Oldest Operating McDonald’s

Sightseeing in Downey? Doing a little urban exploration at abandoned Rancho Los Amigos and/or Downey Studios and need a bite to eat?

Opened on August 18, 1953 by Roger Williams and Burdette ‘Bud’ Landon, the restaurant in Downey was the third franchised by Richard and Maurice McDonald.

This restaurant is the oldest in the chain still in existence and interestingly did not become a part of the McDonald’s system until 1990.

The building and the 60-foot neon sign with “Speedee the Chef” are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

Pay your homage to one of the burger gods before the restaurant goes away.

You may want to consider a culinary fast food tour with stops at: the first Taco Bell, the original Der Wienerschnitzel, the oldest remaining Bob’s Big Boy.

And, if you are driving around in Downey, consider a stop at the Columbia Memorial Space Center and Challenger Learning Center.

Address:

10207 Lakewood Boulevard, Downey, CA 90241-2741