History of McDonald's in Timeline

McDonald's is an American multinational fast food chain established in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald as a hamburger stand in San Bernardino, California. It evolved into a franchise model, with the Golden Arches logo introduced in 1953. Ray Kroc joined as a franchise agent in 1955 and later purchased the company in 1961. The company moved its headquarters from Oak Brook, Illinois, to Chicago in 2018. McDonald's also operates as a real estate company, owning a significant portion of its restaurant buildings and land. As of 2024, McDonald's has over 40,000 restaurants internationally and served 69 million customers daily across 100 countries.

May 15, 1940: First McDonald's Opens

On May 15, 1940, siblings Richard and Maurice McDonald opened the first McDonald's restaurant at 1398 North E Street at West 14th Street in San Bernardino, California.

1940: Restaurant Founded

In 1940, Richard and Maurice McDonald founded McDonald's as a restaurant in San Bernardino, California. It began as a hamburger stand.

1948: Introduction of Speedee Service System

In 1948, the McDonald brothers introduced the "Speedee Service System", implementing the principles of modern fast-food restaurants. They simplified the menu to nine items and switched to paper wrappings and cups, removing the need for a dishwasher.

1953: Golden Arches Introduced

In 1953, the Golden Arches logo was introduced at a McDonald's location in Phoenix, Arizona, becoming the company's symbol.

April 15, 1955: Ray Kroc Opens First Franchised McDonald's

On April 15, 1955, Ray Kroc opened his first franchised McDonald's restaurant, marking the ninth McDonald's location overall.

1955: Ray Kroc Joins McDonald's

In 1955, Ray Kroc, a businessman, joined McDonald's as a franchise agent, marking a significant turning point in the company's history.

1961: Ray Kroc Buys McDonald's

In 1961, Ray Kroc bought McDonald's from the McDonald brothers, gaining full control of the company.

1961: Kroc Purchases McDonald Brothers' Equity

In 1961, Ray Kroc purchased the McDonald brothers' equity in the company for $2.7 million, initiating the company's global expansion.

1962: Golden Arches Replaced Speedee

In 1962, the Golden Arches replaced Speedee as the universal mascot of McDonald's.

1963: Introduction of Ronald McDonald

In 1963, McDonald's introduced Ronald McDonald, a clown mascot, to market the chain to children.

1971: San Bernardino Restaurant Torn Down

In 1971, the original McDonald's restaurant in San Bernardino was torn down.

1975: Drive-Thru Introduced

In 1975, McDonald's introduced its first Drive-Thru, Auto-Mac, Pay and Drive, or "McDrive" restaurant in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

1977: McDonald's Enters NASCAR

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

1984: Destruction of Ninth McDonald's Restaurant

In 1984, the ninth McDonald's restaurant opened by Ray Kroc was destroyed following the San Ysidro McDonald's massacre.

1986: McDonald's Sponsors Few NASCAR Races

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

1986: McDonald's partners with Lego, later recalls toy sets

In 1986, McDonald's partnered with Lego, offering different block sets as part of its Happy Meals. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission alerted McDonald's that the small Lego pieces could pose a choking hazard. Parents were asked to exchange Lego sets for Duplo sets, designed for toddlers, though no injuries were linked to the Lego sets at the time.

1986: First Drive-Thru in Britain

In 1986, the first McDonald's Drive-Thru restaurant in Britain opened at Fallowfield, Manchester.

1987: PlayPlaces Renamed

In 1987, McDonald's renamed their Playlands, which were originally outside, to PlayPlaces and moved them inside, constructing them with softer materials like plastic instead of metal for safety reasons.

1990: McLibel case begins

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

1992: Introduction of the "McJordan" Meal

In 1992, basketball player Michael Jordan became the first celebrity to have a McDonald's value meal named after him. The "McJordan", a Quarter Pounder with pickles, raw onion slices, bacon, and barbecue sauce, was available at Chicago franchises.

1993: McDonald's 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.

1993: McCafé Concept Created

In 1993, the McCafé concept was created by McDonald's Australia, starting with Melbourne.

1994: Jimmy Spencer Replaces Hut Stricklin, Wins Twice

In 1994, Jimmy Spencer replaced Hut Stricklin in the No. 27 car, going on to win twice that season with McDonald's as a sponsor.

