#McDonald’s November 14

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Throughout November 2024, several of us are taking part in the 30-Day Dow Jones Coach4aday Challenge. Each day, we explore the history or learn about a company within the DJIA—a key economic and stock market indicator. Today’s post is on McDONALD’S.

McDonald’s was founded in 1940 by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald, who opened their first restaurant in San Bernardino, California, featuring a simple menu and a focus on fast, efficient service. In 1954, Ray Kroc, a milkshake machine salesman, partnered with the brothers to expand their business, ultimately buying the company and transforming it into a global franchise empire. Kroc opened the first McDonald’s franchise in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1955, setting the foundation for McDonald’s to become one of the world’s largest fast-food chains.

McDonald’s joined the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) on October 30, 1985.

Dow Jones 30-Day Challenge Guidelines

Like previous challenges there are no hard and fast rules to participate. There are a few suggested guidelines

1. Each day in November 2024 write about the history or a company that makes up the Dow Jones.
2. Share at least one fact about that company.
3. If so inclined use the hash tag #Coach4adayChallenge on social media platforms

November 14th-McDonald’s

Here are three facts about the company

Global Reach: McDonald’s is one of the largest fast-food chains in the world, with over 39,000 locations across more than 100 countries, serving around 69 million customers daily.

Golden Arches as an Icon: The “Golden Arches” logo, introduced in 1961, is one of the most recognizable symbols globally, often associated with fast food and American culture. It was based on the original restaurant design and became the company’s official logo in the 1960s.

Innovative Menu Additions: McDonald’s is known for iconic menu items like the Big Mac, introduced in 1968, and Chicken McNuggets, launched in 1983. These items, along with the Happy Meal (1979), contributed to McDonald’s reputation for creating enduring fast-food favorites​