McDonald's has thousands of locations around the world and is located in more than 100 different countries.

The restaurant is one of the most recognizable brands that exists and it's the largest fast-food restaurant chain in operation today. According to Zippia, 69 million people visit McDonalds per day and they sell 75 burgers every second.

The first McDonald's in the world began in 1940, in San Bernardino, California. The restaurant was located at 14th St and E St, held a staff of 20 carhops, and had 25 items on the menu, according to California Through My Lens. The first Mcdonald's location was opened by 2 brothers named Dick and Mac, and this was originally a barbecue restaurant.

In 1948, these two brothers eliminated the BBQ plan, got rid of the carhops, and reduced their menu to cheeseburgers, hamburgers, milkshakes, and fountain sodas. Their goal was the simplicity of the menu and lower prices. This decision changed the restaurant industry forever.

When and where did one of the world's most recognizable brands get its start in Iowa?

Unsplash - Boshoku
Unsplash - Boshoku
loading...

Iowa's First McDonald's

According to the Quad-City Times, the first Iowa McDonald's began in Davenport. The "drive-in style eatery" was opened on May 14, 1958, and was located at 3303 N. Brady St.

While this McDonald's location was the first one in the state of Iowa, it's not the oldest McDonald's in the Quad Cities. There was a McDonald's that opened in Moline, Illinois, right before the one built in Davenport.

1950s Prices

While we continue to see the prices increase every year at McDonald's, some individuals may remember a much simpler time. In 1958, McDonald's burgers cost 15 cents, cheeseburgers were 19 cents, fries were 10 cents, and milkshakes were 20 cents, according to the Chicago Tribune. What's the cheapest you remember burgers costing?

I was born in 1990 and the cheapest McDonald's burgers I can remember were McDonald's had the real dollar menu. I could get a burger and a chicken sandwich for 2.14 cents.

While this McDonald's menu is from 1959, in the late 50s there are only 9 items to choose from.

Iowa's first McDonald's was built 66 years ago. Check out some of these other incredible Iowa restaurants that have made it for 50+ years!

Eastern Iowa Restaurants That Have Been Open 50+ Years

There are quite a few Eastern Iowa restaurants that have stood the test of time! Here are some of the eateries that have been open in the area for 50 years or more!

Gallery Credit: Courtlin

LOOK: Best counties to retire to in Iowa

Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to retire in Iowa using data from Niche.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

More From 97.7 KCRR