What slogan did McDonald’s introduce in 1971 with the phrase about taking a break?

McDonald’s introduced the slogan “You Deserve a Break Today” in 1971.

The slogan framed a McDonald’s visit as a welcome pause in a busy day. It appeared in advertising created during a period when the company was broadening its appeal beyond speed and convenience. The wording connected the restaurant experience with relaxation, enjoyment, and a brief escape from routine.

The campaign became one of McDonald’s most memorable advertising lines and was used in television, radio, print, and other promotional formats. Its emphasis on a personal reward differed from later slogans that focused more directly on brand attitude or a specific product.

People sometimes associate the phrase with another fast-food chain’s “Have It Your Way,” but that slogan belonged to Burger King. “You Deserve a Break Today” is specifically linked with McDonald’s advertising in the early 1970s.