer, 75, said.

Barbara Cramer, 75, a McDonald's employee for 53 years, holds a cup of the new limited-edition 'Grandma McFlurry' at the McDonald's restaurant at 615 North U.S.1, Fort Pierce, Monday, May 20, 2024. Cramer, the face of the new treat, began working at the McDonald's on South U.S. 1 in 1970 when she moved to St. Lucie County from New Jersey. She's worked at this McDonald's for the last 16 years. Throughout the years, she's worked as a crew member, trainer, manager and now as an administrative assistant. In her current position, she works part-time, seven days a week to keep herself busy. "I enjoy everything that I do," Cramer said tearfully. "My mom worked for McDonald's, my sister, my brother-in-law, my husband that passed away and my second husband who was the manager at the U.S. 1 store." The limited-edition sweet treat features vanilla ice cream, sweet syrup and crushed candy pieces reminiscent of candy a grandmother might have in her purse. The 'Grandma McFlurry' will hit stores on May 21 and remain on the menu while supplies last.

When Cramer moved to Fort Pierce from New Jersey in 1970, she applied for two jobs — one working for the school district and the McDonald's on U.S. 1, south of her current store.

McDonald's called her back with a job offer first, and the rest has been history for Cramer, who is continuing the family tradition of working at McDonald's.

"I enjoy everything that I do," Cramer said tearfully. "My mom worked for McDonald's, my sister, my brother-in-law, my husband that passed away and my second husband, who was the manager at the U.S. 1 store down here."

Throughout the years, she's worked her way from being a crew member to trainer to manager and now to administrative assistant. She's been at her current store for about 16 years.

In her current position she works seven days a week to keep busy, clocking in at 4:30 a.m. to handle paperwork, prepare food and make breakfast burritos, until around 10 a.m.

"I get up at 2 a.m. and I go to bed at 6 p.m., every day," Cramer said. "I don't let nothing stop me."

Beginning Tuesday, McDonald's is recognizing the local "McLegend" as part of its new Grandma McFlurry promotion. Cramer is just one of the few employee grandmothers participating nationwide in this promotion.

What is the Grandma McFlurry at McDonald's?

Barbara Cramer, 75, a McDonald's employee for 53 years, tastes the new limited-edition 'Grandma McFlurry' at the McDonald's restaurant at 615 North U.S.1, Fort Pierce, Monday, May 20, 2024. Cramer, the face of the new treat, began working at the McDonald's on South U.S. 1 in 1970 when she moved to St. Lucie County from New Jersey. She's worked at this McDonald's for the last 16 years. Throughout the years, she's worked as a crew member, trainer, manager and now as an administrative assistant. In her current position, she works part-time, seven days a week to keep herself busy. "I enjoy everything that I do," Cramer said tearfully. "My mom worked for McDonald's, my sister, my brother-in-law, my husband that passed away and my second husband who was the manager at the U.S. 1 store." The limited-edition sweet treat features vanilla ice cream, sweet syrup and crushed candy pieces reminiscent of candy a grandmother might have in her purse. The 'Grandma McFlurry' will hit stores on May 21 and remain on the menu while supplies last.

McDonald's is launching a limited-edition Grandma McFlurry, comprising crushed-up butterscotch candies and butterscotch syrup swirled into vanilla soft-serve.

"Grandmas have always held a special place in our hearts, and today they’re having a major moment influencing culture – inspiring trends in fashion, decor and now, even food with our newest McFlurry,” said Tariq Hassan, McDonald's Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, in a news release. “The Grandma McFlurry tastes like a trip down memory lane, and we’re excited to give our fans that experience while honoring the grandma-figure in all our lives.”

The limited-edition McFlurry is available while supplies last.

Gianna Montesano is TCPalm’s trending reporter. You can contact her at gianna.montesano@tcpalm.com, 772-409-1429, or follow her on X (formerly Twitter) @gonthescene.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: What is the Grandma McFlurry? McDonald's launches butterscotch treat to honor grandmas