McDonald’s Day falls on April 15, the anniversary day of when Ray Kroc opened his first McDonald’s restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1955. Most, if not all, people around the world know this name, we believe. It’s one of the world’s largest fast-food restaurant chains. Did you know that Ray Kroc was not the founder of McDonald’s? The founders were the McDonald brothers. The current corporation credits its founding to Ray Kroc. So, let’s celebrate this McDonald’s Day in honor of Kroc as well as the restaurant founders, the McDonald brothers.
History of McDonald's Day
The very first McDonald’s restaurant was opened by New Hampshire brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald on May 15, 1940, in San Bernardino, California. The McDonald brothers started by serving slow-cooked barbecue, and the business took off quickly. They later found out that 80% of their sales were from hamburgers, so they closed it for three months. They then remodeled it as a self-service restaurant, where customers placed their orders at the windows. It is said that they simplified their menu to just nine: hamburgers, cheeseburgers, three flavors of soft drink, milk, coffee, potato chips, and pie.The McDonald’s brothers developed the “Speedee Service System,” allowing them to prepare the food quickly. All their hamburgers contained ketchup, mustard, onions, and two pickles. Although this newly remodeled McDonald’s struggled at first, once the brothers replaced potato chips with french fries and introduced triple thick milkshakes, the business started to grow again. In the early 1950s, they saw their profits double. They then established several franchises in California and Arizona. Ray Kroc, a milkshake mixer salesman, visited them in 1954, wondering why McDonald’s would order eight of his multimixers.Once Kroc knew about McDonald’s restaurant operation, he saw potential in it. He then bought the rights to franchise the brothers’ restaurant across the country. He opened his first McDonald’s franchised restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1955. But, their relationship was contentious due to philosophies that differ on how to run the business. Kroc later purchased the company from the McDonald brothers in 1961. The brothers who lent their name to the business and were pioneers of the business concept gradually faded to the background. They kept their original San Bernardino restaurant until they were out of business eventually.
McDonald's Day timeline
The first McDonald’s restaurant is opened by Richard and Maurice McDonald in San Bernardino, California.
McDonald’s profits double, and the brothers establish several franchises.
Kroc opens his first McDonald’s franchised restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois.
Kroc purchases the McDonald’s company.
McDonald's Day FAQs
How much is McDonald's worth in 2021?
Reportedly, McDonald’s has a net worth of 36.53 billion U.S.D.
What nationality is McDonald?
It’s Scottish, and McDonald is probably the most famous Scottish clan surname.
How rich is the owner of McDonald's?
Chris Kempczinski is reportedly paid 5.22 million U.S.D. annually as the C.E.O. of McDonald’s, with a net worth of 17.9 million U.S.D.
McDonald's Day Activities
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Go to McDonald’s
There’s nothing better than going to its restaurant on its day. Order some Chicken McNuggets for a starter. Then continue with the well-known Big Mac along with the World Famous Fries. To finish up, get Coca-Cola and a Vanilla Cone, or McFlurry, or Hot Fudge Sundae.
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Spread the word
Tell your family and friends about this fun day in case you want some company. You can order through McDelivery and enjoy the food and drinks together at home. Or, you may want to bring them to McDonald’s and dine in.
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Watch “The Founder”
If you’re home alone, you may want to watch the movie “The Founder.” Watch the story about the famous McDonald’s while you’re munching your Double Cheeseburger and McChicken along with the World Famous Fries.
5 Facts About McDonald’s Hamburgers You Need To Know
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The burger cost only 15 cents
In the beginning, a McDonald’s burger cost only 15 cents.
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Billions of burgers have been sold
It is estimated that billions and billions of McDonald’s burgers have been sold.
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A Big Mac was once 45 cents
The first Big Mac was created in 1967 and cost only 45 cents.
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It can be a source of protein
It is said that a McDonald’s hamburger contains 25% of your daily value of protein.
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Happy Meals were first introduced in 1979
McDonald’s launched its first Happy Meal worldwide in 1979, and in 2021, McDonald’s announced that Happy Meal’s plastic toys would be phased out.
Why We Love McDonald's Day
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It’s convenient
McDonald’s can always be an option when you don’t have any idea where to go to eat. They’re everywhere, you know.
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It’s affordable
McDonald’s food and drinks are affordable. Not only that, but they are also delicious. They’re worth buying.
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It can be a nice place to hang out
If you’re going to hang out with your friends for hours, McDonald’s has got you covered. Sure, they have many selections of food and drinks. Besides that, most of them have spacious dining-in.
McDonald's Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 15 | Saturday |
| 2024 | April 15 | Monday |
| 2025 | April 15 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 15 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 15 | Thursday |
