Food

Photo of McCall's Cheese

Part of a nation's history lies in what people eat. Artifacts at the Museum document the history of food in the United States from farm machinery to diet fads.

More than 1,300 pieces of stoneware and earthenware show how Americans have stored, prepared, and served food for centuries. Ovens, cookie cutters, kettles, aprons, and ice-cream-making machines are part of the collections, along with home canning jars and winemaking equipment. More than 1,000 objects recently came to the Museum when author and cooking show host Julia Child donated her entire kitchen, from appliances to cookbooks.

Advertising and business records of several food companies—such as Hills Brothers Coffee, Pepsi Cola, and Campbell's Soup—represent the commercial side of the subject

Date: 1980s

Pickled Ginger Container

A jar of sushi pickled ginger “gari,” (term for ginger when associated with sushi) with the AFC Corp.
Description
A jar of sushi pickled ginger “gari,” (term for ginger when associated with sushi) with the AFC Corp. brand label, provided an ample supply for an individual or family to keep on-hand at home to supplement their sushi take-out.
A mound of lightly colored pink or yellow pickled ginger, along with a small spoonful of wasabi, is typically presented with sushi. Eating pickled ginger in between different types of sushi helps to cleanse an individual’s palate for the next sushi selection. The Japanese term “gari” mimics the sound that is produced when pickled ginger is being consumed.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s
maker
Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
ID Number
2012.3099.20
catalog number
2012.3099.20
nonaccession number
2012.3099

Saori Minota's AFC Employee Badge

A gold first generation AFC badge that belonged to Saori Minota, a member of the Special Projects Department at the AFC Corp. headquarters.
Description
A gold first generation AFC badge that belonged to Saori Minota, a member of the Special Projects Department at the AFC Corp. headquarters. On the left side of her name is the first generation AFC logo, which is an oval that contains the letters “AFC” and an image of two pieces of nigiri sushi. Below her name reads “Special project department”, indicating the department to which she belonged, and underneath, “The Premier Sushi Company” is printed in reference to the quality of AFC’s products.
AFC employees were required to wear name tags while on duty. The first generation AFC logo reveals that this badge was used sometime before 2003, which was when the “Southern Tsunami” trademark replaced the original AFC logo. The badge was a means to identify the employee and the department they worked under, as well as a means to advertise their business.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s
maker
unknown
ID Number
2012.3099.03
catalog number
2012.3099.03
nonaccession number
2012.3099

Tupperware® Mixing Bowl

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1984
maker
Tupperware
ID Number
1984.1098.10
accession number
1984.1098
catalog number
1984.1098.10

Miso Paste Bottle

A plastic miso paste bottle from the first generation AFC line.The bottle has a green plastic top, with a printed plastic label wrapped around the body.
Description
A plastic miso paste bottle from the first generation AFC line.
The bottle has a green plastic top, with a printed plastic label wrapped around the body. The label reads “NATURAL MISO PASTE” with the original AFC logo printed in the center and an image of a bowl of miso soup in the background. The word ‘Natural’ implies that this paste is made from all natural ingredients, without preservatives, additives and MSG. Underneath, “No dashi needed” is written in black to inform the consumer that no added stock is necessary when using this product. The barcode is placed on the left, as well as the ingredients and a two-step instructions list. The other side lists the nutrition facts and the distributor.
Miso paste is dissolved in hot water and served with other garnishes to produce miso soup, which is a common soup in Japanese cuisine. It is also a popular dish at sushi bars to accompany sushi, and help cleanse the palate in between different flavors.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s
maker
Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
ID Number
2012.3099.23
catalog number
2012.3099.23
nonaccession number
2012.3099

Saucepan with Cover

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1989
year purchased; year used
1989
retailer
Woodward & Lothrop
purchaser; user
Smulyan, Susan
ID Number
1990.0308.02
catalog number
1990.0308.02
accession number
1990.0308

