Which 1955 McDonald's restaurant became the company's first franchised location under Ray Kroc?

The Des Plaines, Illinois, restaurant became McDonald's first franchise opened under Ray Kroc in 1955.

Kroc opened the restaurant at 400 North Lee Street after becoming interested in the McDonald brothers' efficient restaurant operation. The site was designed to demonstrate the standardized McDonald's format, including the recognizable arches and a tightly controlled menu and service system.

The restaurant is often called the first McDonald's franchise, although the McDonald brothers had already operated their original restaurant in San Bernardino, California. San Bernardino was the birthplace of the restaurant business, while Des Plaines was the first location opened by Kroc's franchising organization.

The Des Plaines building later became a museum and historic symbol of McDonald's expansion. The original restaurant was demolished, but a replica and museum site commemorated its role in the company's history.