The first McDonald’s store, originally opened in 1940 by Dick and Mac McDonald, is located at 1398 N E St, San Bernardino, California. This historic site, where the brothers first launched McDonald’s Barbecue Restaurant, had a 25-item menu and was a local favorite for its barbecue ribs and sandwiches.
However, in 1948, the McDonald brothers transformed their business, simplifying the menu to hamburgers, cheeseburgers, milkshakes, and sodas while pioneering the Speedee Service System, a fast, efficient method of food preparation that changed the industry forever.
Today, the original McDonald’s location has been converted into the "Original McDonald’s Museum," which is open to the public and offers free admission. Visitors can explore an extensive collection of pre-Ray Kroc McDonald’s memorabilia, including vintage menus, advertisements, and early prototypes like the ketchup-dispensing gun.
The museum showcases the humble beginnings of one of the world’s most iconic fast-food chains and provides insight into the revolutionary changes that took place at this very location.