Ginger Salad Dressing Bottle

A first generation AFC ginger salad dressing bottle.Like other AFC products, this bottle has a green lid and a yellow printed plastic label that covers the top part of its body.
Description
A first generation AFC ginger salad dressing bottle.
Like other AFC products, this bottle has a green lid and a yellow printed plastic label that covers the top part of its body. The label includes the first generation AFC logo underneath the printed “NATURAL” letters, and “Ginger Salad Dressing” written in black over the image of a ginger root. The bottom right reads NET 10.6FL OZ (280ml) in black. To the right, the Nutrition Fact is listed, along with a “Distributed by: AFC Corp” print underneath. The left side of the container includes a barcode, a few sentences that suggest its use, the ingredients, and a caution note.
AFC extended their product line to include sushi related products to diversify the consumer’s sushi eating experience, and popularize ingredients used in traditional Japanese foods. This salad dressing is advertised to be versatile, as it can be used for salads, stir-fry dishes and a marinade for barbeques.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s
maker
Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
ID Number
2012.3099.17
catalog number
2012.3099.17
nonaccession number
2012.3099

Teriyaki Sauce Bottle

First generation AFC teriyaki sauce bottle:The plastic bottle is clear with a green plastic lid. The graphic on this label includes the original AFC logo, which is an oval consisting of the letters “AFC” and an image of two pieces of nigiri sushi below.
Description
First generation AFC teriyaki sauce bottle:
The plastic bottle is clear with a green plastic lid. The graphic on this label includes the original AFC logo, which is an oval consisting of the letters “AFC” and an image of two pieces of nigiri sushi below. “Teriyaki Sauce” is printed in the center, with an image of a red Japanese fan and a skewer of beef and vegetables behind it. The combination of the red fan and the beef and vegetables skewer markets this product as a fusion flavor. While the American favorite beef and vegetable skewer provides comfort to the consumers, the Japanese fan marks this product as Asian-inspired. “All Natural” is written across the top, implying that the product is healthy. The contents have a NET of 6.8FL. Oz. (205 ml), and underneath the weight, it reads 2003.1.5. On the back of the container there is a barcode, the nutritional facts, the ingredients, and the AFC Corporation address.
Teriyaki sauce is made of soy sauce, mirin, sugar and ginger. It is typically used to marinate meats and vegetables before cooking, or used as a dipping sauce for cooked meats and vegetables. It has a tangy sweet taste that appeals to a wide range of audience, and has become a staple for Asian-inspired flavors.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s
maker
Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
ID Number
2012.3099.09
catalog number
2012.3099.09
nonaccession number
2012.3099

Tupperware® "Modular Mates" Container

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1984
maker
Tupperware
ID Number
1984.1098.01
accession number
1984.1098
catalog number
1984.1098.01

James Kyaw's Gold Sushi Chef Jacket

The jacket was worn by James Kyaw a sushi chef for Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation (AFC). The design is based on the Japanese happi coat, a straight sleeve coat. It is gold with a navy trim and fastens with one button in the front.
Description
The jacket was worn by James Kyaw a sushi chef for Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation (AFC). The design is based on the Japanese happi coat, a straight sleeve coat. It is gold with a navy trim and fastens with one button in the front. The AFC logo, “Southern Tsunami,” is embroidered on the left breast panel.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1986
ID Number
2012.0204.01
accession number
2012.0204
catalog number
2012.0204.01

Instant Miso Soup

A single serving cup of instant miso soup, and is a first generation AFC product.The product is covered by a sealed paper lid that reads “MISO SOUP Traditional Japanese Soup, followed by a three step instruction.
Description
A single serving cup of instant miso soup, and is a first generation AFC product.
The product is covered by a sealed paper lid that reads “MISO SOUP Traditional Japanese Soup, followed by a three step instruction. “Natural Miso Soup” is printed largely across the container, with the original AFC logo in the center and an image of a bowl of miso soup in the background. NET WT. 0.64 OZ. (18g) is printed at the bottom. There is a “Fill line” that indicates how much boiled water should be poured in. The left side has two sets of directions; one for boiling water and the other for microwave. The barcode is printed underneath, as well as a description of miso soup. The right side has the nutrition facts, the ingredients and the distributor.
Miso soup is a common Japanese soup that often accompanies a sushi meal. AFC has expanded their products from fresh pre-packaged products to other sushi-related products.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s
maker
Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
ID Number
2012.3099.24
catalog number
2012.3099.24
nonaccession number
2012.3099

