History of McDonald's in Timeline

McDonald's is an American multinational fast food chain. As of 2024, it ranks as the second-largest globally in terms of number of locations.

1971: McDonald's moves headquarters to Oak Brook

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

1975: McDonald's opens in Hong Kong

In 1975, McDonald's opened in Hong Kong, becoming the first restaurant to consistently offer clean restrooms, setting a new standard for other establishments.

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 Sponsors Limited NASCAR Races

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

1990: McLibel case begins

In 1990, after activists from London Greenpeace distributed leaflets criticizing McDonald's environmental, health, and labor record, the corporation sued them for libel, leading to the "McLibel case."

1990: McDonald's operations in Russia began

McDonald's began operating in Russia in 1990.

1992: Michael Jordan "McJordan" Meal

In 1992, Michael Jordan became the first celebrity to have a McDonald's value meal named after him. The "McJordan" was available at Chicago franchises. A fan once bought a gallon of the McJordan BBQ sauce for 10,000 dollars.

1993: McDonald's Becomes Full-Time NASCAR Sponsor

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

1994: Jimmy Spencer Wins Twice with McDonald's Sponsorship

In 1994, Jimmy Spencer replaced Hut Stricklin in the No. 27 car and went on to win twice that season with McDonald's as the full-time sponsor.

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 so hot that when spilled, it caused third degree burns. The trial outcome was an initial award of $2.86 million, later reduced to $640,000, for the plaintiff, 81-year old Stella Liebeck.

1995: $1 Million McDonald's Monopoly Game Piece Donated to St. Jude

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

1999: McDonald's Tests "E-Clerks"

In 1999, McDonald's first tested "E-Clerks" in suburban Chicago, Illinois, and Wyoming, Michigan. These electronic kiosks were intended to save money and attract larger purchase amounts.

2001: Publication of Fast Food Nation

In 2001, Eric Schlosser's book "Fast Food Nation" criticized aspects of McDonald's business practices, particularly political lobbying and targeting advertisements to children.

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

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2001: McDonald's Sponsors PPI Motorsports

In 2001, McDonald's moved its NASCAR sponsorship to the No. 96 PPI Motorsports Ford, driven by rookie Andy Houston.

2001: Fast Food Nation Publication

In 2001, according to Eric Schlosser's "Fast Food Nation", nearly one in eight workers in the U.S. have at some time been employed by McDonald's. McDonald's Corp. encourages its employees to maintain their health.

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

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2003: LeBron James becomes McDonald's spokesman

In 2003, LeBron James became a spokesman for McDonald's, while also co-endorsing Coca-Cola-Sprite since early in his career.

2004: McDonald's Returns to NASCAR as Part-Time Sponsor

In 2004, McDonald's rejoined NASCAR with Evernham Motorsports as a part-time sponsor for multiple drivers.

2004: Release of Super Size Me

Morgan Spurlock's 2004 documentary film "Super Size Me" claimed that McDonald's food was contributing to obesity. Shortly after, McDonald's eliminated the super size option and created the adult Happy Meal.

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2007: Public assistance for fast food workers in the U.S.

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: McDonald's switches to trans fat-free cooking oil

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

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 calling itself McCurry. McDonald's lost in an appeal to Malaysia's highest court, the Federal Court.

2009: McHappy Day Raises $20.4 Million

In 2009, the Australian McHappy Day website reported that McHappy Day raised $20.4 million.

2010: McDonald's Partners with Chip Ganassi Racing

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

2010: McDonald's Continues Part-Time NASCAR Sponsorship

In 2010, McDonald's continued its part-time sponsorship role in NASCAR with Evernham Motorsports.

2010: McHappy Day Goal Set at $20.8 Million

In 2010, the fundraising goal for McHappy Day was set at $20.8 million.

2011: Public assistance for fast food workers in the U.S.

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 opens in India

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

December 2013: McDonald's shuts down McResource website

In December 2013, McDonald's shut down the McResource website amid negative publicity and criticism. The website had advised employees on ways to save money. McDonald's plans to continue an internal telephone help line.

2013: McDonald's UK workforce on zero-hour contracts

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: University of Oxford estimates automation probability

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

In August 2014, McDonald's had 438 stores operating in Russia, having been in the country since 1990.

