There are two baselines I consider to be universal truths. First: McDonald’s fries have long set the standard other fast food chains. Second: no country-pop crossover has echoed quite like Shania Twain’s. Nearly 30 years later, is it even possible to hear “Let’s go, girls” without the synth line kicking in?
Now, Twain is teaming up with McDonald’s Canada for a limited-time promotion that blends deep-fried nostalgia with a touch of country flair. Launching Aug. 12, the All Dressed Up campaign features All Dressed McShaker Fries (fries served with all-dressed seasoning), a baked strawberry pie, and a cowboy boot keychain (to go with your cowboy-themed Labubu, of course) — all available exclusively in Canada.
Twain spoke with the Star about her time on the fry station, working the drive-thru mic, and why the spirit behind “Come On Over” still connects with fans today.
You’ve mentioned in other interviews that you’ve worked at McDonald’s as a teen. Which location was it and which stations did you work at?
Yes! I was a crew member in my early teens. I worked at the Timmons McDonald’s, my first McDonald’s, and then I worked at one in Toronto across from the Eaton Centre. I was at several stations. I guess the drive thru was one of my favourites, and I always thought I made the perfect fries.
I think every young person should work a customer service job just to learn how to work with people from all walks of life. Were there any skills you picked up during those jobs that translated to adult hood or navigating the music industry?
Well, I was working in bars singing as a child before I was legally employable by McDonald’s. So I was always in the public but the very stringent training at McDonald’s is just very structured for a teen. You have to be on time, the uniform is very particular, hygiene is really strict, it was just learning how to be a professional at a very young age in a good way. It was way more strict than my high school as a teenager.
I guess being on a stage that young makes you comfortable talking to strangers. A lot of people don’t get that experience.
It’s true. I really did enjoy the drive-thru because you do it on a microphone (laughs) and that was fun. I would sort of sing little lines and be goofy.
When it comes to the current generation of country artists achieving crossover success, a lot of people think back to your music and “Come On Over” as prime example of a country album that added pop and rock to it. The ‘90s revival has come and gone, but “Let’s Go Girls” is forever linked to you. Why do you think that album still resonates with people?
There’s a fun spirit to that album and intentions behind the album was to be really relatable with a positive energy.
If you had a magic wand and could get McDonald’s to create anything you want, what would it be?
My favourite burger was always the quarter pounder with cheese. So a quarter pounder with cheese, pickles and mustard. Now I want a veggie version of that. It’ll still be a quarter pound, but a quarter pound veggie patty. I eat cheese, so I would go with double cheese. And then I want a maple-walnut ice cream with that. Would you like a McMaple Walnut?
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
