Akron, Ohio is taking center stage in a new docu-film collection from McDonald’s, Stories from America’s Dining Room, which celebrates the inspiring stories of real people who have a connection to the Golden Arches.
This short film, titled The Napkin Playbook and directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Kevin Wilson Jr., highlights Clarence Kaiser, who meets with four local coaches at a McDonald’s restaurant in Akron to create the Midwest Youth Football Classic.
What begins as a simple meeting over a meal with a very special napkin grows into an inspiring story of mentorship, collaboration, and opportunity for young athletes across the Midwest. The competition provided Akron youth with the opportunity to play the sport they love in accessible and safe environments, with a shared goal: to love the game and play hard. Kaiser’s passion for the community is evident every step of the way throughout the film, and his attendance at the premiere was a heartfelt tribute to his ongoing dedication to the city’s youth.
“This documentary beautifully captures how McDonald’s is a space where communities come together,” said Santiago Gil, a McDonald’s owner/operator in Akron, Ohio. “We are incredibly proud that Akron is featured on the national stage as part of this storytelling series.”
The Stories from America’s Dining Room collection, produced by Breakwater Studios in association with McDonald’s, features short films that highlight everyday acts of resilience, generosity, and community spirit occurring in McDonald’s restaurants nationwide.
