History of McDonald's in Timeline

McDonald's Corporation is a multinational fast food chain originating from America. As of 2024, it stands as the second-largest globally in terms of the number of locations, surpassed only by Mixue Ice Cream & Tea, a Chinese chain. The company is a major player in the fast-food industry and a recognizable symbol of American business.

1971: McDonald's Moved to Oak Brook

In 1971, McDonald's moved from an office within the Chicago Loop to the McDonald's Plaza in Oak Brook, Illinois, which was the site of the former headquarters and stabling area of Paul Butler.

1975: McDonald's opened in Hong Kong

In 1975, McDonald's opened in Hong Kong, becoming the first restaurant to consistently offer clean restrooms.

1977: McDonald's enters NASCAR Cup Series

In 1977, McDonald's entered the NASCAR Cup Series, sponsoring Richard Childress for one race.

1986: McDonald's sponsored limited races

Between 1977 and 1986, McDonald's only sponsored a handful of races in a season.

1990: McLibel Case

In 1990, activists from London Greenpeace distributed leaflets entitled What's wrong with McDonald's?, criticizing its environmental, health, and labor record. McDonald's sued them for libel leading to the "McLibel case".

1990: McDonald's Operations in Russia

McDonald's operated in Russia since 1990.

1992: Michael Jordan becomes first celebrity with McDonald's meal

In 1992, basketball player Michael Jordan became the first celebrity to have a McDonald's value meal named after him. The "McJordan" was available at Chicago franchises. The exclusivity of the meal lead to fans in other regions being envious, more notably leading to a man buying a gallon of the McJordan BBQ sauce for 10,000 dollars.

1993: McDonald's becomes full-time sponsor for Junior Johnson & Associates

In 1993, McDonald's became the full-time sponsor for the No. 27 Junior Johnson & Associates Ford, driven by Hut Stricklin.

1994: Jimmy Spencer replaces Hut Stricklin

In 1994, Jimmy Spencer replaced Hut Stricklin in the No. 27 Junior Johnson & Associates Ford, and went on to win twice that season.

1994: Liebeck v. McDonald's Restaurants court case

In 1994, the court case Liebeck v. McDonald's Restaurants examined McDonald's practice of serving coffee at a temperature that caused third-degree burns when spilled, leading to weeks of hospitalization and skin grafting surgery. The initial trial resulted in an award of $2.86 million for the plaintiff, 81-year-old Stella Liebeck. The amount was later reduced to $640,000.

1995: St. Jude receives a $1 million winning Monopoly game piece

In 1995, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital received an anonymous letter postmarked in Dallas, Texas, containing a $1 million winning McDonald's Monopoly game piece which was later verified by McDonald's officials and a representative from Arthur Andersen.

1999: Testing of E-Clerks

In 1999, McDonald's tested "E-Clerks" in suburban Chicago, Illinois, and Wyoming, Michigan, with the devices being able to "save money on live staffers" and attracting larger purchase amounts than average employees.

2001: Fast Food Nation Publication

According to Eric Schlosser's book Fast Food Nation, published in 2001, nearly one in eight workers in the U.S. have at some time been employed by McDonald's.

Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal

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2001: Criticism in Fast Food Nation

In 2001, Eric Schlosser's book Fast Food Nation criticised aspects of McDonald's business practices, particularly around its political lobbying and criticism of the business practices of McDonald's, particularly concerning its use of political influence and targeting advertisements to children.

Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal

Check it on Amazon

2001: McDonald's moves to Bill Elliott Racing

In 2001, McDonald's moved its sponsorship to the No. 94 Bill Elliott Racing Ford, driven by team-owner Bill Elliott.

2003: LeBron James becomes a spokesman for McDonald's

In 2003, LeBron James became a spokesman for McDonald's.

2004: McDonald's joins Evernham Motorsports

In 2004, McDonald's joined Evernham Motorsports as a part-time sponsor for drivers Elliott, Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler, A. J. Allmendinger, and Reed Sorenson.

2004: Release of Super Size Me Documentary

Morgan Spurlock's 2004 documentary film Super Size Me claimed that McDonald's food was contributing to the increase of obesity in society and that the company was failing to provide nutritional information about its food for its customers.

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2007: Public assistance for fast food workers

From 2007 to 2011, fast food workers in the U.S. drew an average of $7 billion of public assistance annually resulting from receiving low wages.

May 2008: Switch to Trans Fat-Free Cooking Oil

In May 2008, McDonald's announced that it had switched to using cooking oil that contains no trans fats for its french fries, in the United States and Canada.

