Which McDonald’s slogan, introduced in 1971, became famous for the line about taking a break?

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

The slogan became one of the company’s most influential advertising lines and framed a McDonald’s visit as a welcome pause in a busy day. It was used in television, radio, print, and other advertising, helping establish a warm, emotionally oriented style for the brand.

The campaign’s best-known commercial music was written by Barry Manilow, who was working in advertising before his major success as a recording artist. The jingle helped the line remain memorable beyond individual advertisements.

The slogan belongs to an earlier era of McDonald’s branding than “I’m Lovin’ It,” which launched globally in 2003. It is also distinct from “You, You’re the One,” another well-known McDonald’s advertising line from the 1970s.