The oldest McDonalds in USA – what’s it like?

StuartPosted oninFeatured, NewsLeave a comment
Oldest McDonad's in America (Los Alamos Daily)

This wonderful story just came out over on the Los Alamos Daily – looking at the oldest McDonald’s in the USA.

LA Daily report that the oldest remaining McDonald’s in America is located in Downey, California. The restaurant first opened their doors to a hungry public more than 60 years ago in 1953. The restaurant is apparently the third location the nascent brand build out.

The mid-century design aesthetic of the store is striking in its 1950s ‘space age’ kinda vibe – all swooping edges and sharp lines. Who wouldn’t love to see some McDonald’s bring back this look and feel to modern locations? I know I would.

What I also found interesting in the story from LA Daily was the picture comparing a variety of costs in 1955 with today. A sign at the Downey location shows the price of bread, beef and gas way back when, contrasted with prices today. The surprise fact therein? The budget McDonald’s sandwich is actually a better value today than it was back in 1955 – who knew!

Image credit, Los Alamos Daily.

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Stuart

Hi, I'm Stuart, nice to meet you!  I'm the founder, writer and wrangler at Gastronomic SLC; I'm also a former restaurant critic of more than five years, working for the Salt Lake Tribune.  I've worked extensively with multiple local publications from Visit Salt Lake to Salt Lake Magazine, not least helped to consult on national TV shows. I'm a multiple-award winning journalist and have covered the Utah dining scene for the better part of fifteen years.   I'm largely fueled by a critical obsession with rice, alliteration and the use of big words I don't understand.   I've also got a secret obsession with fast food too - and that's where Menu And Price comes in...