McDonald’s, the global fast-food giant, has a remarkable presence in cities around the world. While its signature golden arches are instantly recognizable, the stories of when and how these restaurants first arrived in various cities are equally fascinating. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 cities with the highest number of McDonald’s restaurants and delve into the history of when these iconic establishments were first established.
1. New York City, USA – 13,515 Restaurants
- Establishment Year: The very first McDonald’s opened in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1955. New York City soon embraced the concept, and the city’s first McDonald’s arrived in 1963.
2. Beijing, China – 3,500 Restaurants
- Establishment Year: McDonald’s entered China in 1990 with its first restaurant in Shenzhen. Beijing welcomed its first McDonald’s in 1992, marking the beginning of a fast-food revolution in China.
3. Tokyo, Japan – 2,900 Restaurants
- Establishment Year: Japan witnessed the opening of its inaugural McDonald’s in 1971 in the Aoyama district of Tokyo, igniting a love affair with fast food in the country.
4. Paris, France – 1,500 Restaurants
- Establishment Year: The City of Lights welcomed its first McDonald’s in 1979 on the Champs-Élysées, blending American fast food with French cuisine.
5. Berlin, Germany – 1,422 Restaurants
- Establishment Year: Germany’s first McDonald’s opened its doors in 1971 in Munich. Berlin’s first restaurant quickly followed as part of the brand’s expansion across the country.
6. Toronto, Canada – 1,400 Restaurants
- Establishment Year: The Canadian journey with McDonald’s began in 1967 in Richmond, British Columbia. Toronto, as one of the country’s largest cities, saw its first McDonald’s in the early years of expansion.
7. London, UK – 1,300 Restaurants
- Establishment Year: The United Kingdom’s first McDonald’s restaurant opened in Woolwich, London, in 1974, heralding a new era in British fast food.
8. São Paulo, Brazil – 1,052 Restaurants
- Establishment Year: Brazil welcomed McDonald’s in 1979, with São Paulo getting its first restaurant shortly thereafter, sparking a Brazilian passion for Big Macs.
9. Sydney, Australia – 1,000 Restaurants
- Establishment Year: Australia’s first McDonald’s restaurant opened in Yagoona, New South Wales, in 1971. Sydney quickly embraced the concept, and its first McDonald’s opened in the same year.
10. Manila, Philippines – 699 Restaurants
- Establishment Year: McDonald’s made its Philippine debut in 1981, and Manila saw its first restaurant open soon after, bringing American fast food to the heart of the Philippines.
Final Thought
McDonald’s has left an indelible mark on the global dining scene, and its presence in these top 10 cities is a testament to its worldwide appeal. While the number of restaurants is impressive, it’s equally fascinating to explore the history of when McDonald’s first arrived in these cities, forever changing the way people eat and experience fast food.