IN-N-OUT Lap Mat, 1988

This 1988 IN-N-OUT Burger lap mat is made of white paper with the company logo printed in the top left corner. “Your Choice Made Fresh!” heads the list of menu items.
Description
This 1988 IN-N-OUT Burger lap mat is made of white paper with the company logo printed in the top left corner. “Your Choice Made Fresh!” heads the list of menu items. IN-N-OUT used this lap mat to explain their menu items, and to reinforce their message about the quality of their food.
While fast-food restaurants have been around since the 1920s, drive-thru dining came of age in car-crazy California in the 1950s. IN-N-OUT Burger was an early part of this trend, opening in 1948 at the intersection of Francisquito and Garvey in Baldwin Park, California. In the beginning, founders Harry Snyder and his wife Esther did all of the shopping, preparation, and accounting themselves. They also adopted a two-way speaker system, enabling customers to place their order without leaving their cars.
Eating in the car quickly caught on in the United States and IN-N-OUT’s decision in 1961 to offer customers paper “lap mats” to protect their clothing reflects the popularity of the practice. Harry Snyder began hand cutting the brown paper used by bakeries for packaging buns into rectangular mats. He soon switched to pink butcher paper thinking it would make dashboard dining a more enjoyable experience. When a printing company contacted Snyder in 1971 about replacing the butcher paper with printed lap mats, Snyder saw an opportunity to provide consumers with more information. Early versions of the lap mats featured maps of the local area and information on other IN-N-Out Burger locations. By the 25th anniversary in 1973, IN-N-Out Burger had 13 restaurants in Los Angeles County, all featuring a two-lane drive-thru and a limited amount of outdoor seating. In 1979, IN-N-Out opened its first single lane drive-thru facility with a large open dining room, a design that became the model for future expansion. In 2012, IN-N-OUT Burger had 281 locations in California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, and Utah and remains a popular destination for both locals and tourists who want to eat on the go.
date made
1988
ID Number
2012.0087.02
catalog number
2012.0087.02
accession number
2012.0087

Sushi Seaweed

AFC’s first generation packaged sushi seaweed.“ALL NATURAL SUSHI SEAWEED” is printed in white letters across the front, with the first generation AFC logo in the center and an image of a plate of assorted sushi on the bottom right corner. NET WEIGHT 0.49 OZ.
Description
AFC’s first generation packaged sushi seaweed.
“ALL NATURAL SUSHI SEAWEED” is printed in white letters across the front, with the first generation AFC logo in the center and an image of a plate of assorted sushi on the bottom right corner. NET WEIGHT 0.49 OZ. (14g) 5 SHEETS is printed at the bottom, along with the phrases “No Preservatives,” “No Artificial Colors,” and “No Artificial Flavors”. The very bottom reads “AFC CORP”. The backside includes directions on how to hand roll sushi and cook sushi rice, as well as the nutrition facts.
Seaweed, “Nori” in Japanese, is one of the main ingredients in maki sushi (sushi rolls). The highest quality of seaweed is black, whereas more affordable options are green. Seaweed comes in a variety of shapes and forms, and can be used to garnish rice and noodles among other foods.
date made
ca 1980s
maker
Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
ID Number
2012.3099.26
catalog number
2012.3099.26
nonaccession number
2012.3099

Tupperware® "Servalier" Bowl

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1984
maker
Tupperware
ID Number
1984.1098.02
accession number
1984.1098
catalog number
1984.1098.02