August 20, 2014: Russian government shuts down McDonald's outlets

On August 20, 2014, amid tensions between the U.S. and Russia over the annexation of Crimea, the Russian government temporarily shut down four McDonald's outlets in Moscow, citing sanitary concerns.

August 23, 2014: Russian Deputy Prime Minister dismisses McDonald's ban notion

On August 23, 2014, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich dismissed the notion of banning McDonald's in Russia and said the temporary closures had nothing to do with sanctions.

2014: McDonald's pledges to stop using battery cage eggs 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 by McDonald's workers

In March 2015, McDonald's workers in 19 U.S. cities filed 28 health and safety complaints alleging injuries due to low staffing, lack of protective gear, poor training, and pressure to work fast. Workers were allegedly told to treat burns with condiments due to a lack of first aid supplies.

July 2015: Big Mac Index findings

As of July 2015, according to The Economist's Big Mac Index, Switzerland had the most expensive Big Mac in the world, while India had the least expensive (Maharaja Mac).

November 10, 2015: Investor conference announcement

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, as CEO Steve Easterbrook believed the REIT option would pose too large a risk to the company's business model.

2015: Hamburger University locations in 2015

As of 2015, McDonald's trains its franchisees and management at Hamburger Universities located in Oak Brook, Tokyo, London, Sydney, Munich, São Paulo, Shanghai, and Moscow.

2015: Steve Easterbrook becomes CEO of McDonald's

In 2015, Steve Easterbrook replaced Don Thompson as CEO and president of McDonald's.

June 13, 2016: McDonald's announces headquarters move to Chicago

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

December 29, 2016: McDonald's Malaysia Issues Halal Cake Policy

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

2016: Introduction of "Create Your Taste" kiosks

By 2016, McDonald's "Create Your Taste" electronic kiosks were being used in some restaurants internationally for customers to custom order meals.

January 9, 2017: Sale of China and Hong Kong franchise rights

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

April 2017: Supermac's requests cancellation of McDonald's EU trademarks

In April 2017, Supermac's, an Irish fast-food chain, submitted a request to the European Union Property Office to cancel McDonald's owned trademarks within the European Union. Supermac's claimed McDonald's engaged in "trademark bullying" by registering brand names to use against future competitors, which had previously prevented Supermac's from expanding out of Ireland.

April 2017: McDonald's UK offers fixed contracts

In April 2017, after labor strike, McDonald's UK gave all employees the option of fixed contracts. Prior to this, as of 2013, 90% of the workforce were on zero-hour contracts.

September 2017: British McDonald's stores strike over zero-hours contracts

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. Jeremy Corbyn supported the strike.

2017: McDonald's pledge to stop using battery cage eggs by 2017

In 2014, McDonald's pledged to stop using eggs from battery cage facilities in restaurants in Australia by 2017, which was met in 2018.

2017: LeBron James ends partnership with McDonald's

In 2017, LeBron James's partnership with McDonald's concluded, after being a spokesman since 2003.

2017: McDonald's launches mobile app in the U.S.

In 2017, McDonald's launched a mobile app in the United States allowing customers to order online and skip the line inside or at the drive-through.

June 4, 2018: New headquarters opens in Chicago

On June 4, 2018, McDonald's opened its 608,000-square-foot global headquarters in Chicago on the former site of Harpo Productions.

2018: McDonald's completes switch to canola-based oil

By the end of 2018, McDonald's in the United States and Canada completed switching to canola-based oil with corn and soy oils for its baked items, pies, and cookies. The company also introduced a new recruitment slogan: "Not bad for a McJob."

2018: McDonald's meets cage-free egg pledge in Australia

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

September 2019: McDonald's purchases Apprente

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

2019: McDonald's Employee Sues Over Toxic Workplace

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

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.

2019: McDonald's Sponsors Bubba Wallace for One Race

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

2019: Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union Reports Over 1,000 Harassment Cases Involving Female Employees

In 2019, the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union reported over 1,000 cases of harassment involving female employees at McDonald's, highlighting a long-standing issue of workplace misconduct.

September 2020: McDonald's and Travis Scott release the "Travis Scott Meal"

In September 2020, McDonald's partnered with rapper Travis Scott to release the "Travis Scott Meal" nationwide. Travis 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 Kyle Larson's No. 42 at Chip Ganassi Racing until his suspension and had another one-race partnership with Bubba Wallace's No. 43 at Richard Petty Motorsports.

