50 Years Ago Today

Yes, on April 15, 1955, Ray Kroc opened the first McDonald's in Des Plaines, IL. The first day's take was $366.12, an amount the franchise probably takes in every fraction of a second. To commemorate this milestone date, their River North "flagship" opened today. I strolled over at lunch to check it out (though I have to admit that I ate elsewhere).

Also, Lynn Becker's review of the building is featured on his site. Titled "Schlock Corridor", the piece gives some insight into the context that this building fits into, with a photo portrait of the area and a solicitation for a "Schlock Corridor Concept."


How many arches do you count?


I just don't know what to say about this thing.


The glass wall opts to reflect the street and sidewalk.


Velvet ropes at a McDonald's?


Yes, that's an ambulance at the drive thru, and no, it's not ordering lunch.

Update 04.16: Some gratuitous night shots: