The history of McDonald’s
If the creation of the burger is attributed to the German town of Hamburg, then the first McDonald’s concept should be associated with the United States, where brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald drafted the McDonald’s concept in 1937. Their meeting with Ray Kroc, brand founder and eventual owner, gave a whole new dimension to their small business idea.
1955
Ray Kroc has an idea
Amazed by the brothers’ performance, Ray Kroc encouraged them to develop their franchisee network. A few years and a few commercial successes later, Ray Kroc bought the company from Richard and Maurice for $2.7 million. Four years later, Kroc opened his 100th restaurant in 1960.
1960
The McDonald’s Corporation takes off
Ten years after the opening of its very first restaurant in Chicago, McDonald’s launches its first public stock offering.
1965
Filet-O-Fish
The Filet-O-Fish sandwich was the first item added to the national menu. It was created by Lou Groen, a McDonald’s Cincinnati franchisee, to help build volume in the predominantly Roman Catholic community in which his restaurant was located.
1967
McDonald’s goes international
Previously only available in the US, McDonald’s focused on expanding its network further and opened new franchised restaurants in Canada and Puerto Rico.
1968
A star is born
The Big Mac, created by owner/operator Jim Delligatti of Pittsburgh, is introduced to the McDonald’s menu.
1971
McDonald’s hits Europe
Further testament to the success of McDonald’s is brought about by the first European franchisee in the Netherlands.
1973
Quarter Pounder
The Quarter Pounder and the Quarter Pounder with Cheese make their debut on the menu.
1975
Hit the road Jack
A new concept is introduced to the McDonald’s brand with the introduction of their first drive thru restaurant in Arizona.
1975
Egg McMuffin
The Egg McMuffin, created by owner/operator Herb Peterson of Santa Barbara, California, makes it to the national menu.
1979
Hello Happy!
The first Happy Meal is introduced to the McDonald’s menu.
1983
Chicken McNuggets
The Chicken McNuggets are introduced into all domestic US restaurants.1993
McCafe
The world’s first McCafe opens in Melbourne, Australia.1995
McFlurry
McFlurry desserts, invented by Ron McLellan, owner/operator in Canada, are added to the McDonald’s Canada menu.
1995
McDonald’s becomes a local household name
The first McDonald’s Malta restaurant is warmly welcomed in Valletta.
2001
New century, new burger
The Big Tasty is introduced to the McDonald’s menu and launched worldwide with immediate success.
2002
McHappy Day is organised worldwide
The first McHappy Day was organised as a global initiative in 2002. Since then it has been repeated every year in order to raise funds for children in need.
2003
I’m Lovin’ it
McDonald’s first global ad campaign, “I’m lovin’ it”, is launched in Munich, Germany, on September 2.
2008
Bigger, better
The first local McCafé opens in Victoria, Gozo. McDonald’s Malta begins the remodelling process of all of its local stores.
2015
Breakfast all day
McDonald’s USA launches All-Day Breakfast.
2017
McDelivery
Global McDelivery is celebrated on July 26 to support the global launch of McDelivery with UberEATS.
