When someone in the United States first thinks of the name McDonald’s they probably think of hamburgers and French fries all served with a side of family and fun. McDonald’s is a restaurant chain which plays an important role in the lives of people around the world. In almost every country that one may visit it is possible to eat and enjoy a meal at McDonald’s. Different McDonald’s restaurants around even change their menus so that the food which is served is the type of food that is most popular in a particular country. In the United States, one can find a McDonald’s restaurant in almost every town that they visit. McDonald’s food has taken on a very iconic image within American culture and plays a huge influence on the American lifestyle. Despite the huge influence that McDonald’s has in modern culture, its influence was not nearly as large when it had its beginnings more than half a century ago.

 

                McDonald’s was founded by Dick and Mac McDonald (who were brothers) in San Bernardino, California in the year 1940 (“McDonald’s History”). McDonald’s began as a barbeque restaurant and had an environment which was typically found when one visited a drive in movie. (“McDonald’s History”). Eight years later, in 1948, McDonald’s was reopened with menu items such as hamburgers, pie, and soft drinks rather than barbeque (“McDonald’s History”). Today, it is foods such as hamburgers and French fries which most people think of when they hear the name McDonald’s. McDonald’s is not only known for its food, however, but is also known for their happy and family friendly atmosphere. McDonald’s created this atmosphere largely through their use of advertisements. According to the McDonald’s historical timeline which is posted on the McDonald’s website, McDonald’s first television commercial was published in the year 1966 and featured the fun loving Ronald McDonald. Ronald McDonald helped to secure the influence that McDonald’s had in the culture of that time. Over time, Ronald McDonald came to symbolize the happy environment in McDonald’s and also the family friendliness that the rest of McDonald’s advertisements attempted to portray. While McDonald’s advertising strategies have definitely changed since their initial commercial in 1966, the principles found within them, mainly family friendliness, safety, happiness and good food, have remained essentially the same. As one explores McDonald’s advertisements from decade to decade many interesting themes can be seen which show how McDonald’s went from a small individually owned restaurant to an international food chain that has influenced the way that people view and consume food.