California, Los Angeles County, Downey
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This is the oldest existing McDonald's hamburger stand in the world. Its neon arches and red and white tile have become an icon of the California car culture of the 1950s. The towering neon chef, "Speedee," was McDonald's first mascot and symbolizes fast, efficient service.
Opened August 18, 1953, by Roger Williams and Burdette "Bud" Landon, Downey's was the third stand franchised by Richard and Maurice McDonald, who founded the chain in 1948.
Ray Kroc, then a Multimixer milkshake machine salesman and later founder of McDonald's Corporation, visited this building in 1954 to prepare for the construction of his first McDonald's franchise in Des Plaines, Illinois, which opened in 1955.
Architect: Stanley Clark Meston, AIA. Designated a local historical site by the Downey Historical Society, 1983. Eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1984. Restored by McDonald's Corporation, 1996.
(Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings) Includes location, directions, 8 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
This is the oldest existing McDonald's hamburger stand in the world. Its neon arches and red and white tile have become an icon of the California car culture of the 1950s. The towering neon chef, "Speedee," was McDonald's first mascot and symbolizes fast, efficient service.Opened August 18, 1953, by Roger Williams and Burdette "Bud" Landon, Downey's was the third stand franchised by Richard and Maurice McDonald, who founded the chain in 1948.
Ray Kroc, then a Multimixer milkshake machine salesman and later founder of McDonald's Corporation, visited this building in 1954 to prepare for the construction of his first McDonald's franchise in Des Plaines, Illinois, which opened in 1955.
Architect: Stanley Clark Meston, AIA. Designated a local historical site by the Downey Historical Society, 1983. Eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1984. Restored by McDonald's Corporation, 1996.
(Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings) Includes location, directions, 8 photos, GPS coordinates, map.