8 Oldest McDonald’s Restaurants in America

McDonald’s is an iconic fast-food chain that has grown into a global brand, but its roots can still be traced back to several key locations across America. Some of these early branches have either been preserved or modernized, offering a glimpse into the company’s humble beginnings. From the first McDonald’s to open in California to the landmark franchises established in other parts of the country, these locations represent pivotal moments in its history. Each site carries its own unique story, reflecting the evolution of the brand over time.

Orlando, Florida

One of the oldest McDonald’s in Florida, the Orlando location on 6875 Sand Lake Road opened in 1970. Known as one of the “World’s Largest Entertainment McDonald’s,” IT was a flagship restaurant for the brand’s presence in Central Florida. With its proximity to Walt Disney World and other major attractions, IT serves a unique blend of tourists and locals. Over the years, the restaurant has evolved into more than just a fast-food stop, featuring an arcade, play areas, and a customized menu offering pizza and pasta—features not found in most McDonald’s locations. The building’s colorful and elaborate design reflects the playful nature of Orlando’s entertainment industry. This location has become a tourist destination in itself, standing out among the thousands of branches worldwide. Renovated in 2016, the restaurant now boasts a modern look while still preserving its iconic status in the area. 

Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio, is home to one of the oldest McDonald’s in the Midwest, which opened in 1961. Located at 1972 Hard Road, this location is a significant piece of the brand’s history as it was part of the chain’s broader expansion into urban centers and suburban neighborhoods across the United States. The restaurant features the early McDonald’s red and white tile design, with the famous Golden Arches prominent in its layout. Though it has undergone several updates, the core structure remains a reflection of the mid-century style McDonald’s embraced during this time. Columbus locals have frequented this spot for generations, and it’s become a popular destination for those seeking a nostalgic fast-food experience. Its long-standing presence in the community makes it a significant landmark in Ohio’s fast-food history. It also helped set the stage for the brand’s growing footprint in Ohio, becoming one of the first in the state to offer a full breakfast menu in the 1970s.

Barstow, California

Barstow, California, is home to one of the oldest McDonald’s locations, which opened in 1960 along Route 66. Located at 2560 West Main Street, this restaurant became a popular stop for travelers driving through the desert on their way to and from Los Angeles. Its vintage design has made it a cherished part of the Route 66 landscape, attracting both locals and tourists. Its retro architecture, complete with the iconic Golden Arches, has been preserved over the years, making it a key landmark for those interested in mid-century American culture. While many McDonald’s locations have modernized, this one has retained much of its original charm, and it stands as a tribute to the early days of fast food.

Portland, Oregon

Portland’s early McDonald’s, built on Southeast Powell Boulevard, was a prominent location that opened in the 1950s. Though it wasn’t among the first 10 McDonald’s restaurants, its historic significance made it notable in the company’s regional expansion. The building featured the original single-arch design and became a local favorite for generations. However, it was demolished in 2018 to make way for a modern McDonald’s with self-service kiosks. The demolition marked the end of an era, but the site remains a key part of the brand’s architectural evolution and regional growth on the West Coast. 

Green Bay, Wisconsin

Located on Shawano Avenue, Green Bay, Wisconsin’s McDonald’s opened in 1959 and is home to a historic single-arch sign that remains a beloved part of local history. This particular branch is notable for its retro aesthetic, which has been carefully maintained to reflect the era in which it was built. The sign, restored in 2005, is one of the last of its kind and serves as a reminder of the brand’s early days before the transition to the double arches seen today. The building itself has undergone updates over the years to align with modern standards, but its mid-century charm remains intact. In front of the restaurant, the large yellow arch still attracts visitors who appreciate the nostalgia.

Des Plaines, Illinois

Opened by Ray Kroc on April 15, 1955, the McDonald’s in Des Plaines, Illinois, is where the McDonald’s Corporation officially began. Although the original building was demolished in 1984, a replica was built to serve as a museum dedicated to its history. This location became known as “McDonald’s Store #1” and displayed the original kitchen and equipment used in the early days of the franchise. The museum featured a gift shop and was a key historical site until it was eventually torn down in 2018 due to flooding issues. Visitors can still find a marker commemorating the site, honoring its role in McDonald’s growth as a global fast-food empire.

Lakewood, California

The McDonald’s in Lakewood, California, opened in 1954, is another early landmark for the company’s expansion efforts on the West Coast. This location embraced the brand’s early architectural style, featuring the famous golden arches. The restaurant, situated in a thriving suburban area, quickly became a local favorite, serving as one of the first modern fast-food locations in the region. Though renovations have occurred over the decades, the site still holds onto elements of its original design, and the legacy of being one of the first post-Ray Kroc era McDonald’s remains strong. As the brand continued to expand, the Lakewood location played a key role in demonstrating the fast-service model that would become standard across the franchise.

San Bernardino, California

The McDonald’s that started it all opened in San Bernardino, California, in 1948 as a drive-in barbecue restaurant. Owned by brothers Maurice and Richard McDonald, the location soon evolved into the simplified fast-food model, focusing on burgers, fries, and shakes. This shift in concept led to the development of the Speedee Service System, which laid the foundation for modern fast-food operations. Although the original building no longer exists, the site is now home to the McDonald’s Museum, filled with memorabilia and artifacts from the early years of the company. This location symbolizes the worldwide fast-food chain’s birth and continues to attract visitors eager to learn more about the company’s roots. Tours are offered to showcase the history behind one of the world’s most successful brands.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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