In 1954, Ray Kroc, a milkshake machine salesman, visits the McDonald brothers’ hamburger restaurant in California. He is impressed by the fast service and high quality. On April 15, 1955, Kroc opens his first McDonald’s restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois.

The Netherlands gets its first McDonald’s restaurant in 1971, in Zaandam. This is also the first restaurant in Europe. There are now more than 250 McDonald’s restaurants in the Netherlands. Over the years, the menu has been continuously adapted to the wishes of the guests. But the formula has always remained the same: friendly and fast service, high-quality products, a spotlessly clean restaurant and an attractive price.