Des Plaines in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
First McDonald's Franchise
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, September 28, 2014
1. First McDonald's Franchise Marker
Ray A. Kroc, founder of McDonald's Corporation, opened his first McDonald's franchise (the ninth McDonald's drive-in in the U.S.) on this site April 15, 1955. In memory of his wisdom and spirt, McDonald's Corporation dedicates this site to Ray A. Kroc, leader and friend, April 15, 1985.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is April 15, 1955.
Location. 42° 2.759′ N, 87° 53.157′ W. Marker is in Des Plaines, Illinois, in Cook County. Marker is on Lee Street, on the right when traveling south. The site, now demolished, is across the street from a modern McDonald’s with historical displays inside. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 Lee Street, Des Plaines IL 60016, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. American Airlines Flight 191 Memorial (approx. 2.6 miles away); The Grove (approx. 2.8 miles away); Kennicott House (approx. 2.8 miles away); World War II Memorial (approx. 4.2 miles away); Edison Park World War I Memorial
this page online
More about this marker. The original 1955 building was demolished in 1984. A replica was later built as a museum, with the historical marker out front. It was demolished in 2018 due to low visitation and repeated flooding of the site. McDonald's donated the land to the city for a park. A modern McDonald's, with historical displays inside, is nearby at Elk Blvd & River Road. Built in the 1980s, it was recently rebuilt.
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, September 28, 2014
2. First McDonald's Franchise Marker
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, September 28, 2014
3. First McDonald's Franchise Marker
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, September 28, 2014
4. First McDonald's Franchise Marker
No longer at this location.
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, September 28, 2014
5. First McDonald's Franchise museum
The building is a replica, and the sign is original.
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, September 28, 2014
6. First McDonald's Franchise museum
This site was demolished in 2018 and the vacant land donated to the city for a park.
Photographed By Craig Baker
7. First McDonald's Franchise Marker
This marker is inside the modern McDonald's restaurant located nearby. “The national chain of McDonald’s was born on this spot with the opening of this restaurant on April 15, 1955.”
Credits. This page was last revised on March 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 586 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 26, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 7. submitted on March 11, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Al Wolf was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of the marker relocated to the McDonald’s across the street, if it is there. Photo of the restaurant. • Can you help?
