McDonald’s Corp. will mark an important milestone in its history, celebrating 50 years in business this week.
The QSR, known for its golden arches and world-famous hamburgers, will kick off a series of celebratory events with the opening of its new Chicago restaurant at the former Rock n’ Roll McDonald’s on Friday, April 15. The two-story restaurant at 600 N. Clark features a 60-foot-high golden arches, a double-lane drive-thru and seating for 300 customers.
A grand opening is planned for 10 a.m. on Friday. McDonald’s CEO Jim Skinner will lead the celebration. The anniversary’s theme—”Opportunity at McDonald’s”—celebrates the host of opportunities that start with jobs at the QSR and the career potential it offers.
To further commemorate the anniversary, participating restaurants in New York’s Tri-State area plan a special treat. Consumers who visit select restaurants in New York, New Jersey and Fairfield County in Connecticut on April 15 can order a cheeseburger for 50 cents when they say, “Happy Birthday McDonald’s.”
The 50th birthday special is limited to one order per customer per visit when the lunch and dinner menu is available in restaurants. The promotion runs through midnight. McDonald’s has more than 650 restaurants in the New York Tri-State area.
“We are excited to share this memorable milestone with our customers,” said Paul Cottrell, president of the New York Tri-State Area Owners and Operators Association, in a statement. “A lot has changed since 1955, but what remains constant is McDonald’s commitment to our guests and the communities we serve.”
Ray Kroc opened the first McDonald’s restaurant on April 15, 1955 in Des Plaines, IL. The restaurant sold 15-cent hamburgers to families in the Chicago suburb. Now, 50 years later, the restaurant chain has grown to include more than 30,000 restaurants worldwide in more than 119 countries.
“I have tremendous pride in the McDonald’s system and what we’ve been able to accomplish during our 50 year history—the countless number of satisfied customers we’ve served, our employees’ personal and professional growth and development, our relationships with supply partners, franchisees and the communities that we serve every day,” said Ralph Alvarez, president of McDonald’s North America.
“As we celebrate this 50-year milestone, I’m proud to say that our U.S. business continues to be very strong,” he continued. “Although I never knew Ray Kroc, his vision and legacy lives within all of us. By focusing our full-time best efforts on operations excellence, we can keep Ray’s vision alive for the next 50 years.”
