
McDonald’s is, by far and without debate, among the most iconic American institutions that have ever been exported to the rest of the world. From their first restaurant in 1940 in San Bernardino, California, to the 12-digit market value they enjoy today, you could say that McDonald’s represents the American dream on steroids. We take a look back at the chain’s humble beginnings through its meteoric rise to hamburger fame in these 22 photos from the fast food archive!
#1: Humble Beginnings (1940)
Brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald opened their first McDonald’s hamburger restaurant in 1940 in San Bernadino, California. At the time, McDonald’s was a sit-down restaurant, but after WWII they rebranded their concept as a speedy drive-thru service.
