The first McDonald's Restaurant opened in Des Plaines, Illinois by McDonald's Corporation founder, Ray Kroc, on April 15, 1955.

Travel through time using our Interactive Timeline! See the birth of McDonald's, the launch of your favorite menu item, McDonald's characters, or advertising jingles!
You can navigate the timeline by clicking on the various years at the right, or by clicking on the top of each event window. Enjoy the memories!