Gather around the proverbial campfire, because boy, do we have an interesting story to share. It started not long ago when some mates in our extended McDonald’s family referred to the iconic Golden Arches of McDonald’s in our logo as the big, golden-yellow M in the skies. Were you nodding your head too?
We don’t blame you but we’re here to give you a fun history lesson on the beautiful, very recognizable McDonald’s Arches logo – because when you start to piece the information, it clicks.
Now that we piqued your interest, if you look closely at the Golden Arches of McDonald’s logo, you will see that each equal looping curve resembles an arch, and this, in fact, was part of the original restaurant design for McDonald’s. How the Golden Arches of McDonald’s came to be, is simply because founder Richard McDonald decided that McDonald’s had to be noticed. Together with his brother and co-founder, Maurice McDonald, they came up with an idea for a new building design that would be visually striking, thereby drawing in more customers. Architect Stanley Clark Meston was soon hired by the McDonald brothers to bring their vision to life. The building had two 25-foot half-circle yellow sheet-metal arches trimmed in neon on either side (as conceptualized by Richard), and were designed by Stanley and his assistant Charles Fish.
This architectural design was present at all McDonald’s outlets until 1961 when McDonald’s was purchased from the brothers by American businessman, Ray Kroc. As the CEO at McDonald’s, Ray had grand ideas for where he wanted to see McDonald’s go, and among his innovations was that the physical arches were dropped from McDonald’s restaurants and instead incorporated into the logo.
Like an evolution made possible through the span of time, the Golden Arch McDonald’s is known for two separate loops that are now conjoined. It’s representative of the funny nature of simple ideas and big visions that gradually evolve into powerful, meaningful designs. The fact that people identify the iconic Golden Arches of McDonald’s as the letter M is a sweet coincidence, nothing more, and that we can’t deny.
However, the Golden Arches of McDonald’s are an undeniable symbol of warmth, familiarity, inclusivity, togetherness, and the joy of sharing happy moments. The next time you think about the McDonald’s logo or it comes up in conversation, will you take a moment to remember its golden history and tell a friend what it really symbolizes?
McDonald’s Golden Fries
Speaking of McDonald’s Arches logo, we’re thinking of our own Golden Arches – McDonald’s yummy fries! They’re world-known and a favorite for a reason, and we’re so grateful. Remember to get a main with your order so you can enjoy your sides: choose from the Piri Piri McSpicy™ Paneer Burger, Chicken Maharaja Mac®, McSpicy™ Premium Chicken Burger, and Grilled Chicken & Cheese Burger to the classic McChicken® Burger and McAloo Tikki®. A reminder: if you’re ordering from the McDelivery® website or McDelivery® App, check out our offers to get the best meals at prices you like!