McDonald's Coffee Travel Mug

Before the 1980s, when built-in cup holders were becoming standard equipment in new cars for the American market, motorists had few choices for keeping a beverage upright while driving.
Description
Before the 1980s, when built-in cup holders were becoming standard equipment in new cars for the American market, motorists had few choices for keeping a beverage upright while driving. The plastic, window-mounted holder, purchased separately from gas stations and other retail outlets was one popular alternative that filled the need, but introduced safety concerns as drivers had to perform an awkward maneuver to reach their beverages from the driver’s side window.
In 1983, McDonald’s offered customers a plastic mug and lid with an adhesive-coated base that could be attached to the dashboard. The “Easy Rider” travel mug was McDonald’s answer to the growing popularity of refill clubs, promotional offers that encouraged customers to return to a particular fast-food restaurant or convenience store for refills of coffee, usually at a discounted price. Customers were expected to take the coffee with them in the special, branded mug as they drove, took public transport, or walked to their destination. A New York Times article from January 9, 1989 called the “plastic sloshproof wonder known as the travel coffee mug or the commuter mug . . . the most unheralded product of Americans on the run.”
Carl Fleischhauer, the donor of this mug, was an on-the-go photographer, commuter, and enthusiastic coffee drinker. In the years before he acquired a car with built-in cup holders, he either carried a thermos or used a window-mounted plastic holder. He ate on the road several times a week, and enjoyed collecting “American advertising kitsch,” including McDonald’s promotional items during the 1970s and ‘80s. This travel mug was among the items he collected but decided against using because he didn’t want to mess up his dashboard with adhesive.
date made
1983
ID Number
2012.0088.01
catalog number
2012.0088.01
accession number
2012.0088

ring, napkin

Black ceramic napkin ring with a decorative red/orange monarch butterfly attached to the top. Butterfly has black forewings with white spots. Center of wings red and yellow. Thoranx of butterfly is red with a yellow oval with black dots.
Description
Black ceramic napkin ring with a decorative red/orange monarch butterfly attached to the top. Butterfly has black forewings with white spots. Center of wings red and yellow. Thoranx of butterfly is red with a yellow oval with black dots. Two wire antennae protrude from the top of the butterfly's head. The butterfly also has two yellow eyes. Appears hand painted. Sandra Gutierrez acquired the napkin ring in Guatemala.
Cook and author Sandra Gutierrez is at heart a culinary educator. Gutierrez was born in the U.S. in Philadelphia, but raised in Guatemala, where she attended an American school that brought Guatemalan and U.S. cultural practices together.
Gutierrez’ life was not defined by two distinct cultures, but by a single culture that shared the traditions of Guatemala and the U.S. “Food at home was also a reflection of my fused reality: we ate tamales for special occasions. . . . and Carolina hot dogs every chance we got,” she explains in her cookbook, “The New Southern Latino Table.”
As an adult, Gutierrez and her husband, Louis Gutierrez, moved to the U.S., eventually settling in Durham, North Carolina. There in the American South, Gutierrez learned about Southern food traditions from her neighbors and in turn taught them about diverse Latin cuisines. It was while living in the South that she began to take note of the culinary movement that combines regional Southern and Latin American foodways and which now lies at the center of her culinary career. She notes in her cookbook that the regional cuisines of Latin America and the Southern United States share many ingredients and cooking techniques in common: ingredients like tomatoes, corn, pork, beans, sugar, potatoes and key techniques like barbecuing, braising, roasting and deep frying.
Culinary writing is one of the many ways Gutierrez builds interpersonal relationships. Inviting people into her family’s inner sanctum, she also hosts cooking classes in her home. In her kitchen, where ceramics from Guatemala share counter space with antique Jell-O molds found in Southern antique shops, Gutierrez shares her migration story and passion for food cultures.
date made
ca. 1985
ID Number
2018.0039.08
accession number
2018.0039
catalog number
2018.0039.08

Bottle of Sushi Rice/Salad Seasoning with Vinegar

Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation (AFC), known for their prepackaged sushi prepared and sold in supermarkets, extended their product line to include sushi related products.
Description
Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation (AFC), known for their prepackaged sushi prepared and sold in supermarkets, extended their product line to include sushi related products. This bottle of AFC’s first generation sushi rice/salad seasoning with vinegar is covered by green plastic, and the body is wrapped around by a printed label that includes the word “Natural,” the original AFC logo, the title "Sushi Rice/ Salad Seasoning with Vinegar" in black lettering, and a picture of three pieces of maki sushi on a bamboo mat and a picture of salad below. The images suggest that this product can be used to season rice to recreate the same taste as the rice used at sushi bars, and can be used as a substitute for vinegar in salad dressings as well. Underneath the images reads NET 12.7 FL OZ (375mL) in black lettering, and the directions are written to the left. To the right of the front cover, there is a list of ingredients and the nutrition facts.
The vinegar seasoning shows AFC’s attempt to popularize sushi making in American households. It’s versatility in being a substitute for salad dressing is also intended for the product to appeal to a wider market, and not exclusively to those interested in making sushi at home.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s
maker
Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
ID Number
2012.3099.11
catalog number
2012.3099.11
nonaccession number
2012.3099

