McDonald’s Day

McDonald’s Day is an annual global celebration of the famous McDonald’s fast food chain, observed on April 15. Today, many enjoy stopping by these cozy establishments between work or on the go to savor delicious hot burgers, fries, ice cream, or coffee.

History

McDonald’s Day commemorates the opening of the first McDonald’s restaurant in San Bernardino, California, on May 15, 1940. It was founded by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald, who initially ran a successful barbecue business. However, they soon realized that hamburgers were in high demand and decided to convert their restaurant into a self-service outlet within three months. The menu featured simple items such as burgers, fries, pie, drinks, and more.

In 1954, the brothers met Ray Kroc, a milkshake machine salesman. The McDonald brothers were purchasing products from him, and Kroc was intrigued by their business model. Seeing potential, he proposed buying the franchise rights. On April 15, 1955, Kroc opened his first fast food establishment in Illinois. However, relations with the McDonald brothers became strained due to differing views on business practices and the perceived competition. Eventually, in 1961, Kroc bought the company outright. The McDonald brothers continued to run their original restaurant until it eventually went bankrupt, while Kroc went on to build a massive and successful global business.

Interesting Facts

• The McDonald brothers implemented the “Quick Service System,” which drastically reduced order turnaround time.
• Today, there are more than 37,000 McDonald’s restaurants worldwide.
• The company’s average daily revenue is about $70 million.

How to Celebrate

Visit a McDonald’s restaurant by yourself or with friends or family. Enjoy your favorite foods or try something new. Take the time to learn more interesting information about this iconic fast food chain.

Share the holiday on social media. Ask others how often they visit McDonald’s and what their favorite items are.

When is McDonald’s Day in 2025?

McDonald’s Day is observed on April 15 each year.

Observations