A Look at McDonald’s Menu Through the Years

Are you curious about how McDonald’s menu has changed over the decades? From humble beginnings with simple hamburgers to the global introduction of favorites like the Big Mac, witness how each era brought flavor to the table. You can relive the tastes of yesteryears through this delicious historical journey.

1940-1947: Barbecue Beginnings

Maurice and Richard McDonald launched their first restaurant in San Bernardino, California. Unlike modern iterations, it featured minimal seating and relied on carhops to serve food to patrons in their vehicles. Initially, the selection focused heavily on slow-cooked barbecue with hickory chips from Arkansas, while hamburgers played a secondary role.

1948: A Shift to Hamburgers

The McDonald brothers noticed that despite their barbecue efforts, hamburgers were the real revenue driver, making up 80 percent of revenue. In response, they closed the restaurant for three months to revamp the business model, reopening it as a self-service burger joint with a simplified menu featuring hamburgers, cheeseburgers, drinks, potato chips, and pie.

1949-1961: Introduction of French Fries

Initially absent from the lineup, French fries were introduced to replace potato chips, significantly boosting sales. This period also marked the debut of McDonald’s triple-thick milkshakes. By the late 1960s, McDonald’s served nine million pounds of fries daily.

1962-1972: Iconic Introductions: Filet-O-Fish and Big Mac

In the mid-1960s, McDonald’s lineup saw significant additions. In response to dietary restrictions from a predominantly Catholic community, franchisee Lou Groen debuted the Filet-O-Fish in 1962, a meatless option that quickly became a national staple. Shortly after, in 1967, Jim Delligatti developed the Big Mac in Pittsburgh, which was introduced nationally in 1968. This burger became a signature item with its two beef patties and special sauce in a unique three-part bun.

1973-1978: The Quarter Pounder and Breakfast Innovations

In 1973, McDonald’s rolled out the Quarter Pounder, developed by Al Bernardin in California, catering to those wanting a meatier alternative. By 1975, the Egg McMuffin, designed by Herb Peterson as a portable egg Benedict, revolutionized breakfast, quickly becoming a staple and driving critical sales growth by 1981.

1979-1984: Happy Meal and Chicken McNuggets Launch

In 1979, McDonald’s launched the Happy Meal, targeting children with a combination of food items like burgers and fries accompanied by a toy, which marked the start of themed promotional meals. The following year, responding to wellness movements favoring less red meat, McDonald’s rolled out Chicken McNuggets. This new offering was an immediate success, signifying a substantial shift towards chicken-based products on the fare.

1985-1991: Diversifying the Menu

In the mid-80s and early 90s, McDonald’s expanded its selection to include salads and experimented with pizza in the late 80s. The McLean Deluxe, a lower-fat burger option, was presented in 1991 but struggled due to flavor and operational challenges.

1992-1995: Supersize Options and Dessert Innovations

In 1992, McDonald’s introduced the Supersize choice, allowing more significant portions of fries and drinks. To cater to health trends, it also revamped its dessert selections and included baked apple pies. In 1995, the McFlurry was launched in Canada and became an instant favorite.

1996-2000: The Arch Deluxe

To attract adult customers, McDonald’s presented the Arch Deluxe in 1996. Despite a massive marketing campaign, the burger failed to meet earnings expectations and was discontinued by 2000. It highlighted challenges in shifting McDonald’s brand perception to a more upscale dining alternative.

The 2000s: McCafe Integration and the Dollar Menu

In 2001, McDonald’s debuted the McCafe in the U.S. after its 1993 debut in Australia, offering gourmet coffees and pastries. The upscale coffee line was integrated into regular menus as standalone locations phased out. In 2002, the Dollar Menu made its first appearance, with items for $1 to increase traffic, though overall spending didn’t rise, which subsequently led to several revisions.