Sushi Rice Container

A first generation container of sushi rice from the AFC Corporation.It has a wide green screw-on lid and a rectangular body that is partially covered by a printed label. The front face of the label has the first generation AFC logo which says “Since 1986” below.
Description
A first generation container of sushi rice from the AFC Corporation.
It has a wide green screw-on lid and a rectangular body that is partially covered by a printed label. The front face of the label has the first generation AFC logo which says “Since 1986” below. Underneath, “Premium” is written in magenta lettering in the center, and “SUSHI RICE is printed in green lettering on a black horizontal strip. NET WT 1.85 lbs (839 g) is printed at the bottom in black. The right face of the label is the “Rice Cooking Instructions” which includes washing instructions and cooking instructions in four steps, accompanied by instructional images. The back face of the label displays the “Sushi Rice Season Instructions” in four steps, accompanied by instructional photos to the right. The left face of the label has the Nutrition Facts, barcode, and a space in the bottom left corner that reads “Distributed by AFC Corp.”
AFC extended their product line to include sushi related products to diversify the consumer’s sushi eating experience, and popularize ingredients used in traditional Japanese foods. As sushi rice is an important component in sushi making, AFC distributed this product for customers interested in making sushi or other types of Japanese food at home. Sushi rice tends to be stickier in texture which gives the best results in forming sushi.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s
maker
Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
ID Number
2012.3099.16
catalog number
2012.3099.16
nonaccession number
2012.3099

Sushi Chef Hat

This polyester and cotton hat was worn by Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation sushi chefs between 1990 and 2006. The hat is round and cap-like rather than a traditional chef's toque. Designed to fit snug at the base and loose at the top allowing the hat to retain its shape.
Description
This polyester and cotton hat was worn by Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation sushi chefs between 1990 and 2006. The hat is round and cap-like rather than a traditional chef's toque. Designed to fit snug at the base and loose at the top allowing the hat to retain its shape. The AFC logo would be centered over the chef's mid-forehead.
The first AFC chef uniform consisted of a kimono-style coat, a full length green apron, and this chef's hat. Each piece of the uniform includes the first generation AFC Corp. logo, which consists of an oval containing “AFC”, two pieces of nigiri sushi, and “Since 1986” written below the oval. The two pieces of nigiri sushi on the logo are individually wrapped with a piece of seaweed, probably a tamago nigiri (egg sushi).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s
maker
unknown
ID Number
2012.0182.01b
accession number
2012.0182
catalog number
2012.0182.01b

McDonald's Coffee Travel Mug

Before the 1980s, when built-in cup holders were becoming standard equipment in new cars for the American market, motorists had few choices for keeping a beverage upright while driving.
Description
Before the 1980s, when built-in cup holders were becoming standard equipment in new cars for the American market, motorists had few choices for keeping a beverage upright while driving. The plastic, window-mounted holder, purchased separately from gas stations and other retail outlets was one popular alternative that filled the need, but introduced safety concerns as drivers had to perform an awkward maneuver to reach their beverages from the driver’s side window.
In 1983, McDonald’s offered customers a plastic mug and lid with an adhesive-coated base that could be attached to the dashboard. The “Easy Rider” travel mug was McDonald’s answer to the growing popularity of refill clubs, promotional offers that encouraged customers to return to a particular fast-food restaurant or convenience store for refills of coffee, usually at a discounted price. Customers were expected to take the coffee with them in the special, branded mug as they drove, took public transport, or walked to their destination. A New York Times article from January 9, 1989 called the “plastic sloshproof wonder known as the travel coffee mug or the commuter mug . . . the most unheralded product of Americans on the run.”
Carl Fleischhauer, the donor of this mug, was an on-the-go photographer, commuter, and enthusiastic coffee drinker. In the years before he acquired a car with built-in cup holders, he either carried a thermos or used a window-mounted plastic holder. He ate on the road several times a week, and enjoyed collecting “American advertising kitsch,” including McDonald’s promotional items during the 1970s and ‘80s. This travel mug was among the items he collected but decided against using because he didn’t want to mess up his dashboard with adhesive.
date made
1983
ID Number
2012.0088.02
catalog number
2012.0088.02
accession number
2012.0088