September 8, 2009: McDonald's loses McCurry lawsuit in Malaysia

On September 8, 2009, McDonald's Malaysian operations lost a lawsuit aimed at preventing another restaurant from using the name McCurry. McDonald's lost in an appeal to Malaysia's highest court, the Federal Court.

2009: McHappy Day raises $20.4 million in Australia

According to the Australian McHappy Day website, McHappy Day raised $20.4 million in 2009.

2010: McDonald's partners with Chip Ganassi Racing

In 2010, McDonald's began its longest partnership with a team at Chip Ganassi Racing, sponsoring the No. 1 Chevrolet driven by Jamie McMurray.

2010: McDonald's sponsorship ends with Evernham Motorsports

In 2010, McDonald's sponsorship with Evernham Motorsports ended.

2010: Increase in rental payments from franchisees

In 2010, rental payments from franchisees began to increase for McDonald's, rising 26 percent between 2010 and 2015. These payments accounted for one-fifth of the company's total revenue at the end of the period.

2010: McHappy Day goal set at $20.8 million

The fundraising goal for the Australian McHappy Day in 2010 was $20.8 million.

2011: Public assistance for fast food workers

From 2007 to 2011, fast food workers in the U.S. drew an average of $7 billion of public assistance annually resulting from receiving low wages.

2012: First Vegetarian-Only Restaurant in India

In 2012, McDonald's opened its first vegetarian-only restaurant in Amritsar, India.

December 2013: Shutdown of McResource Website

In December 2013, McDonald's shut down the McResource website amidst negative publicity and criticism.

2013: Zero-hour contracts in the UK

As of 2013, 90% of McDonald's UK workforce were on zero-hour contracts, making it potentially the largest such private sector employer in the country.

2013: Automation Probability in Fast Food

In 2013, the University of Oxford estimated a 92% probability of food preparation and serving becoming automated in fast food establishments.

August 2014: McDonald's Operations in Russia

In August 2014, McDonald's operated 438 stores across Russia, having been present in the country since 1990.

August 20, 2014: Temporary Closure of Moscow McDonald's Outlets

On August 20, 2014, amidst rising tensions between the United States and Russia, the Russian government temporarily shut down four McDonald's outlets in Moscow, citing sanitary concerns.

August 23, 2014: Russian Government Denies Ban on McDonald's

On August 23, 2014, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich dismissed the notion of a government ban on McDonald's and denied any connection between the temporary closures and U.S. sanctions.

2014: Pledge to stop using eggs from battery cage facilities in Australia

In 2014, McDonald's pledged to stop using eggs from battery cage facilities in restaurants in Australia by 2017.

March 2015: Health and Safety Complaints Filed

In March 2015, McDonald's workers in 19 U.S. cities filed 28 health and safety complaints with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, alleging injuries due to low staffing, lack of protective gear, poor training, and pressure to work fast. Workers were reportedly told to treat burns with condiments like mayonnaise and mustard due to a lack of first aid supplies. The Fight for $15 labor organization aided the workers.

July 2015: Switzerland Has the Most Expensive Big Mac

As of July 2015, Switzerland had the most expensive Big Mac in the world, while India had the least expensive (Maharaja Mac).

November 10, 2015: McDonald's rules out spinning off U.S. holdings into REIT

On November 10, 2015, McDonald's announced at its investor conference that it would not spin off its U.S. holdings into a real estate investment trust (REIT). CEO Steve Easterbrook stated that the REIT option posed too large a risk to the company's business model.

2015: Hamburger University Locations

As of 2015, McDonald's Hamburger Universities were located in Oak Brook, Tokyo, London, Sydney, Munich, São Paulo, Shanghai, and Moscow, where franchisees and management receive training.

2015: Steve Easterbrook became CEO of McDonald's

In 2015, Steve Easterbrook became CEO and president of McDonald's, replacing Don Thompson.

June 13, 2016: McDonald's Confirms Move to Chicago's West Loop

On June 13, 2016, McDonald's confirmed its plans to move its global headquarters to Chicago's West Loop neighborhood in the Near West Side.

December 29, 2016: McDonald's Malaysia restricts cake entry to certified Halal

On December 29, 2016, McDonald's Malaysia issued a statement that only certified halal cakes are allowed inside its restaurants nationwide.

2016: "Create Your Taste" Electronic Kiosks

By 2016, McDonald's "Create Your Taste" electronic kiosks were seen in some restaurants internationally where customers could custom order meals.

January 9, 2017: Sale of Franchise Rights in China and Hong Kong

On January 9, 2017, 80% of the franchise rights in mainland China and Hong Kong were sold for US$2.08 billion to a consortium of CITIC Limited, CITIC Capital, and Carlyle.

April 2017: Option of fixed contracts for employees

In April 2017, McDonald's UK gave all employees the option of fixed contracts, after workers engaged in labor strike.

