Which advertising slogan did McDonald’s launch in 1971 with the famous line about taking a break?

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

The campaign positioned McDonald’s as a welcome pause in a busy day. Its wording connected the restaurant with convenience, relaxation, and a small personal reward, rather than focusing only on speed or price. The advertising became especially memorable because it was delivered through a catchy musical jingle that appeared in television and radio promotions.

The slogan was created by the advertising agency Needham Harper Steers. It followed earlier McDonald’s branding that emphasized quick service and cheerful restaurant experiences. The campaign became one of the most influential fast-food advertising lines of its era and was later adapted in related forms.

It is often confused with “Have You Had Your Break Today?”, another McDonald’s slogan used later. The two phrases share the word “break,” but the 1971 campaign’s canonical line is “You Deserve a Break Today.”