Unagi (Eel) Sauce Bottle

AFC’s first generation all-purpose eel sauce.The plastic bottle has a green screw-on lid, with a green paper label wrapped around its body. You can see the first generation AFC logo towards the bottom of the label, and NET Wt. 9.5 oz. (230mL).
Description
AFC’s first generation all-purpose eel sauce.
The plastic bottle has a green screw-on lid, with a green paper label wrapped around its body. You can see the first generation AFC logo towards the bottom of the label, and NET Wt. 9.5 oz. (230mL). To the left, the barcode, its distribution, and suggestions of use are listed. To the right is the Nutrition Facts with the ingredients (soy sauce, sugar, starch, caramel, amino acids, and alcohol) listed below.
AFC extended their product line to include sushi related products to diversify the consumer’s sushi eating experience, and popularize ingredients used in traditional Japanese foods. Eel sauce is typically used over grilled eel in Japan, though it can also be used over grilled meat and vegetables as suggested on the packaging. Eel sauce is also a popular sauce used to drizzle over sushi.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s
maker
Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
ID Number
2012.3099.15
catalog number
2012.3099.15
nonaccession number
2012.3099

Woman drinking coffee

black and white photograph; elderly woman seated at a formica table with her left elbow resting on the tabletop and her left hand cradling her face, cup and saucer are on the table in front of her; stool for a counter in background; seem to be looking through a window at herCurre
Description (Brief)
black and white photograph; elderly woman seated at a formica table with her left elbow resting on the tabletop and her left hand cradling her face, cup and saucer are on the table in front of her; stool for a counter in background; seem to be looking through a window at her
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1983
maker
Zalesky, Roy Joseph
ID Number
2017.0306.0001
catalog number
2017.0306.0001
accession number
2017.0306

Tupperware® Mixing Bowl

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1984
maker
Tupperware
ID Number
1984.1098.09
accession number
1984.1098
catalog number
1984.1098.09

Barbara Bush with bakers at an adult education center

Barbara Bush with bakers at an adult education center in the Brixton section of London, England, June 1, 1989.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Barbara Bush with bakers at an adult education center in the Brixton section of London, England, June 1, 1989.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1989-06-01
depicted (sitter)
Bush, Barbara
maker
Walker, Diana
ID Number
2003.0250.020
catalog number
2003.0250.020
accession number
2003.0250

McDonald's Clam Shell Container

This gingham off-white and brown, polystyrene clam shell food container held McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets. On the lid of the container in brown lettering it says “Chicken McNuggets™,” “McDonald’s®” with the double arches logo.
Description
This gingham off-white and brown, polystyrene clam shell food container held McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets. On the lid of the container in brown lettering it says “Chicken McNuggets™,” “McDonald’s®” with the double arches logo. In the early 1980s, McDonald’s® Corporation tasked a small group of people to solve the technical problem of machine producing a chicken nugget that appeared to be cut by hand. In 1983, the Chicken McNugget® was introduced to the national market and was a huge success.
The McDonald’s Corporation is one of the most recognizable hamburger restaurants in the United States. As of 2011, the McDonald’s Corporation and franchisees were operating in 119 countries with 1.9 million employees, making it the 4th largest employer in the world.
In 1940, Richard (Dick) and Maurice (Mac) McDonald opened the first McDonald’s Bar-B-Q drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino, California. In 1948, the brothers redesigned their menu, centering on the 15 cent hamburger. In 1954, Ray Kroc, a Multimixer (milkshake machine) salesman, became interested in the McDonalds brothers’ high volume restaurant. He worked out a deal with the brothers to be their franchising agent and opened the first franchise location in Illinois the following year. Under Kroc’s direction, the company grew to become the giant we know today.
date made
1980 - 1989
Associated Date
1975-1990
ID Number
1998.0349.08
accession number
1998.0349
catalog number
1998.0349.08

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