What's this? This is an unbiased just-the-facts news timeline ('newsline') about McDonald’s, created by Newslines contributors. Become a contributor
44 postsMcDonald’s Corporation is the largest fast food hamburger restaurant chain in the world, headquartered in Oak Brook, IL. McDonald’s operates more than 35,000 restaurants in 118 countries worldwide. McDonald’s began in 1940 as a single barbecue restaurant owned by Richard and Maurice McDonald, but they redeveloped their restaurant into a hamburger stand in 1948. Ray Kroc joined their team in 1955, and later purchased the chain and oversaw worldwide growth through franchising. McDonald’s primary sells hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, french fries, breakfast items, and desserts. The Big Mac is McDonald’s signature sandwich.
Hundreds of workers and activists protest outside of McDonald’s headquarters in Oak Brook, IL. They seek a $15 per hour minimum wage. The current minimum wage in Chicago is $8.25 per hour. McDonald’s states:
We think it was a peaceful demonstration. And like any company, we have our eye on the debate.
Through seven lawsuits, employees allege that McDonald’s failed to pay overtime, forced work off the clock, denied meal and rest breaks, and required employees to purchase and clean their own uniforms. Workers demand that employees pay back ‘stolen wages’ and stop these practices. The company replies:
McDonald’s and our independent franchisees are committed to undertaking a comprehensive investigation of the allegations and will take any necessary actions as they apply to our respective organizations
McDonald’s opens its largest restaurant in London’s Olympic Park. It is a two-story that seats 1,500 customers.
Take your kids out for the day and it’s quite usual for families to pop into McDonald’s. This is a normal part of what families do, and just because these are the Olympics, it’s no different here.
Trump appears in a McDonald’s commercial for “Big ‘n’ Tasty’ burgers with Grimace, a McDonald’s character. Company:
Combining our beloved characters with a high-powered celebrity like Donald Trump and adding a little humor really resonated with consumers as a way to bring our value offer to life. Casting our own famous characters in these ads will bring back fond memories of classic McDonald’s advertising that our customers have always enjoyed.
Trump:
The Big N’ Tasty for a dollar is a great sandwich at a great price. I’m proud to be the one to tell America that beginning Oct. 4, the buck stops at McDonald’s.
