McDonald’s Welcomes Back the Snack Wrap® with a Twist at its Chef’s Remix Event

Chef Marcus Samuelsson summed it up perfectly: “You cannot go wrong with chicken tenders and a wrap.” And you know what? He’s right.

There is nothing quite like McDonald’s Snack Wrap® — soft tortilla, crispy chicken, shredded lettuce and cheese, and a choice of either spicy or ranch sauce. It’s so beloved, the fast-food giant brought it back after nearly a decade-long hiatus with a new flavor.

To celebrate its return, McDonald’s held its Chef’s Remix event in Brooklyn, New York, on Saturday, July 26. But the soiree wasn’t just centered around a comeback. It was about seeing what happens when a world‑renowned chef takes the beloved wrap and remixes it.

Held at Brooklyn’s Duggal Greenhouse, the event space felt like stepping into an alternate McDonald’s universe—part restaurant, part home kitchen, part luxe lounge. A sleek bar-style dining area with firefighter red, high-top chairs (each topped with red and yellow rose centerpieces) lined a corner of the room. Plush red and yellow velvet seats curved into a shape that echoed the iconic golden arches were sprinkled throughout.

Inside, guests went between photo booths and caricatures, while others grabbed a Snack Wrap® and McDonald’s World Famous fries™ from a pop-up truck, enjoying views of the Brooklyn Bridge. But all eyes eventually landed on Chef Samuelsson, who was ready to take over the kitchen.

At 5 p.m., Chef Samuelsson—decked in a mint green hat, patterned button-down, and aquamarine apron—entered the kitchen.

“It’s a homecoming,” he told the crowd with a smirk. “I applied for McDonald’s in high school and got turned down. But I didn’t stop dreaming and believing… And now, we’re here!” The crowd instantly gave him a round of applause, slightly giggling at the irony of his comeback story.

Stepping up to the counter, Chef Samuelsson began his demonstration. “This collaboration is all about remixing dishes,” he said before scanning the audience and asking for a guest to join him. One person from the front row jumped up to the counter, and together they started crafting his reimagined version of the Snack Wrap®, with Samuelsson guiding her step by step.

Samuelsson built his remixed wrap with flavors drawn from his Ethiopian heritage. He started with a layer of Doro Wot, a traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean stew that, as he put it, brought “some heat” with its rich, spicy notes. Next came collard greens for earthiness, followed by chicken coated in hot honey glaze for a sweet kick with a little tang. He finished it off with pickled onions, crumbled feta, and crisps for that final crunch.

“I cook for my kids all the time. This is the perfect snack for them,” Samuelsson said as his sous chefs passed plates around to the crowd.

When Chef Samuelsson asked what they thought, a guest shouted from the back, “It’s so damn good. Can we get this in the store?” The room erupted in nods and laughter. Smiling, Samuelsson responded, “This was inspired for you to go out and do your version.”

“We want your version, though!” another guest yelled, drawing even more cheers.

After Chef Samuelsson’s demo, beloved New York radio personality, DJ Enuff kept the energy buzzing with a mix of early 2000s and current hip-hop hits before introducing New York rapper Dave East, who fired up the crowd with tracks like 2020’s “Handsome” and his 2017 hit “Perfect” featuring Chris Brown. The audience was locked in.

After a brief intermission, Honey Bxby took the stage in an all-white bodysuit, delivering her viral single “Touchin’” and “3 AM.” But just when her set seemed to end, the DJ dropped the “Left Eye Remix,” and to the crowd’s delight, Lil Kim appeared from behind a white curtain. The two shared a hug before Lil Kim completely owned the stage with her solo anthem “The Jump Off.” “Brooklyn. McDonald’s. I love ya’ll,” the Brooklyn legend said, concluding her set.

New York’s certified G.O.A.T., Fabolous, closed out the night, effortlessly moving through classics like “Killin' Em,” “Into You,” “Make Me Better,” and “Breathe.” The crowd sang along, bar for bar, riding the wave of music, culture, and celebration.

As the night came to a close, the crowd left buzzing, not just from the music but from the cooking demo that shaped the evening. Chef Samuelsson’s remix showed that the Snack Wrap® isn’t just a comeback; it’s an invitation to honor what you already love while adding your little twist.