What symbol did McDonald's introduce in 1962 that became its most recognizable logo element?

McDonald's introduced the Golden Arches as a major branding symbol in 1962.

The arches originated in the architecture of McDonald's early restaurants. Architect Stanley Clark Meston designed distinctive yellow arches for the restaurants opened by Richard and Maurice McDonald in San Bernardino and later adopted by the expanding chain. Viewed from certain angles, the paired arches formed a recognizable visual shape.

In 1962, the arches were combined into a logo, helping turn restaurant architecture into a portable corporate identity. The design became especially powerful because its bright yellow color and simple outline could be recognized from a distance, including along roads and highways.

The Golden Arches are often described as the letter M, although their origin was architectural rather than typographic. They should also be distinguished from the Speedee emblem, which represented the company's earlier service identity before the arches became dominant.