April 2017: Supermac's challenges McDonald's trademarks

In April 2017, Supermac's, an Irish fast-food chain, requested the European Union Property Office (EUIPO) to cancel McDonald's trademarks within the European Union. Supermac's alleged McDonald's engaged in "trademark bullying," using trademarks to stifle competition and prevent Supermac's expansion. The EUIPO sided with Supermac's, revoking trademarks like "Big Mac" and specific "Mc"-related trademarks due to McDonald's failure to prove their genuine use.

September 2017: British McDonald's Stores Strike

In September 2017, two British McDonald's stores agreed to a strike over zero-hours contracts for staff. Picket lines were formed around the two stores in Crayford and Cambridge. The strike was supported by then Leader of the Opposition Jeremy Corbyn.

2017: McDonald's Pledged to stop using eggs from battery cage facilities in Australia

In 2014, McDonald's pledged to stop using eggs from battery cage facilities in restaurants in Australia by 2017.

2017: LeBron James ends relationship with McDonald's

In 2017, LeBron James ended his time as a spokesman for McDonald's. He had been a spokesman since 2003 while co-endorsing Coca-Cola-Sprite since early in his career.

2017: Launch of McDonald's App

In 2017, McDonald's launched an app in the United States that allows customers to skip the ordering line inside or drive through and order online. Many McDonald's locations have special parking spaces for such orders.

June 4, 2018: Opening of new McDonald's headquarters in Chicago

On June 4, 2018, McDonald's opened its new 608,000-square-foot global headquarters in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood. The structure was built on the former site of Harpo Productions.

2018: Switch to canola-based oil complete

By the end of 2018, McDonald's had completed the switch to canola-based oil with corn and soy oils, for its baked items, pies, and cookies in the United States and Canada.

2018: McDonald's Implements Cage-Free Eggs in Australia

In 2018, McDonald's met its 2014 pledge to stop using eggs from battery cage facilities in restaurants in Australia.

September 2019: Purchase of Apprente

In September 2019, McDonald's purchased an AI-based start-up, Apprente, to replace human servers with voice-based technology in its US drive-throughs.

2019: McDonald's sponsors Bubba Wallace for one race

During the 2019 season, McDonald's had a one-race partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports' No. 43 Chevrolet driven by Bubba Wallace.

2019: Steve Easterbrook Removed as CEO

In 2019, McDonald's board of directors voted to remove Steve Easterbrook as CEO for violating corporate policies. Chris Kempczinski replaced him as CEO, after being president of McDonald's USA.

2019: Jenna Ries sues McDonald's over workplace harassment

In 2019, a McDonald's employee, Jenna Ries, sued the restaurant chain over allowing sexual harassment in the workplace, describing the working environment as "toxic".

2019: Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union Reports Harassment Cases

In 2019, the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union reported over 1,000 cases of harassment involving female employees at McDonald's.

September 2020: McDonald's partners with Travis Scott to release the "Travis Scott Meal"

In September 2020, McDonald's partnered with rapper Travis Scott to release the "Travis Scott Meal" nationwide. Scott designed new uniforms for McDonald's employees and released Cactus Jack merchandise using vintage visuals from the fast food chain's history.

2020: McDonald's sponsors Kyle Larson and Bubba Wallace

In 2020, McDonald's sponsored CGR's No. 42 of Kyle Larson until his suspension. It also had a one-race partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports' No. 43 Chevrolet driven by Bubba Wallace.

2021: McDonald's continues partnerships with Ross Chastain and Bubba Wallace

In 2021, McDonald's continued working with the No. 42 under new driver Ross Chastain and also joined Wallace's new team 23XI Racing as a "founding partner".

2021: McDonald's partners with BTS to release the "BTS Meal"

In 2021, McDonald's partnered with Korean boy group BTS to release the "BTS Meal" in 50 countries around the world, starting on May 26 in select countries.

2021: Employees file harassment charges against McDonald's

In 2021, it was reported that at least 50 McDonald's employees had filed charges regarding harassment in the workplace over five years, leading to the company instituting anti-harassment training. Some complainants alleged verbal and physical harassment in retaliation for their complaints.

2021: Animal Rising blockades McDonald's distribution centers

In 2021, the animal rights group Animal Rising blockaded four McDonald's UK distribution centers using bamboo towers. This action resulted in food shortages at McDonald's restaurants, and the group stated the "suffering of animals" in the McDonald's supply chain motivated their actions.

March 2022: McDonald's closed and sold locations in Russia.

In March 2022, McDonald's closed and sold their 850 locations in Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine, under the condition that the locations would not use the McDonalds branding.

