Which 1955 McDonald's restaurant became a landmark of the chain's early branding?

The Des Plaines restaurant became a landmark of McDonald's early branding in 1955.

Located in Des Plaines, Illinois, the restaurant was the first McDonald's franchise opened by Ray Kroc. Its opening marked the beginning of the franchise expansion that turned the McDonald brothers' California restaurant concept into a large national chain.

The building used the distinctive red-and-white design and Golden Arches associated with the growing brand. The site later became important as a museum and historical reference point for McDonald's corporate story, although the original restaurant building itself was eventually replaced by a reconstruction and museum presentation.

The Des Plaines location is often confused with the oldest surviving McDonald's restaurant in Downey, California. Downey preserves an early 1953 restaurant building, while Des Plaines is associated with Kroc's first franchise and the 1955 expansion milestone. Those are related but different historical landmarks.