Big Mac: Back in the Day

McDonald Brothers' first restaurant was a typical drive-in with Carhops. (1940-1948 San Bernardino, CA.)

The newly remodeled "self-service" restaurant was re-opened in 1948 without carhops and featured a limited menu.

Customers stand in line to place their orders at the McDonald brothers first restaurant in San Bernardino, CA.

An order is served at McDonald's.

Brothers Dick and Mac McDonald started the original McDonald's Drive-In and created the Speedee Service System. The menu featured burgers, fires and soft drinks.

The Speedee menu was first offered in 1948 by the McDonald brothers at the San Bernardino, CA store.

This is the first store opened and owned by Ray Kroc.

The crew poses for a photo in front of the Des Plaines McDonald's.

The McDonald brothers accept an engraved Multimixer from Kroc sales representative Dick Jamieson.

Ray Kroc, Multimixer salesman at a trade convention in 1951. A few years later, Kroc laid eyes on the McDonald brothers' brilliant quick-service San Bernardino hamburger stand. He signed a 99-year contract to be their exclusive franchise representative.

Ray Kroc standing under the "1 Billion Served" McDonald's sign in 1963.

This is the first Ronald McDonald. He was played by none other than NBC's Williard Scott.

Marketing materials for McDonald's store owners in the late 1970's. Replacing the "drive-in" concept with the "drive-thru" accounted for a huge increase in annual sales. (Source: McDonald's)

Early advertisements for McDonald's.

Advertisement introducing the Big Mac, along with a free hot apple pie.

McDonald's french fries are featured in the "Your Kind of Place" advertising campaign.

Fifty years down the road McDonald's stores come in all shapes and sizes - like this "Happy Meal" design store in Dallas, Texas.

McDonald’s popular restaurant in Times Square, New York City

McDonald's stores are in 113 different countries including Thailand, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Tokyo.