Looks Who's McFifty

Posted by Adam Kuban, April 15, 2005 at 7:05 PM

McDonald's celebrated its 50th birthday today by opening its 50th anniversary restaurant in Chicago. Ray Kroc, who for all intents and purposes founded the McDonald's corporation we know today, opened his first McDonald's burger stand in Des Plaines, Illinois, about 20 miles northwest of Chicago, after striking a deal with the original McDonald brothers, who founded their joint in San Bernardino, California.

We at A Hamburger Today have a love-hate relationship with Micky D's, as I'm sure a lot of you do. When we were young, it was a special treat, and we fondly remember tearing into the cardboard Happy Meal boxes in anticipation of the special toy that was included. As we grew older, though, and our tastes for hamburgers developed a greater sophistication, we came to realize that the prizes were nothing more than cheap junk—a description that could also double for the burgers.

Still, sometimes we crave the weird, unmistakable taste of the burgers we grew up on. And the fries, if done right, are as delicious as ever. And how can you not love the 50th anniversary restaurant (see illustration, top-right image)?

The chain's ubiquity nationwide—and worldwide—make it hard to fathom that it is only 50 years old. And to think it started when Mr. Kroc happened upon the original McDonald brothers' burger stand while working as distributor of the Multimixer machine that the brothers used to brew up milkshakes.

Hmm. Sounds like an order of fries and a shake are in order for a quick after-work snack tonight.

Images from McDonald's (top) and AP (bottom).

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