If you spend a lot of time in the McDonald’s drive-thru, you can credit Arizona for its existence. The popular fast-food chain opened its very first drive-thru window in Sierra Vista – and the story behind it is fascinating.
No matter where you live, the next time you’re sitting in the drive-thru line at McDonald’s on the way to work, you can thank Arizona.
Google/Lisa Nickle Sierra Vista, a mid-sized city about three hours southeast of Phoenix, is where the concept of the McDonald’s drive-thru originated.
The history behind the installation of the drive-thru is actually quite fascinating.
Google/Gary E. Webster Sierra Vista is a military town, with Fort Huachuca located nearby. Soldiers were not allowed to walk around in uniform, so there needed to be a way to serve them in their cars.
In 1975, the very first McDonald’s drive-thru was born.
Google/Sting the Scorpion Despite the short-lived claim to fame (an Oklahoma City McDonald’s opened a drive-thru a couple of weeks later), the legacy of the Sierra Vista location lives on. You’ll see several commemorative plaques and photos inside the restaurant, as well as a large banner under the golden arches that states “World’s First McDonald’s Drive-Thru.”
While the restaurant has been given a modern facelift, it is still frequented by troops from the fort.
Google/Cary Brown Some of them realize what a large role their fort played in the world of fast food, but many are not even aware.
So next time you’re craving a Big Mac in southern Arizona, make the drive to Sierra Vista to enjoy it with a side of history.
Google/S.V. Fire House Cat Who knew one town could change the world so much?
You will find the McDonald’s at Address: 1802 E Fry Blvd, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635.
Google Maps Please visit the official McDonald’s website for current hours and a full menu.
Have you ever been to the McDonald’s in Sierra Vista? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience. Tell us in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for another unique piece of Arizona history.
Google/Lisa Nickle
Sierra Vista, a mid-sized city about three hours southeast of Phoenix, is where the concept of the McDonald’s drive-thru originated.
Google/Gary E. Webster
Sierra Vista is a military town, with Fort Huachuca located nearby. Soldiers were not allowed to walk around in uniform, so there needed to be a way to serve them in their cars.
Google/Sting the Scorpion
Despite the short-lived claim to fame (an Oklahoma City McDonald’s opened a drive-thru a couple of weeks later), the legacy of the Sierra Vista location lives on. You’ll see several commemorative plaques and photos inside the restaurant, as well as a large banner under the golden arches that states “World’s First McDonald’s Drive-Thru.”
Google/Cary Brown
Some of them realize what a large role their fort played in the world of fast food, but many are not even aware.
Google/S.V. Fire House Cat
Who knew one town could change the world so much?
Google Maps
Please visit the official McDonald’s website for current hours and a full menu.
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Address: McDonald’s, 1802 E Fry Blvd, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635, USA