1994: Hearth Express Prototype

In 1994, McDonald's attempted Hearth Express, a prototype specializing in homestyle takeout meals that offered meatloaf, fried chicken, and baked ham.

1994: McDonald's Bans Smoking

In 1994, McDonald's banned smoking at the 1,400 locations it wholly owned.

1994: Liebeck v. McDonald's Restaurants

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

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

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. McDonald's officials verified the winning game piece.

1996: McDonald's Buys Georgie Pie

In 1996, McDonald's New Zealand bought out the Georgie Pie fast food chain.

1998: Site Sold to Juan Pollo

In 1998, the site of the original McDonald's in San Bernardino was sold to the Juan Pollo chain.

2001: Publication of Fast Food Nation

In 2001, Eric Schlosser's book "Fast Food Nation" criticized McDonald's business practices, including 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 Sponsors Andy Houston

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

2003: LeBron James Becomes McDonald's Spokesman

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, Kahne, Sadler, Allmendinger, and Sorenson.

2004: Release of Super Size Me documentary

In 2004, Morgan Spurlock's documentary "Super Size Me" claimed McDonald's food contributed to obesity and that the company failed to provide nutritional information. Shortly after the film's release, McDonald's eliminated the super size option and created the adult Happy Meal.

Loading Video...

2006: "Forever Young" Brand Introduced

In 2006, McDonald's introduced its "Forever Young" brand with a major redesign of its restaurants, resembling a coffee shop with warmer colors, wooden tables, and free Wi-Fi.

April 2007: McDonald's Fined for Child Labor Violations

In April 2007, in Perth, Western Australia, McDonald's pleaded guilty to five charges related to employing children under the age of 15 in one of its outlets and was fined A$8,000.

2007: Fast food workers relying on public assistance

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

2007: McHappy Day Celebration

In 2007, McHappy Day was celebrated primarily in Canada.

May 2008: McDonald's switches 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, and canola-based oil with corn and soy oils, for its baked items, pies, and cookies, in the United States and Canada. The company also introduced the slogan "Not bad for a McJob."

September 8, 2009: McDonald's Loses McCurry Lawsuit

On September 8, 2009, McDonald's Malaysian operations lost a lawsuit aimed at preventing another restaurant from using the name McCurry. McDonald's lost the 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

During the 2010 season, 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 recalls packaged apple slices due to listeria

In 2010, McDonald's issued a recall of its packaged apple slices due to listeria contamination. The fruit had been shipped by Missa Bay before listeria monocytogenes was discovered on the facility's production equipment. Other menu items containing apples were also recalled.

2010: McDonald's recalls Shrek-themed drinking glasses

In 2010, McDonald's recalled 12 million of its promotional Shrek-themed drinking glasses due to traces of cadmium in the paint. These glasses coincided with the release of the Shrek movie "Shrek Forever After".

Loading Video...

2010: McDonald's Sponsorship with Evernham Motorsports ends

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

2010: McHappy Day Goal Set at $20.8 Million

The goal for McHappy Day in 2010 was to raise $20.8 million in Australia.

2011: Fast food workers relying on public assistance

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

2012: McDonald's pledges to stop sourcing pork from gestation crates

In 2012, McDonald's pledged to stop sourcing pork from facilities that use gestation crates in the U.S.

April 2013: Fast food workers paid less than legal wages

In April 2013, a study by Fast Food Forward revealed that approximately 84 percent of fast food employees working in New York City had been paid less than their legal wages by their employers.

August 5, 2013: McDonald's UK workforce on zero-hour contracts

On August 5, 2013, The Guardian reported that 90 percent of McDonald's UK workforce were on zero-hour contracts, potentially making it the largest private sector employer with such contracts in the country.

December 2013: McDonald's shuts down McResource website

In December 2013, McDonald's shut down the McResource website amidst negative publicity and criticism. However, McDonald's planned to continue an internal telephone help line for employees to obtain advice on work and life problems.

March 2014: Sprite 6 Mix by LeBron James Debuts

In March 2014, a unique "Sprite 6 Mix by LeBron James" flavor of Sprite, featuring the flavors of lemon-lime, orange, and cherry, debuted just before the NBA playoffs. LeBron James' endorsement of Sprite also included the seasonal "cranberry" and "winter-spiced cranberry" editions of the beverage.

2014: McDonald's pledges 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.

