Long before the Subway sandwich revolution, there was a time when McDonald's ruled the universe. Remember that? No hands? Bueller...
Well, it actually wasn't too long ago that the now struggling chain had a stranglehold on the fast food industry. They were located in every corner of Anytown USA, and whored those golden arches out to movies, video games and boatloads of licensed merchandise across the world. They even invented the Happy Meal, which the kiddies couldn't get enough of. In short, they used to own the souls of children across America.
Ahh, it was a simpler time back then...but now, in glorious San Bernardino County, you can relive the McDonald's dream, all under one roof.
Welcome to the museum that holds all things sacred to McDonald's past, and it's quiet a collection to behold. They've got it all: vintage toys, classic neon signs, restaurant props, photos, press articles, and an army of plush Grimace dolls, which are pure nightmare fuel.
And who could forget the characters themselves, all of which are on full display, vogueing and vying for your attention. Look the Hamburgler! Mayor McCheese! Those googly eyed Nuggets! and even Ronald himself! This place truly has it all.
Some highlights: Lego Ronald, 'History of the Hamburger' transcript, and anything having to do with Mac Tonight: the real unsung hero of McDonald's in the 1990s.
You've also got the world's longest french fry! A nice and classy touch.
Some lowlights: The Juan Pollo chicken promotional campaign (see backstory below) that haunts the place, which might confuse those looking for a pure McD's fix.
It's all worth a look, and truly a trip down memory lane. Viva La Happy Meal!
HOW THE HELL DID THIS HAPPEN?
This location was actually the original site of the first McDonald's restaurant.
Originally owned by the McDonald brothers, Richard and Maurice, McDonald's had been a successful BBQ joint (called 'McDonald's BBQ') before moving to San Bernardino and focusing on hamburgers and fries. After changing the name simply to McDonald's the brothers opened this location on December 12, 1948, adding the golden arches to make it more catching to the eyes of passing motorists.
All was going fairly smoothly until 1954, when a milkshake salesman named Ray Kroc came knocking. Seeing the McDonald franchise as his ticket to success and lots of $$$, Kroc suggested the brothers franchise across the Country and offered to take on the responsibility of overseeing the new locations. The brothers, reluctant to open elsewhere, eventually gave up the rights (for one-half of one percent of gross sales) and name, as Kroc ran with it to billion dollar success.
In April 2008, the property was foreclosed and purchased by Albert Okura— founder of the Juan Pollo restaurant chain— which explains all of the chicken swag and Juan Pollo merchandise that monopolize the museum. Okura them decided to turn the building into a roadside attraction/homage to McD's, and the rest is history.
