Love it or hate it, the leading icon of the fast food generation has hit 50.
McDonalds is celebrating its 50th birthday this week and has also reported a sales rise of 6.8 per cent for March, and 4.6 per cent for first quarter.
The world’s biggest burger chain’s first restaurant was open by Ray Kroc in Des Plaines Illinois and there are now more than 30,000 restaurants in 119 countries, including more than 1,000 in the UK alone.
While working as a milkshake distributor Kroc had come across a burger stand run by brothers Dick and Mac McDonald in California. He was granted franchising rights by the brothers and the global brand was born.
The distinctive golden arches was first introduced in 1961 and has remained a consistent brand ever since. The Ronald McDonald character made its first television appearance in 1963.
The Big Mac, one the chain’s most popular and well-known burgers was introduced in 1968, having been developed by franchisee Jim Delligatti,
In recent years the chain has found itself facing difficulties. With the increasing focus on the problems of obesity, McDonalds has seen declining sales and the potential prospect of looming legal action.
As a result, the restaurant group has been introducing a series of salads and “healthy” meal options, although some critics have claimed the salads contain as much fat as the ever-popular Big Mac.
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