What advertising slogan did McDonald's use in the 1970s with the line “You deserve a break”?

McDonald's used the slogan “You Deserve a Break Today” in the 1970s.

The phrase became one of the company's best-known advertising lines during an era when McDonald's promoted a restaurant visit as a convenient and enjoyable pause in a busy day. Its wording connected the brand with relaxation rather than simply speed or low prices.

The slogan is sometimes confused with “You Deserve a Break,” a shortened version that appears in casual recollections. The canonical campaign line included “Today,” which gave it a direct, immediate call to action.

McDonald's has used many slogans over the decades, and advertising lines often changed by market. That makes wording important in historical trivia. “You Deserve a Break Today” belongs to the chain's earlier global advertising history and predates the later “I'm lovin' it” campaign.