2014: McDonald's recalls Hello Kitty themed whistles

In 2014, McDonald's recalled 1.6 million Hello Kitty themed whistles distributed through Happy Meals due to being a choking hazard. Two children coughed up pieces of the whistles, with one needing medical attention.

March 2015: Worker complaints filed with OSHA

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 citing issues such as low staffing, lack of protective gear, poor training, and pressure to work fast, resulting in injuries. Workers also claimed they were told to treat burn injuries with condiments due to a lack of first aid supplies.

December 2015: McDonald's Next Opened in Hong Kong

In December 2015, the first McDonald's Next store opened in Hong Kong, featuring an open-concept design and "Create Your Taste" digital ordering.

2015: McDonald's Japan recalls Chicken McNuggets

In 2015 in Japan, McDonald's recalled 1 million Chicken McNuggets after customers discovered plastic and vinyl in the boneless chicken pieces. The vinyl shard was traced back to Cargill, which ran a chicken processing plant in Thailand, though they denied the plastic came from their facilities.

2015: All-Day Breakfast Trials in US

In 2015, McDonald's began offering a partial breakfast menu during all hours its restaurants were open in the United States after limited regional trials.

2015: McDonald's pledges to eliminate caged eggs in the United States

In 2015, McDonald's pledged to eliminate caged eggs in restaurants in the United States by the end of 2025.

2015: Menu Streamlining Under New CEO

In 2015, when Steve Easterbrook became CEO, McDonald's began streamlining its menu, introducing healthier options, removing high-fructose corn syrup from hamburger buns, and artificial preservatives from Chicken McNuggets.

2015: "Create Your Taste" Concept

In early 2015, McDonald's tried the "Create Your Taste" (CYT) concept in Australia, allowing customers to choose all ingredients for their burgers, expanding later to other countries.

November 2016: "Create Your Taste" Replaced

In November 2016, the "Create Your Taste" (CYT) program was replaced by a "Signature Crafted Recipes" program designed to be more efficient and less expensive.

December 29, 2016: Halal Cake Policy in Malaysia

On December 29, 2016, McDonald's Malaysia announced that only certified halal cakes would be allowed inside its restaurants nationwide.

2016: McDonald's recalls fitness tracker toys

In 2016, McDonald's recalled 32.6 million fitness tracker toys in Happy Meals due to causing blisters and burns. The marketing stunt was also criticized for associating fitness with unhealthy food.

April 2017: McDonald's UK offers fixed contracts due to strikes

In April 2017, McDonald's UK offered all employees the option of fixed contracts due to employee strikes.

April 2017: Supermac's challenges McDonald's trademarks in the EU

In April 2017, Supermac's, an Irish fast-food chain, requested the European Union Property Office to cancel McDonald's trademarks within the European Union, alleging "trademark bullying." The EUIPO ruled in Supermac's favor, canceling some of McDonald's trademarks.

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 stores in Crayford and Cambridge, with support from then Leader of the Opposition Jeremy Corbyn.

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

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

2017: LeBron James Ends McDonald's Spokesman Partnership

In 2017, LeBron James ended his partnership as a spokesman for McDonald's.

2017: All-Day Breakfast in Canada

In 2017, McDonald's began offering a partial breakfast menu during all hours its restaurants were open in Canada after limited regional trials.

January 2018: McDonald's Australia achieves cage-free egg goal

By January 2018, McDonald's announced that they had succeeded in meeting their 2014 pledge to stop using eggs from battery cage facilities in restaurants in Australia by 2017.

June 2018: Headquarters Move to Chicago

In June 2018, McDonald's moved its headquarters from Oak Brook, Illinois, to nearby Chicago.

September 2018: Removal of Artificial Preservatives

In September 2018, McDonald's USA announced that they would no longer use artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors in seven classic burgers sold in the U.S.

2018: Worldwide Restaurant Count

As of the end of 2018, McDonald's has 37,855 restaurants worldwide, employing more than 210,000 people.

2018: McDonald's completes switch to trans fat-free cooking oil

By the end of 2018, McDonald's completed its switch to using cooking oil that contains no trans fats for its french fries, and canola-based oil with corn and soy oils, for its baked items, pies, and cookies, in the United States and Canada.

2018: Second Largest Private Employer

In 2018, McDonald's was the world's second-largest private employer with 1.7 million employees.

