McDonald's Founder’s Day: 70 Years of Memories & Milestones
September 29, 2025
McDonald’s first opened its doors in 1955, transforming how the world eats, connects, and celebrates everyday moments. Now, 70 years later, we’re honoring not just a milestone, but the millions of smiles, memories, and community connections that have shaped the Golden Arches into a global icon. None of these moments would have been possible without the people who bring our restaurants to life: our restaurant crew members, franchisees, suppliers, and corporate teams across the globe.
As we celebrate this year’s Founder’s Day, we take a moment to honor Ray Kroc’s vision and the people who carry it forward every day. One of Ray Kroc’s core values was that when you put people first, everything else follows, and it is this belief that has become the foundation of our McDonald’s System. From Chicago to Rio, Rome to Denver, it’s a day to reflect on the passion, pride, and shared purpose that continues to fuel our future. More than a celebration of history, it’s a celebration of our employees and customers – the people who make McDonald’s shine brighter every day. Happy Founder’s Day from our table to yours.
Chris Kempczinski, McDonald’s Chairman & CEO – 10 Years at McDonald’s
As McDonald’s marks its 70th anniversary, CEO Chris Kempczinski cherishes the moments that matter most, the everyday connections in our restaurants around the world. For him, the heart of McDonald’s success lies in its people and the communities they serve, a truth that has carried the brand for seven decades and will remain a pillar for decades to come.
“Reflecting on my ten years under the Golden Arches, my favorite memories are rooted in our restaurants and the incredible people who make McDonald’s a great place to work. McDonald’s has always been a people-focused business, a core truth embedded in Ray Kroc’s vision for the company when he first began this journey in 1955, which continues to inspire and drive our ambitions for the future.
In celebration of our 70th anniversary and Founder’s Day, I want to shine a light on the folks who keep Ray’s spirit alive in our restaurants and beyond. Each day, you make McDonald’s proud. While we’ve evolved over the years, our shared commitment to our values and serving our customers and communities hasn't changed. I'm confident we will continue to make delicious feel-good moments for generations to come.” - Chris Kempczinski, Chairman and CEO of McDonald’s Corporation
Tiffanie Boyd, Global Chief People Officer – 4 years at McDonald’s
For Tiffanie Boyd, some of the most powerful reminders of McDonald’s impact come from deeply personal stories shared inside our restaurants.
Last month in Hyderabad, I spent time with Srikanth Gunnam, a General Manager who started as a crew member more than eight years ago. He talked about leaders who invested in him, and how he now pays that forward by coaching his crew, building connections, and making sure everyone shows up for each other. We were pleasantly surprised when his team welcomed us with a chant, a bit of a restaurant ritual to get the team motivated. You could feel the pride and the sense of family. That’s our culture at its best: growth, support, and belonging – brought to life by GMs who set the tone every day. This Founder’s Day, I’m inspired by leaders like Srikanth, and by crew members everywhere who turn a restaurant into a place where people feel seen, supported, and ready to grow.” - Tiffanie Boyd, Global Chief People Officer, McDonald’s
Jill McDonald, Executive Vice President & Global Chief Restaurant Experience Officer – 12 Years at McDonald’s
Jill McDonald’s journey began with a single restaurant shift that revealed what truly makes McDonald’s unique: belonging.
"I’ll never forget my first shift in a restaurant near Heathrow airport in London in 2006; I was nervous and unsure, but the team welcomed me like family. That sense of belonging is what makes McDonald’s special and it’s what I see in every market I visit.
Recently, in Augusta, Georgia I met a restaurant team who brought this spirit to life every day with each other and their customers. They shared a story about a grandmother who visited most days whilst their granddaughter was recovering from illness in a nearby hospital. Every visit they provided a place she could relax, feel comfortable, and enjoy great food. They shared the message she had left them expressing her sincere gratitude for the service she received during such a difficult time. Our restaurants aren’t just places to eat and drink, they’re places where people feel seen and valued. That’s the heart of the brand and it’s why I am so proud to work for McDonald’s." - Jill McDonald, Executive Vice President & Global Chief Restaurant Experience Officer, McDonald’s
Joy Silmon, Second-Generation Franchisee – 18 Years at McDonald’s
Joy Silmon embodies the local heart of McDonald’s. As a second-generation McDonald’s franchisee in Dallas, Texas, she upholds not only a family legacy but also the spirit of entrepreneurship that has shaped us from the start.
As McDonald’s celebrates 70 years, being a second-generation franchisee is both an honor and a responsibility. It's a reminder of the sacrifices and dedication of those who came before me, and my role in shaping the next chapter of growth, leadership, and impact. It represents the legacy my family built, the opportunities they created, and my commitment to carry the torch forward while continuing to innovate and inspire future generations.” - Joy Silmon, McDonald’s Franchisee
Maricruz Galvez, Supervisor Global Social & Digital at McDonald’s Corporation – 19 Years at McDonald’s
For Maricruz Galvez, her nearly two decades under the Golden Arches have been defined by both personal and professional milestones. From raising a family while growing her career to witnessing the transformation of how McDonald’s shares its story with the world, she’s seen firsthand how the brand evolves and innovates while staying true to its people-first values.
One thing I’ll always remember, from the minute I walked into the McDonald’s campus, which was originally in Oak Brook, is that McDonald’s always put family first. I was a working mom, and the flexibility I had around my kids’ school schedule made such a difference. Another memory that stands out is seeing the evolution of McDonald’s itself. I witnessed the faxing of earnings releases to now seeing them posted online and on social media. That kind of digital transformation shows just how far we’ve come, and it makes me proud to be part of the journey.” - Maricruz Galvez, Supervisor Global Social & Digital at McDonald’s Corporation