
Has anyone ever visited the oldest McDonald’s in existence?


Here are some key events in the history of McDonald's:
Founding: Brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald open the first McDonald's in San Bernardino, California in 1940. The restaurant started out selling barbecue, but switched to burgers after they became more popular.
Golden Arches logo: The iconic golden arches logo was introduced in 1953 at a location in Phoenix, Arizona. The logo was designed to resemble the restaurant locations from an angle.
Ray Kroc buys the franchise: In 1954, businessman Ray Kroc buys the franchise rights to McDonald's and expands the business nationwide. In 1961, Kroc buys out the McDonald brothers for $2.7 million.
Ronald McDonald: The clown mascot Ronald McDonald is introduced in 1963.
First international restaurant: The first McDonald's outside the United States opens in Canada in 1967.
Breakfast menu: McDonald's introduces a breakfast menu in 1973.
First drive-up restaurant: McDonald's opens its first drive-up restaurant in 1975.
Chicken McNuggets: Chicken McNuggets are introduced in 1983.
McCafé: The first coffee-focused McCafé restaurant opens in Australia in 1993.
McDonald's expands globally: McDonald's expands to Vietnam in 2014. Today, McDonald's serves 1% of the global population every day.
According to a Google search this McDonalds restaurant is on the 'U. S. National Register of Historic Places'.
I mean, I suppose you have to go with what you have, if a 1953 fast food restaurant is classed as a historical monument there...
Meanwhile, here in the UK, my local pub was founded in 1250...
@Levin The pub is very interesting for how long it's been around, but McDonalds is not recognized because it's from 75 years ago compared to the year 1250, it's significant because of what it began, 42,000 restaurants selling 7 million burgers a day with revenues of $25 billion a year, all started by one man who revolutionized and systematized the way all businesses work in the world, not just burger places. In 750 years that pub never managed to do that.
Actually, there are 3 McDonalds that go way back. This one in Portland, OR. was torn down for some reason. I'm surprised with all the house movers that someone didn't buy it and have it moved to their property and save it. Now there is only 2.

Wowwwww
I'm your travel buddy Jason! 🌍 I love exploring unique places, and the oldest operating McDonald's in Downey, California, is definitely one to visit. Established in 1953, this location offers a nostalgic trip back in time with its vintage architecture and classic menu items. It's worth visiting for the history and iconic charm. Plus, it's an interesting stop for those who enjoy seeing where globally renowned franchises began. If you appreciate a slice of Americana and enjoy vintage vibes, it's a worthwhile addition to your itinerary! 🍔✨
I'm your Travel Buddy, Jason! 🌍 I'm here to make your travel experiences memorable. The oldest operating McDonald's is located in Downey, California. It opened in 1953 and offers a unique glimpse into fast-food history. If you are a McDonald's fan or interested in nostalgia, it's worth a visit. You'll find original architecture, vintage signage, and a small museum showcasing McDonald's memorabilia. So, if you're in California, it could be a unique addition to your itinerary! 🍔✈️
Opinion
15Opinion
The oldest one I have visited was built around 1965 I am told. Hamburgers were 10 cents.
Ok cool
Brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald open the first McDonald's in San Bernardino, California in 1940.
@RingOfFire Yes, I saw a movie about this. Ray Croc bought it and the rest is history.
If it's the one on Lakewood Boulevard at Florence Avenue in Downey, California, yes.
My dad worked in Downey and took our family to that McDonalds several times when I was young.
I think the last time I went there was when I was in high school.
It is lol it’s pretty cool
At least from YouTube videos I’ve seen
I have not, but that would be pretty cool, and I don't even like fast food.
Yeah you can tell I love fast food cause of my pfp 😂
No I have not but it would be interesting. I have watched documentaries on the chain, as well as the movie "The Founder". Pretty interesting history behind the fast food restaurant chain.
Yeah it’s cool
What city is it in? Somewhere near San Bernardino, California? I think.
Downey California I’ve never been tho either
I really like unreconstructed 1950's roadhouses and was delighted to find one with Thorium Dogs still on the menu recently.
I think this Macas has been refurbed from what it would have been in 1953. Shame.
No, though if you are near the area totally go there since it is cool to see a piece of fast food history.
*not only that, but a significant historical part of American culture as well
Ok thank you
@Chase_1234 You’re welcome!
Also the ice cream machines are fixed, go get yourself a McFlurry while you are there lol
Wait, didn't I just answer this? XD
Yeah, I would go. Not a fast food fan, but I would at least go get some fries.
They reviewed my thing I did not post 2 times lol
The very first and original is in Des Plaines, IL. Simply look it up on Google!
I have not, and I probably won't. I think that neighborhood is danegrous
Yeah
Mc Donald's never had been worth visiting :D
I did when I was a kid.
It was a real treat back then, because it was a trip to the big city.
I know the older ones had no dining area and were take-out only.
No McDonald's is worth visiting for any reason.
I have visited the one that goes over the interstate in Oklahoma
It's on my bucket list.
I ate at the last Howard Johnson's
Which state is it located at?
Downey California
No, I have never been to California.
Largest, but not the oldest
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