Original McDonalds Site Museum

1398 N. E St., San Bernardino, CA
Phone: 909-885-6324

East < GO > West

This is the site of the original McDonald's Restaurant. Today it is home to an unofficial museum commemorating the location and is the main office of Juan Pollo Chicken Restaurants. The owner of Juan Pollo also owns the historic Roy's Cafe and Motel in Amboy, CA.

In 1940 Dick & Mac McDonald opened McDonald's Barbecue Restaurant. In 1948 they closed the restaurant and reopened it serving burgers, miklshakes and fountain drinks. The original McDonald's building was demolished in 1971 but several original items still remain.

When we were there in the Spring of 2013 a mural on the south side of the building was painted showing portraits of famous people from San Bernardino

They were also painting the north side showing Route 66 from Santa Monica to Needles.

The founders Richard and Marcel (Mac) McDonald are prominently featured in one of the murals.

When we were at the museum in 2015 we spotted the whimsical S.S. Juan Pollo parade boat/car in the parking lot. The chicken apparently likes a good parade!

Photo(s): 2013