First franchise with Golden Arches opens

The first franchise featuring the iconic Golden Arches design was established in Phoenix, Arizona, by Neil Fox, who was a distributor for General Petroleum Corporation. This franchise marked a pivotal moment in the expansion of the McDonald's brand, as it was the first to utilize the standardized design created by architect Stanley Clark Meston and his assistant Charles Fish. The franchise was opened at the intersection of North Central Avenue and Indian School Road, and the initial franchise fee was set at $1,000. This fee, when adjusted for inflation, reflects a significant investment in the burgeoning fast-food industry. The introduction of the Golden Arches not only provided a recognizable symbol for the brand but also set a precedent for future franchise operations, emphasizing the importance of a cohesive brand identity in the fast-food sector. The McDonald brothers, who had initially developed the restaurant concept, were surprised by Fox's use of their name for the franchise, which highlighted the evolving nature of franchising and brand management during this period. The success of this franchise would pave the way for the rapid expansion of McDonald's across the United States and eventually worldwide, establishing it as a leader in the fast-food industry.