McDonalds began in 1940, when Maurice and Richards (“Mac” and “Dick”) father relocated MacDonalds restaurant from Monrovia to San Bernardino (Calif.). The restaurant was renamed “Famous BBQ MacDonalds.” This restaurant offered about 40 different kinds of meals prepared on the barbecue. Eventually, the brothers noticed that almost all of the income they received was from the sale of hamburgers. After that, they simplified the menu, focusing on the sale of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fries, milkshakes, sweet drinks and apple pie.

Whether you hate it or not, McDonald’s is one of the most successful chains in the history of the United States – or even the world. Yes, it has caused a great amount of obesity cases in America, but isn’t that the consumers choice? Don’t blame McDonald’s because you can’t control your eating habits. So here is the evolution of an empire.

The first McDonald’s

1940

Todays McDonald’s

2012

The Menus

1940

2012

The Happy Meal Toys

First ever happy meal (1979)

Talk about great marketing. American kids are spoiled and get whatever they want, right?

McDonald’s first Happy Meal was created in 1979. It was a circus-wagon and came with the standard hamburger or cheeseburger option, as well as French fries, cookies, a soft drink and , of course, a toy. Kids got either a “McDoodler” stencil, a “McWrist” wallet, an ID bracelet, a puzzle lock, a spinning top or a McDonaldland-character eraser.

Current happy meal toys

Have to keep up with those spoiled kids.