Before McDonald's took over the world - it all started with a simple stand

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
10/8/2012
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

Photos explores super fast-food giant's humble San Bernardino roots

Before the golden arches began to loom large over every single American city - as well as cities across the world, it was just a humble barbecue stand in San Bernardino, California.

McDonald's would go on to become the largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants in the world, which serves an estimated 68 million hungry people in 119 countries everyday.

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LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - At the time, McDonald's was just a corner BBQ joint serving up burgers for 15 cents.

Retro photos of the first McDonald's in San Bernardino, California from 1940 depict the nascent days of the fast food joint. The photos show working class Southern Californians looking for some simple All-American fare.

McDonald's would go on to become the largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants in the world, which serves an estimated 68 million hungry people in 119 countries everyday.

According to online encyclopedia Wikipedia, McDonald's began in 1940 as a barbecue restaurant operated by Richard and Maurice McDonald; in 1948 they reorganized their business as a hamburger stand using production line principles. Businessman Ray Kroc joined the company as a franchise agent in 1955. He subsequently purchased the chain from the McDonald brothers and oversaw its worldwide growth.

A McDonald's restaurant is operated by either a franchisee, an affiliate, or the corporation itself. The corporation's revenues come from the rent, royalties and fees paid by the franchisees, as well as sales in company-operated restaurants. McDonald's revenues grew 27 percent over the three years ending in 2007 to $22.8 billion, and 9 percent growth in operating income to $3.9 billion.

McDonald's primarily sells hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken, french fries, breakfast items, soft drinks, milkshakes and desserts. In response to changing consumer tastes, the company has expanded its menu to include salads, wraps, smoothies and fruit.

� 2012, Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM.

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Keywords: McDonald's, fast food, San Bernardino, retro, hamburgers

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