2021: Animal Rising Blockades UK Distribution Centers

In 2021, Animal Rising blockaded four McDonald's UK distribution centers using bamboo towers, which led to food shortages at restaurants. The animal rights group cited the "suffering of animals" in McDonald's supply chain as their motivating factor.

2021: McDonald's Sponsors Ross Chastain and Joins 23XI Racing

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

2021: McDonald's Partners with BTS for "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: Employee Harassment Charges Lead to Anti-Harassment Training

In 2021, it was revealed that at least 50 employees had filed charges against McDonald's chains regarding harassment in the workplace over five years, leading to the company instituting anti-harassment training.

March 2022: McDonald's Closes and Sells Locations in Russia

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

July 2022: McDonald's reaches agreement with French authorities to end criminal proceedings for tax fraud

In July 2022, the McDonald's group reached an agreement with the French judicial authorities to end criminal proceedings for tax fraud, after proceedings had been taken against it by the French Tax Authorities.

August 2022: McDonald's Announces Board Changes

In August 2022, McDonald's announced that Sheila Penrose would retire and Anthony Capuano, Jennifer Taubert, and Amy Weaver would join the board. The changes were unrelated to Carl Icahn's effort.

2022: Over $182 Million Donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities

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

2022: Closure of Murmansk, Russia McDonald's

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

July 2023: BBC Investigation Highlights Harassment and Discrimination at McDonald's UK

Following a BBC investigation in July 2023, testimonies highlighted issues such as racism, homophobia, ableism, and harassment at McDonald's UK. The investigation led to further scrutiny and legal actions against the company.

2023: BBC Investigation Exposes Toxic Culture at McDonald's UK

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

2023: EUIPO Partially Annuls Decision After McDonald's Files Additional Evidence

In 2023, the EUIPO Board of Appeal partially annulled its decision regarding Supermac's request to cancel McDonald's EU trademarks, after McDonald's filed 700 pages of additional evidence despite objections.

2023: Child Labor Violations Found at McDonald's Franchises

In 2023, the United States Department of Labor found 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 Liebeck v. McDonald's Award Adjusted for Inflation

In 2023, the equivalent value of the initial award of $2.86 million in the Liebeck v. McDonald's case was $5.33 million, and the reduced award of $640,000 was $1.2 million when adjusted for inflation.

2023: McDonald's opens automated restaurant in Fort Worth, Texas

In early 2023, McDonald's opened its first largely automated restaurant in Fort Worth, Texas. The restaurant de-emphasizes human contact when ordering and has no seating.

January 2024: McDonald's opens northernmost restaurant in Tromsø, Norway

In January 2024, McDonald's opened a new restaurant in Tromsø, Norway, becoming the northernmost McDonald's restaurant in the world.

December 2024: McDonald's Board of Directors

As of December 2024, the provided text indicates the existence of a board of directors for McDonald's, though specific members are not listed in the provided context.

2024: McDonald's Loses Trademark Battle Against Supermac's in EU

In 2024, McDonald's was unsuccessful in similar proceedings against Supermac's in the EU, which prompted the attempt to block Supermac's expansion into the UK.

2024: European Court of Justice Rules Against McDonald's on Big Mac Trademark

In 2024, the European Court of Justice ruled that McDonald's had failed to prove the use of the Big Mac trademark in relation to chicken products or services associated with operating restaurants. This means Supermac's and other businesses are now free to use "Mac" in their business names and for poultry products in Europe. McDonald's retains the Big Mac trademark solely for its beef burgers.

January 2025: Angel Reese Partners with McDonald's for Angel Reese Special

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: Over 700 Young Workers File Lawsuits Against McDonald's UK

In January 2025, reports surfaced 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.

March 2025: Equality and Human Rights Commission Demands Compliance from McDonald's UK

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

June 2025: McDonald's Attempts to Block Supermac's Expansion into the UK

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

2027: McDonald's Plans to Expand to 50,000 Restaurants Globally

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

2027: McDonald's Plans to Expand Loyalty Program and Digital Ordering

By 2027, McDonald's plans to expand the McDonald's loyalty program from 150 million to 250 million 90-day active users. McDonald's is also planning to expand its digital ordering system to 30% of deliveries originating from their app.