McDonald’s: From 1940 to the present day
In 1940, in San Bernardino, California, brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald opened a simple drive-in restaurant
Today (15 May) marks the anniversary of the rise of one of the world's most influential fast food empires, McDonald's, a journey that began with a small drive in restaurant in 1940 and gradually evolved into a global symbol of speed, affordability, and mass dining culture.
It began in 1940 in San Bernardino, California, when brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald opened a simple drive in restaurant.
A major breakthrough came in 1948 when they rebuilt the business around the "Speedee Service System," a revolutionary model focused on fast and standardized food production at low prices.
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Hamburgers were pre cooked, wrapped, and served quickly, reshaping how Americans ate.
Global expansion accelerated when Ray Kroc joined the company in 1954, impressed by its efficiency and potential.
He opened the first franchised outlet in 1955 and later transformed McDonald's into a nationwide and then worldwide chain after acquiring full control in 1961.
Under his leadership, the brand expanded rapidly, standardized operations, and trained franchisees through Hamburger University.
In 1963, McDonald's introduced the clown character Ronald McDonald as its official public face. He became a central figure in advertising aimed at children and appeared in commercials, restaurants, and promotional campaigns as part of the McDonald's brand universe.
Over the decades, McDonald's introduced iconic menu items such as the Big Mac in 1968, expanded internationally, and became one of the most recognizable brands in the world.
From the introduction of drive through service in the 1970s to rapid global expansion in the 1980s and 1990s, it grew into a cultural force operating in more than 100 countries.
Today, McDonald's stands not only as a fast food chain but as a global business model built on real estate, franchising, and marketing dominance, continuing to evolve through digital ordering, delivery systems, and modern sustainability efforts while still rooted in the simple formula that started it all, fast service and affordable meals for everyone.
