Origins & Early Life

Richard James McDonald (February 16, 1909 – July 14, 1998) and Maurice James "Mac" McDonald (November 26, 1902 – December 11, 1971), known as the McDonald brothers, were American entrepreneurs who founded McDonald's. The brothers opened the original McDonald's restaurant in 1940 in San Bernardino, California, where they created the Speedee Service System to produce their meals, a method that became the standard for the fast food industry. After hiring Ray Kroc as their franchise agent in 1954, they continued to run the company until they were bought out by Kroc in 1961. The McDonald brothers were born in Manchester, New Hampshire, to Irish Catholic parents Patrick James McDonald from Dingle and Margaret Anna Curran McDonald from Emlaghmore, who came to the United States as children.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Maurice was born in 1902, and Richard was born in 1909. In the 1920s, the family moved to California, where Patrick opened a food stand in Monrovia in 1937. The first restaurant the McDonald brothers opened in 1937 was in Los Angeles. In the 1940s the McDonald brothers operated a successful drive-in restaurant, but found several factors were cutting into their profits. Some...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Albert R. Broccoli — Contemporary (Born in 1909) (1909): Pioneering American film producer, best known for developing the James Bond franchise.
• Barry Goldwater — Contemporary (Born in 1909) (1909): Conservative Senator and Presidential Nominee who championed modern American conservatism.
• Burl Ives — Contemporary (Born in 1909) (1909): Iconic American folk singer, actor, and voice artist known for Christmas music.
• Aitana Bonmatí — Contemporary (Born in 1998) (1998): Star Spanish midfielder known for her decorated career with Barcelona and the Spain national team.
• Akira Kurosawa — Contemporary (Died in 1998) (1998): Master of Japanese cinema, known for dynamic style and epic storytelling.
• Alan J. Pakula — Contemporary (Died in 1998) (1998): American film director, writer, and producer known for political thrillers.
• Charles H. Bonesteel III — Historical peer (Born in 1909) (1909): American General who served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam; commanded US Forces Korea.
• E. H. Harriman — Historical peer (Died in 1909) (1909): American financier and railroad magnate who built the Harriman business dynasty.
• Archie Moore — Historical peer (Died in 1998) (1998): Legendary American boxer, known for his longevity and strategic defense.
• Bibi (singer) — Historical peer (Born in 1998) (1998): South Korean singer, rapper, and actress known professionally as Bibi.
• 1909 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1909
• 1998 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1998