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11 Most Endangered
Oldest Surviving McDonald's
Year Listed: 1994
Location: , California
Current Status: Saved
Threat: Development
Significance
With its 30-foot golden arches and shiny red-and-white striped tiles, the oldest surviving McDonald's symbolizes America's love affair with the automobile and the eye-catching vigor of roadside architecture. Built in 1953, the Downey, California, landmark was among the first stands franchised by the McDonald brothers themselves. Ray Kroc, who later assumed ownership of the nationwide chain, used the Downey stand as the model for his first franchise in Des Plaines, Illinois. McDonald's had long planned to close the Downey stand because of weak sales and the absence of such profitable amenities as a drive-thru window and indoor seating when minor damage from the January 1994 Northridge Earthquake almost sealed its fate. The company wanted to demolish the stand, little changed since the day it opened, and use its historic elements in an imitation 1950's style McDonald's nearby.
Updates
Widespread public outcry and preservation advocacy led McDonald's to reverse its decision to destroy this icon of roadside architecture. After undergoing two years of renovation due to earthquake damage, in 1996 the oldest surviving McDonald's reopened as it was -- with walkup windows, outdoor seating, and its original red-and-white striped tile exterior. The patio is perfect for viewing the restaurant's 60-foot animated neon "Speedee" sign. After sampling items from McDonald's original or current menu (served by staff in 1950's style uniforms), visitors can browse the adjoining gift shop/museum housed in a replica of the McDonald brothers' original stand in San Bernardino, CA.
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