The history of McDonald’s™
We are proud of our History as we are of making burgers.
In 1954, Ray Kroc visited a restaurant in San Bernardino, California. There he found a small but successful restaurant run by brothers Dick and Mac McDonald and was stunned by the effectiveness of their operation. The McDonald’s brothers produced a limited menu, concentrating on just a few items – burgers, fries and beverages – which allowed them to focus on quality and quick service.
They were looking for a new franchising agent and Ray Kroc saw an opportunity. In 1955, he founded the McDonald’s System, Inc., a predecessor of the McDonald’s Corporation, and six years later bought the exclusive rights to the McDonald’s name and operating system. By 1958, McDonald’s had sold its 100 millionth hamburger.
1955
Kroc opens his first McDonald’s in Des Plaines, Illinois on April 15. The attention getting red and white tiled building with the Golden Arches was designed by architect Stanley Meston in 1953. First day sales are $366.12.
1956
Fred Turner, future McDonald’s Chairman is hired to work as a counter man for the Des Plaines McDonald’s. He would soon become the head of McDonald’s Operations defining the quality, service and cleanliness that continue to this day.
1961
McDonald’s System, Inc. acquires the legal rights from the McDonald brothers for 2,7 million dollars.
1965
Filet-o-Fish™
The Filet-O-Fish sandwich was the first item added to the national menu. It was created by Lou Groen, a McDonald’s Cincinnati franchisee, to help build volume in the predominantly Roman Catholic community in which his restaurant was located.
1968
Big Mac™
The Big Mac™, developed by owner/operator Jim Delligatti of Pittsburgh, is added to the national menu.
1973
Quarter Pounder™
The Quarter Pounder™ and Quarter Pounder™ with Cheese are added to the menu.
1975
Egg McMuffin™
The Egg McMuffin™, created by owner/operator Herb Peterson of Santa Barbara, California, is added to the national menu.
1983
Chicken McNuggets™
The Chicken McNuggets are introduced into all domestic US restaurants.
1991
McDonald’s™ in Greece
The first McDonald’s™ restaurant in Greece, opens its doors at in the heart of the city of Athens, at Syntagma square.
1993
McCafe™
The world’s first McCafe™ opens in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
1995
McFlurry™
McFlurry™ desserts, invented by Ron McLellan, owner/operator in Canada, are added to the McDonald’s Canada menu.
2003
I’m Lovin’ it
McDonald’s first global ad campaign, “I’m lovin’ it”, is launched in Munich, Germany, on September 2.
2015
Breakfast all day
McDonald’s™ USA launches All-Day Breakfast.
2017
McDelivery™
Global McDelivery™ Day is celebrated on July 26th in USA to support the global launch of McDelivery™ with UberEATS.
