Richard and Maurice McDonald

Richard James "Dick" McDonald (February 16, 1909 – July 14, 1998) and his brother, Maurice James "Mac" McDonald (November 26, 1902 – December 11, 1971) were early American fast food pioneers, who established the first McDonald's restaurant at 14th and E street in San Bernardino, California in 1940. They introduced the "Speedee Service System" in 1948.

The McDonald family were of Irish origin. In the US Federal Census of 1910, both brothers (Maurice as "Morris") appear in Manchester ward 8, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, and their father Patrick J. McDonald is shown as originating from Ireland, having emigrated in 1877 as a baby. Their mother Margarete is also shown as Irish born, emigrating to the USA in 1884 as a child.

Franchise history

The McDonald brothers began franchising their successful restaurant chain in 1953, beginning in Phoenix, Arizona with Neil Fox. The brothers goal was to make 1 million dollars before they were fifty. At first, they only franchised the system, rather than the name and atmosphere of their restaurant. It has been said that when Richard went to check on Fox, he was shocked to see an exact replica of his San Bernardino store, right down...
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