Which 1971 McDonald's slogan became famous for telling customers they deserved a break?

The famous 1971 McDonald's slogan was “You Deserve a Break Today.”

The line positioned a McDonald's visit as a small reward during a busy day. Its wording made the brand sound welcoming and convenient while also supporting the restaurant chain's emphasis on speed and service. The advertising campaign became particularly memorable because the slogan was set to music.

The phrase is often cited as one of the most successful advertising slogans of the twentieth century. It helped move McDonald's messaging beyond simply identifying the restaurant and toward describing how customers might feel when visiting it.

It should not be confused with “The Closest Thing to Home,” an earlier national slogan, or “I'm lovin' it,” the global campaign launched in 2003. These lines belong to different stages of McDonald's advertising history.