In 1940, two brothers named Richard and Maurice McDonald opened a hamburger stand in San Bernardino, California. The rest is history.
In 1940, two brothers named Richard and Maurice McDonald opened a hamburger stand in San Bernardino, California. Finding success, the brothers opted to revolutionize their store in 1948 by shrinking the menu and introducing the "Speedee Service System," fully transforming the business model into that of a modern fast food establishment.
In 1953, a milkshake machine salesman named Ray Kroc recognized McDonald's' potential after delivering a large order for the chain, joining the company as a "franchise agent" in 1955. By 1961, he'd purchased the company, quickly scaling it into the ubiquitous brand we know today.
Here are 20 photos inside that original San Bernardino location and the rapid growth that followed.
1
The First Restaurant
A drive-in with Carhops San Bernardino, CA, 1940s.
2
McDonald’s Brothers
Roadside out front.
3
Remodeled
“Self-service” in 1948.
4
Placing Orders
The first store in San Bernardino.
5
Speedee Service
One of the original limited McDonald’s menus.
6
A Busy Night
San Bernardino.
7
15c Burgers
An original menu.
8
Ray Kroc
In the process of taking over.
9
McDonald’s Brothers
Getting a gift from a Kroc representative.
10
"Speedee Service Drive-In"
Advertising Ray Krok's first McDonald's.
11
First Ray Kroc Location
Under new ownership.
12
Ronald McDonald
The original mascot design.
13
Over 1 Billion Sold
A ‘50s McDonald’s.
14
1950s McDonald's
Charlotte, NC.
15
Ketchup Machine
A student tries the precise machine, 1962.
16
A Grand Opening
15c burgers.
17
Frank J. Rothing
Trying a burger with Ray Kroc.
18
An Early McDonald’s
Waiting for service.
19
Giant Spatula
Opening the new national headquarters of McDonald's Corporation. Oak Brook in 1969.
20
Ray Kroc
With his book "Grinding it out: The making of McDonald's" in 1977.
