History of McDonald’s

McDonald’s originated in 1940 as a drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino, California, operated by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald. In 1948, they streamlined operations with their ‘Speedee Service System,’ narrowing the menu to burgers, fries, and beverages for faster service. The format attracted attention for its efficiency and consistent pricing.

In 1954, Ray Kroc visited the McDonald brothers’ restaurant and arranged a franchise agreement. He opened the first franchised outlet in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1955, then purchased the exclusive rights to the McDonald’s name and operating system in 1961. Under Kroc’s direction, the chain expanded through franchising, standardising operations and establishing supply chains across locations.

By the latter decades of the 20th century, McDonald’s had expanded into one of the most widely recognised fast-food chains globally. The company adapted menus to local preferences across markets and invested in digital ordering and delivery infrastructure in the 2010s and 2020s. The chain has faced ongoing scrutiny over nutritional content, labour practices, and environmental impact.

In October 2023, McDonald’s Israel drew widespread attention after its franchise publicly announced it had provided free meals to Israeli Defence Forces soldiers. The disclosure prompted boycott calls across social media in Muslim-majority countries and among pro-Palestinian communities, with sales declines in several markets reported through 2024 in the company’s own financial disclosures.