July 2022: McDonald's reaches agreement with French authorities over tax fraud

In July 2022, McDonald's group reached an agreement with the French judicial authorities to end criminal proceedings related to tax fraud.

August 2022: Changes to McDonald's Board

In August 2022, McDonald's announced changes to its board: Sheila Penrose retired, and Anthony Capuano, Jennifer Taubert, and Amy Weaver joined as directors.

2022: McDonald's Donates Over $182 Million to Ronald McDonald House Charities

In 2022, over $182 million was donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities from McDonald's, its franchisees, and its customers.

2022: Closing of McDonald's restaurant in Murmansk, Russia

In 2022, the northernmost McDonald's restaurant in Murmansk, Russia was closed.

July 2023: BBC investigation reveals racism and harassment in McDonald's UK

Following a BBC investigation in July 2023, testimonies highlighted issues such as racism, homophobia, ableism, and harassment within McDonald's UK.

2023: BBC investigation reveals toxic culture at McDonald's UK

In 2023, a BBC investigation reported that over 100 current and recent UK workers at McDonald's outlets alleged a continuing toxic culture of sexual assault, harassment, racism, and bullying.

2023: Child Labor Violations Found at McDonald's Franchises

In 2023, a United States Department of Labor investigation discovered child labor violations at McDonald's franchises in Kentucky, involving over 300 children, including two 10-year-olds. Fines totaling $212,000 were levied against three franchises. Further investigations uncovered violations involving 83 minors at 16 locations in Louisiana and Texas, resulting in fines of $77,572.

2023: Value of the Liebeck settlement adjusted for inflation

In 2023, it was noted that the original award of $2.86 million in the Liebeck v. McDonald's case in 1994 was equivalent to $5.33 million, and the reduced amount of $640,000 was equivalent to $1.2 million.

2023: EUIPO Board of Appeal partially annuls decision regarding trademarks

In 2023, the EUIPO Board of Appeal partially annulled its previous decision regarding McDonald's trademarks after the company submitted additional evidence, despite objections.

2023: Opening of Automated Restaurant in Fort Worth

In early 2023, McDonald's opened its first largely automated restaurant in Fort Worth, Texas, de-emphasizing human contact during ordering and lacking seating.

January 2024: Northernmost McDonald's Restaurant

As of January 2024, McDonald's opened a new restaurant in Tromsø, Norway, making it the northernmost McDonald's restaurant in the world.

December 2024: Board of Directors members

As of December 2024, the board of directors had the following members

2024: McDonald's unsuccessful in EU proceedings against Supermac's

In 2024, McDonald's was unsuccessful in similar trademark proceedings against Supermac's in the EU.

2024: European Court of Justice rules on Big Mac trademark case

In 2024, the European Court of Justice ruled that McDonald's had not proven the use of the Big Mac trademark in relation to chicken products or restaurant services. This ruling allows Supermac's and other businesses to use "Mac" in their names and poultry products in Europe. McDonald's retains the Big Mac trademark for beef burgers.

January 2025: Angel Reese partners with McDonald's

In January 2025, WNBA player Angel Reese became the first woman to partner with McDonald's, creating the Angel Reese Special. Ordering the meal as a double Quarter Pounder was promoted in reference to Reese's consistent double-doubles during games.

January 2025: Lawsuits Filed Against McDonald's UK Over Widespread Harassment and Discrimination

In January 2025, it was reported that over 700 young workers had filed lawsuits against McDonald's UK, alleging widespread harassment and discrimination. The claims, handled by the law firm Leigh Day, involved current and former employees under the age of 20 and spanned more than 450 restaurants. Testimonies highlighted issues such as racism, homophobia, ableism, and harassment.

March 2025: Equality and Human Rights Commission Warns McDonald's UK

In March 2025, the Equality and Human Rights Commission wrote to all 1,400 McDonald's branches telling them they must comply with their legal duties, or risk enforcement action.

June 2025: McDonald's attempts to block Supermac's expansion into the UK

In June 2025, reports emerged that McDonald's was trying to block the expansion of the Irish chain Supermac's into the UK market, and would proceed with IPO trademark court proceedings in the UK.

2027: McDonald's Expansion Plans Announced

By 2027, McDonald's aims to add 900 new restaurants in the U.S. and create 10,000 more globally, totaling 50,000 restaurants worldwide.

2027: McDonald's plans for digital expansion and AI integration

By 2027, McDonald's plans to expand its digital ordering system so that 30% of deliveries originate from their app. They also aim to expand the McDonald's loyalty program from 150 million to 250 million 90-day active users. McDonald's also announces partnership with Google to automate restaurants using artificial intelligence and Google Cloud technology.