2018: McDonald's salad outbreak of Cyclospora infections

In 2018, there was an outbreak of Cyclospora infections traced back to McDonald's salads, with over 430 people across at least 15 U.S. states contracting the parasite. The contamination was linked to romaine lettuce and carrots in a Fresh Express salad mix. McDonald's recalled salads from 3,000 restaurants and changed its supplier.

2019: McMurray's Final Race and One-Race Partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports

In 2019, McDonald's sponsored Jamie McMurray until his final race in the Daytona 500. They also had a one-race partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports' No. 43 Chevrolet driven by Bubba Wallace.

2019: Jenna Ries Sues McDonald's Over Harassment

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

2019: Harassment Allegations Raised

In 2019, allegations of harassment were raised, with the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union reporting over 1,000 cases of harassment involving female employees.

2019: Robinsons Fruit Shoots recalled due to faulty packaging

In 2019, bottles of Robinsons Fruit Shoots sold at McDonald's in the United Kingdom were recalled due to faulty packaging. The cap on the apple and blackcurrant flavored beverages could detach, posing a choking hazard. McDonald's pulled the bottles from its restaurants and awaited new stock.

July 2020: McDonald's Reports Significant Earnings Drop

In July 2020, McDonald's reported earnings of 66 cents per share for the second quarter, representing a fall of 68% due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

September 2020: Travis Scott Meal Release

In September 2020, McDonald's partnered with rapper Travis Scott to release the "Travis Scott Meal", a Quarter Pounder with cheese, bacon, lettuce, pickles, ketchup, and mustard; medium fries with barbecue sauce; and a Sprite, nationwide. Travis Scott also designed new uniforms for McDonald's employees and released Cactus Jack merchandise using vintage visuals from the fast-food chain's history.

November 2020: McPlant Announcement

In November 2020, McDonald's announced McPlant, a plant-based burger, along with plans to develop additional meat alternative menu items that extend to chicken substitutes and breakfast sandwiches.

2020: End of James' Deal with Coca-Cola and Sprite

In 2020, LeBron James' deal with Coca-Cola and Sprite ended.

2020: Sponsorship of Kyle Larson and One-Race Partnership with Bubba Wallace

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

2020: All-Day Breakfast Phased Out

In 2020, all-day breakfast was phased out from menus at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Meat Pies Sold in New Zealand Until 2020

Until 2020, McDonald's New Zealand sold meat pies after partially relaunching the Georgie Pie fast food chain it bought out in 1996.

2021: Animal Rising blockades McDonald's UK distribution centers

In 2021, Animal Rising blockaded four UK distribution centers using bamboo towers, leading to food shortages at restaurants, citing "suffering of animals" in the McDonald's supply chain.

2021: James Partners with Pepsi and Mountain Dew

In 2021, LeBron James launched a new partnership with Pepsi and Mountain Dew.

2021: McDonald's Sweet 'N Sour Sauce recalled in Ireland

In 2021, McDonald's Sweet 'N Sour Sauce was recalled in Ireland after it was discovered that the condiment contained mustard, an undeclared allergen. The condiment was promptly removed from stores, and a warning was issued.

2021: McDonald's Continues with Chastain and Joins 23XI Racing

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: Menu Streamlining

In 2021, McDonald's cut value meals and cheaper items from its menu as part of a focus on higher-priced items.

2021: BTS Meal Release

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. The meal consists of a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, medium fries, medium Coke, and for the first time in the United States, two spicy dipping sauces: Sweet Chili and Cajun.

2021: Employee Harassment Charges

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

July 2022: McDonald's reaches agreement with French judicial authorities

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

2022: McDonald's New Zealand recalls Chicken McBites

In 2022 in New Zealand, McDonald's recalled Chicken McBites after a complaint of undercooked chicken. The raw chicken was attributed to an error in portion sizing, and Chicken McBites were removed from the menu out of caution.

2022: $182 Million Donated 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: McPlant Expansion

In late 2022, McDonald's announced the addition of the Double McPlant at all restaurants in the United Kingdom and Ireland starting January 4 due to the success of the McPlant.

July 2023: BBC Investigation Highlights Racism and Harassment

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

July 2023: CosMc's Announced

In July 2023, the company announced it was working towards a new fast-food brand called CosMc's that would be tested at ten sites.

