McDonald’s…I’m lovin’ it.

How does a Multimixer salesman become a multi-billionnaire and the owner of the world’s second-larges fast food restaurant chain? And, he didn’t even start until he was 52 years old! Today, there are more than 14,000 McDonald’s restaurants in the U.S., alone!

14,033 McDonald’s U.S. Restaurant Locations

mcdonalds_usa_store_map

Mcdonald’s USA Store Map

Ray Kroc was anything but ordinary.

When he discovered, in 1954, that the McDonald brothers were running eight Multimixers at a time in their fast food restaurant in San Bernardino, CA, he went to visit them with the intention of selling them more Multimixers. However, his trip turned out to be even more fortuitous because the brothers were looking for a nationwide franchising agent, and right then and there Ray Kroc knew his future was in hamburgers.

One year later…

On April 15, 1955, Ray Kroc opened his first McDonald’s restaurant, complete with red and white checkered design and a version of the golden arches. By 1965, McDonald’s celebrated its 10th anniversary with 700 restaurants and its first public stock offering at $22.50 per share.

The Golden Arches are born!

Everyone knows the golden arches, right? Did you know that they were introduced in 1969?

By 1973, McDonald’s began offering their Quarter Pounder, which quickly became a huge favourite.

The Egg McMuffin, introduced nationally in 1975, invited customers to enjoy a quick breakfast.

The Silver Anniversary

Yes, 1980 was the 25th anniversary of McDonald’s. Wow, how quickly those burger-filled years flew by!

By 1983, there were McDonald’s locations in 32 countries. Not bad for a guy who sold Multimixers!

 

R.I.P. Ray Kroc

On January 14, 1984, Ray Kroc, Founder and Senior Chairman of the Board of McDonald’s, passed away, leaving the world an amazing legacy.

 

The Golden Anniversary

Fifty years of burgers, fries, milkshakes, Egg McMuffins, McFlurries, and so much more. McDonald’s really changed the way we eat. There’s a McDonald’s in every neighbourhood…and it’s always busy.

Who hasn’t had a McDonald’s burger? I think everyone has, wouldn’t you say? 

After all, “you deserve a break, today!”

Gloria Sauve
Marketing and Communications

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