Which McDonald’s slogan began in 1971 with a campaign centered on taking a break?

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

The line presented a visit to McDonald’s as a welcome pause from everyday work and routine. Its wording connected the restaurant with convenience and relaxation, while the campaign’s music made the phrase unusually memorable. It became one of the best-known advertising slogans in American fast-food history.

The slogan belongs to an earlier period of McDonald’s branding than “I’m Lovin’ It,” which launched globally in 2003. McDonald’s changed slogans many times as it adjusted its advertising to different audiences, products, and cultural moments.

The campaign is also remembered because it framed the customer’s experience rather than naming a particular burger or restaurant feature. That approach helped the line work across a broad menu and across many locations. Although the slogan is no longer McDonald’s principal global tagline, it remains a major reference point in the company’s advertising history.