December 2023: First CosMc's Location Opened

In December 2023, the first CosMc's location was opened in Bolingbrook, Illinois.

2023: McDonald's achieves 96% of goal to stop sourcing pork from gestation crates

By 2023, McDonald's reported that they had achieved 96% of their 2012 goal to stop sourcing pork from facilities that use gestation crates in the U.S.

2023: Bakery Items Discounted

In 2023, McDonald's discounted three of its bakery items: the apple fritter, blueberry muffin, and cinnamon roll.

2023: BBC Investigation into Toxic Culture

In 2023, a BBC investigation reported that over 100 current and recent UK workers at the fast-food chain alleged a continuing toxic culture of sexual assault, harassment, racism, and bullying.

2023: Child Labor Violations Found in Kentucky McDonald's Franchises

In 2023, an investigation by 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. A total of $212,000 in fines was levied against three franchises. Further investigations uncovered child labor violations involving 83 minors at 16 different locations in Louisiana and Texas, resulting in imposed fines of $77,572.

2023: EUIPO partially annuls decision on McDonald's trademarks

In 2023, the EUIPO Board of Appeal partially annulled their decision on McDonald's trademarks after the company filed additional evidence, despite objections.

2023: Liebeck v. McDonald's Restaurants award amount updated

In 2023, the original trial outcome of Liebeck v. McDonald's Restaurants in 1994, awarded $2.86 million (equivalent to $5.33 million in 2023). The amount was later reduced to $640,000 (equivalent to $1.2 million in 2023).

January 2024: McDonald's CEO acknowledges business impact due to war

In January 2024, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski acknowledged that several markets in the Middle East and some outside the region were experiencing a meaningful business impact due to the war and associated misinformation affecting brands like McDonald's. McDonald's then bought all 225 Israeli franchise-owned restaurants as a result of the boycott.

February 2024: McDonald's completes cage-free egg transition in the United States

In February 2024, McDonald's announced that it had completed its 2015 pledge to eliminate caged eggs in restaurants in the United States by the end of 2025, nearly two years ahead of schedule.

September 4, 2024: Millet-Based Buns Introduced in India

On September 4, 2024, McDonald's, in partnership with the Central Food Technological Research Institute in India, introduced millet-based buns, incorporating Pearl millet, Sorghum, and Finger millet, which makes up 22% of the bun.

September 2024: Second-Largest Fast Food Chain

As of September 2024, McDonald's is the world's second-largest fast food restaurant chain by number of locations, surpassed only by Mixue Ice Cream & Tea.

2024: International Restaurant Locations

As of 2024, McDonald's has over 40,000 international restaurant locations.

2024: Expansion of CosMc's

By the end of 2024, the company is working to open nine CosMc's restaurants in Texas as a test.

2024: E. Coli outbreak linked to McDonald's onions

In 2024, McDonald's supplier, Taylor Farms, recalled onions sold at McDonald's after 104 people in 14 states contracted E. Coli after eating Quarter Pounders in the United States. There were 34 hospitalizations, and one death in Colorado.

2024: Vegan Ice Cream Testing in the UK

In 2024, select McDonald's in the UK were testing vegan ice cream called Choco Scoop and Strawberry Scoop and receiving positive reviews.

2024: European Court of Justice rules against McDonald's 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, allowing other businesses 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.

2024: McValue Meal Created

In 2024, the McValue Meal, which has four items and costs $5, was created to be a budget friendly meal on the McValue menu.

January 2025: Angel Reese Special Created

In January 2025, WNBA player Angel Reese became the first woman to partner with McDonald's, creating the Angel Reese Special meal consisting of a Quarter Pounder with cheese, bacon, a new barbecue sauce, medium fries, and a medium orange Hi-C or any choice of drink.

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

In January 2025, it was reported that over 700 young workers had filed lawsuits against McDonald's UK, alleging widespread harassment and discrimination, involving current and former employees under the age of 20 and spanning more than 450 restaurants.

March 2025: Equality and Human Rights Commission Demands Compliance

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

2025: McDonald's in the US

As of 2025, McDonald's has 13,622 restaurants in the United States.

2025: McDonald's was scheduled to eliminate caged eggs in the United States

In 2015, McDonald's pledged to eliminate caged eggs in restaurants in the United States by the end of 2025.

2027: McDonald's Expansion Plans

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

2027: Expansion of Loyalty Program

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