Which McDonald's advertising slogan, introduced in 1971, invited customers to take a break?

“You Deserve a Break Today” was the McDonald's advertising slogan introduced in 1971.

The line framed a McDonald's visit as a small reward or pause in a busy day. It was created for a national advertising campaign and became one of the most memorable slogans in the company's long history of marketing.

The slogan is often remembered as a jingle because the campaign used music prominently. Its message differed from later product-focused or brand-focused lines: instead of naming a menu item, it sold the emotional idea of convenience, relaxation, and deserved personal time.

McDonald's has used many slogans in different countries and periods, so the lines are easy to mix up. “I'm Lovin' It,” for example, belongs to the 2000s, while “You Deserve a Break Today” belongs to the earlier 1971 campaign.