This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a franchise model that would propel the brand’s growth and influence.

Inaugural Franchise: Des Plaines, IL: Ray Kroc, widely regarded as the mastermind behind McDonald’s expansion, opened his very first McDonald’s franchise in Des Plaines, Illinois.

This landmark location marked the inception of a global fast-food phenomenon that would revolutionize the dining industry.

Historical Landmark: Phoenix, AZ: The journey of the iconic McDonald’s brand began in Phoenix, Arizona, where the first restaurant featuring the now-famous Golden Arches was established.

This was the true beginning of the McDonalds as we know it, but also the beginning of the end of the McDonald brothers’ involvement in their beloved restaurant. Of course, as most people know from the recent docudrama “Founder,” the real jump start in McDonald’s growth in reach and footprint came in the mid-to-late 1950’s when a traveling salesman, Ray Kroc, convinced the McDonald brothers to replicate their fast food concept and system by selling franchises across the country. Never could they have imagined that their humble business would turn into a staple of pop culture for generations globally with close to 37,000 locations across the globe.

McDonald’s started modestly with two bothers from Manchester, New Hampshire heading out to California to start a small barbecue restaurant.

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