The first McDonald’s drive-thru opened on January 24, 1975, in Sierra Vista, Arizona, near Fort Huachuca, to serve military personnel who were not allowed to leave their vehicles while in uniform.
Franchise owner Dave Rich came up with the idea of a drive-thru window to help soldiers get their meals without breaking military rules.
This innovative concept quickly gained popularity, prompting McDonald’s to expand drive-thrus to other locations.
Today, drive-thrus are a standard feature at McDonald’s and many other fast-food chains, playing a major role in the industry’s growth.
Although the original building was demolished in 1999, the site is still celebrated for its historical significance in fast food culture.
