McDonald's


 * The Independent - Logos that became legends: Icons from the world of advertising

1940–1948


McDonald's was opened in 1940. It was formally called McDonald's Famous Barbecue.

1948–1953


It was renamed McDonald's Famous Hamburgers in 1948.

1953–1962


This logo used Speedee instead of Ronald McDonald from the opening of the company's first franchising outlets to when it phased out.

1962–1968


This logo referenced McDonald's iconic architecture of the era, a roof line higher in front than in back, flanked by a pair of illuminated golden arches. The "M" formed by the arches would define the company's logo throughout the ensuing decades.

1968–1984


In 1968, the logo was given a white background and the text became black. This logo is still used on some of the windows at some of the locations.

1983-2006


In 1983, the logo was given a red background and the text became white.

1995-2010
This logo was only used on packaging as the secondary logo.

2006–Present


As part of the first restaurant redesign for decades, called 'Forever Young', the logo was redesigned. The red background is occasionally used and the lettering is now used seperately to the 'Golden Arches'. This is used on a McDonald's website and promotions.