Comedian and actor Mike Epps returned to Indianapolis this week and revisited the McDonald’s where he had one of his first jobs, underscoring a renewed focus on giving back to neighborhoods that shaped his early life. The visit came as part of a series of events tied to the Mike Epps Community Festival, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29, at Washington Park.
Roots and partnerships
Epps spent time at the McDonald’s located at 6830 W. 38th St., where he spoke with employees and briefly worked the drive‑thru window, according to organizers. That restaurant was among three Indianapolis McDonald’s that agreed to donate a portion of their sales on Friday, Aug. 28, to the Mike Epps Foundation. The foundation says its mission centers on empowering underserved communities through education, mentorship and access to resources, as well as neighborhood revitalization and events that combine health, wellness and entertainment.
"Indianapolis will always be home, and giving back to the people and neighborhoods that helped shape me means everything," said Epps.
Owners Morris and Laurie Henry‑Bradley, who operate McDonald’s restaurants in the area, said they were moved by Epps’ journey from a first job at the chain to national prominence.
"Mike's story is an incredible example of where a first job and a connection to your community can take you," Laurie Henry‑Bradley said. "What makes his story even more meaningful is that no matter how successful he has become, he continues to come home and invest in Indianapolis."
Festival details and community impact
The Mike Epps Community Festival will be held at Washington Park and is billed as a day of entertainment, health services and resources for families. Organizers say the event will include live music and a Kids Zone, in addition to health and community resource booths and a small business marketplace. The foundation has positioned the festival as both a celebration and an opportunity to connect residents with local services.
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 29
- Location: Washington Park, Indianapolis
- Onsite offerings: Live entertainment, Kids Zone, health and community resources, small business marketplace
By partnering with local McDonald’s owner/operators, the foundation sought to raise funds and visibility for its ongoing programming. The temporary sales donation by the three restaurants on Aug. 28 is part of that effort; organizers have not released a total amount expected or raised from the participating locations.
Local context
Indianapolis has a long history of community events that combine entertainment with resources aimed at improving health and access to services. The Mike Epps Foundation’s focus on mentorship and neighborhood revitalization aligns with broader efforts in the city to support underserved communities through local nonprofits and business partnerships. For residents who remember Epps’ rise from a local worker to a nationally known entertainer, the weekend’s events represent both a homecoming and a reminder of local pathways to opportunity.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Festival | Mike Epps Community Festival |
| Date | Saturday, Aug. 29 |
| Fundraising activity | Share of sales donated by three Indianapolis McDonald’s on Aug. 28 |
| Featured site visited | McDonald’s, 6830 W. 38th St. |
Festival organizers encourage residents to attend for free community resources and entertainment. The partnership with McDonald’s of Greater Indiana highlights how local businesses can collaborate with nonprofits and public figures to amplify charitable efforts. In statements, both Epps and the McDonald’s owner/operators emphasized the symbolic value of returning to the places where personal and professional journeys began.
For more information on the festival, scheduled activities and any updates from the Mike Epps Foundation, organizers directed the public to the foundation’s event listings and local promotional materials.
This report is based on statements and event details released by the Mike Epps Foundation and participating McDonald’s owner/operators.
