Which McDonald's restaurant introduced the drive-through in 1975 for military customers?

The McDonald's restaurant in Sierra Vista, Arizona, introduced the drive-through in 1975 for military customers.

The location was near Fort Huachuca, and soldiers were not permitted to leave their vehicles while wearing certain military clothing. McDonald's created a service window so those customers could receive food without entering the restaurant.

This innovation became an important part of McDonald's brand identity because it connected the company with speed, convenience, and car-oriented dining. The drive-through format later spread widely across the chain and became a defining feature of fast-food service.

The Sierra Vista restaurant is sometimes confused with McDonald's earliest locations. The first McDonald's restaurant opened in San Bernardino, while Ray Kroc's early franchise headquarters and landmark restaurant were associated with Des Plaines. Neither was the site of the 1975 drive-through introduction.