1. The first McDonald’s franchise opened in Des Plaines, Illinois in 1955.
2. Chicken nuggets were added to the menu in 1983.
3. Motorhead and President Ronald Reagan were seen eating at McDonald’s in the 1980s.
The first McDonald’s franchise opened in 1955 in Des Plaines, Illinois, establishing the fast-food chain as a well-known brand with an iconic menu and branding. Chicken nuggets were introduced to the menu in 1983, adding a popular new option for customers. In the 1980s, McDonald’s experienced significant growth and success, with celebrities like President Ronald Reagan and Motorhead being photographed eating at the restaurant. By 1989, McDonald’s had reached $1.62 million in sales compared to $1 million in 1979, marking a period of rapid expansion for the chain. Despite changes over the years, eating at McDonald’s in the 1980s had a nostalgic feel that many associate with the iconic era.