McDonald’s is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, serving millions of customers every day. While most people are familiar with its iconic golden arches, Big Macs, and Happy Meals, there’s a lot more to this fast-food giant than meets the eye. Here are five unexpected facts about McDonald’s that might just blow your mind.
1. McDonald’s Was Originally a Barbecue Restaurant
Before it became the burger empire we know today, McDonald’s started as a humble barbecue joint. In 1940, brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald opened “McDonald’s Bar-B-Q” in San Bernardino, California. The menu featured ribs, hot dogs, and other grilled items—nothing like the fast-food staples we associate with the brand now.
It wasn’t until 1948 that the brothers revamped their business model, streamlining operations to focus on burgers, fries, and shakes. This shift led to the Speedee Service System, a precursor to modern fast food, which prioritized efficiency and affordability.
2. The Big Mac Was Created by a Franchisee, Not Corporate
The Big Mac is one of McDonald’s most famous menu items, but surprisingly, it wasn’t invented by the company’s headquarters. In 1967, Jim Delligatti, a McDonald’s franchise owner in Pennsylvania, created the double-decker burger to compete with other fast-food chains.
The sandwich—featuring two beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions on a sesame seed bun—was an instant hit. McDonald’s corporate took notice and added it to the national menu in 1968. Today, over 550 million Big Macs are sold in the U.S. every year.
3. McDonald’s Sells More Than Just Fast Food
While burgers and fries are McDonald’s mainstays, the company has dabbled in some unexpected ventures. In the 1970s and 80s, McDonald’s experimented with McDonald’s-themed hotels called “McSleep Inns” (later rebranded as “Fairfield Inn by Marriott”).
They also once owned Chipotle (from 1998 to 2006) and even had a stake in Boston Market and Pret A Manger. Though they eventually divested from these brands, it shows McDonald’s willingness to explore beyond traditional fast food.
4. The World’s Largest McDonald’s is a Tourist Attraction
Most McDonald’s locations are small and efficient, but one stands out as a massive entertainment complex. The “Rock N’ Roll McDonald’s” in Chicago (originally opened in 1983) was a two-story, 19,000-square-foot restaurant featuring live music, a museum, and even a mini recording studio.
Though it was later downsized, another location in Orlando, Florida, now holds the title of the largest McDonald’s in the world. Spanning over 19,000 square feet, it includes a huge arcade, a sushi bar, and a pizza station—proving McDonald’s can be more than just a quick meal stop.
5. McDonald’s Once Made Bubblegum-Flavored Broccoli
In an attempt to make healthier food appealing to kids, McDonald’s tried something bizarre in the early 1990s: bubblegum-flavored broccoli. Yes, you read that right.
The idea was part of a short-lived experiment to encourage children to eat more vegetables. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t catch on, and the product was quickly discontinued. This odd fact serves as a reminder that even the most successful companies have had their share of flops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does McDonald’s own other fast-food chains?
A: While McDonald’s has owned brands like Chipotle and Boston Market in the past, it currently focuses solely on its core business.
Q: Why did McDonald’s change from barbecue to burgers?
A: The McDonald brothers realized that burgers, fries, and shakes could be prepared faster and more efficiently, leading to higher profits.
Q: What’s the most expensive McDonald’s item ever sold?
A: In 2015, a $150 “Gold Card” was sold in Australia, granting the holder free McDonald’s for life (or 50 years, whichever came first).
Q: Are there any McDonald’s menu items that failed spectacularly?
A: Besides bubblegum broccoli, other failed experiments include the McPizza, Hula Burger (a pineapple and cheese sandwich), and the Arch Deluxe (a “grown-up” burger).
Q: How many McDonald’s locations are there worldwide?
A: As of 2024, there are over 40,000 McDonald’s restaurants in more than 100 countries.
Final Thoughts
McDonald’s has shaped global food culture in ways few other brands have. From its surprising origins as a barbecue spot to its bizarre experiments with bubblegum-flavored veggies, the company’s history is full of fascinating twists. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that McDonald’s has left an indelible mark on the world—one Big Mac at a time.
So next time you grab a McFlurry or a Quarter Pounder, remember: behind those golden arches lies a story much richer than you might expect.