McDonald's history - Part 1

In 1954, at the age of 52, Ray Kroc began a new age in franchising when he became the national agent for McDonald's.

Kroc, making his rounds as a milk shake mixer salesman, came across the McDonald brothers' (Richard and Maurice) small hamburger shop in Southern California. The establishment was simple, serving only a few items: hamburgers, french fries, soft drinks, and milk shakes. These two brothers became one of Kroc's best customers as they purchased several of his machines in his otherwise dying business.

Kroc, curious about why the McDonalds were purchasing so many mixers, investigated the establishment further. With his keen sense of what American consumers were looking for in eating out, Kroc suggested that the brothers expand their presence. As they asked how they could do so, he offered his services as their agent. That is how the little restaurants with the bright yellow arches began.