# The "Things I remember about McDonalds" Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 22, 2003, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-things-i-remember-about-mcdonalds-thread/156730 "2003-02-22T05:51:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Fern\_Forest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/71c47a/32.png) [@Fern\_Forest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fern_Forest)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2003, 8:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-things-i-remember-about-mcdonalds-thread/156730/61 "2003-02-23T08:25:03Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Mr Pud \* > \*\*Hehe, that one is ingrained in my memory for some reason… \*\* Because it was placed on square records and put in practically every single newspaper in America. I think I still have mine somewhere. On almost all records they messed up towards the end but if you got that one record where they finished it you won something like $1,000,000. I used to know it too but now can only get 2 lines in. ---
**Author:** ![DanBlather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f4b2a3/32.png) [@DanBlather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DanBlather)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2003, 8:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-things-i-remember-about-mcdonalds-thread/156730/62 "2003-02-23T08:32:20Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by bean\_shadow \* > \*\*You mean [like this](http://www.cavazzi.com/roman-empire/tours/empire/pics/pula/arena-pula1.jpg)? I would be disapointed to. \*\* That’s the Coloseum. Anyway, anyone else remember McD’s serving hot dogs? IIRC, they were more expensive than a hamburger: 15 cents vs 10 cents. I also remember the original buildings with the golden arches. They did not have seating. ---
**Author:** ![Manduck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/manduck/32/256_2.png) [@Manduck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Manduck)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2003, 8:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-things-i-remember-about-mcdonalds-thread/156730/63 "2003-02-23T08:47:22Z")
Once when I was in college I ordered one of everything, to see if I could eat it all. I could. The menu had fewer items on it in those days B^) ---
**Author:** ![soulburnz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@soulburnz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/soulburnz)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2003, 11:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-things-i-remember-about-mcdonalds-thread/156730/64 "2003-02-23T11:22:11Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Max Harvey \* > **I miss the old white paper bags. Very simple with just the logo. Now they’re dull brown with a bunch of promotional crap all over them.** Have you been lately ? I just got McD’s last night… they have just started using the white “nostalgic” bags with the old classic lettering on them. And… we have had Double-Cheeseburgers at our McD’s for years for 99 cents. They were never on the menu and rarely advertised at that price. Okay… maybe someone else remembers this and can prove I am not totally losing my mind. Several have mentioned the Shanghai nuggets. When nuggets were first introduced didn’t they have several different international sauces available ? Or some type of promotion that involved them ? I remember a Salsa Verde’ type green salsa that came in packets not in the little tubs like the other flavors of sauce. It was the bomb ! But they didn’t have it for long. Anyone else remember this ??? ---
**Author:** ![Agrippina](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8797f3/32.png) [@Agrippina](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agrippina)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2003, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-things-i-remember-about-mcdonalds-thread/156730/65 "2003-02-23T14:19:25Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by DanBlather \* > \*\*That’s the Coloseum. > > Anyway, anyone else remember McD’s serving hot dogs? IIRC, they were more expensive than a hamburger: 15 cents vs 10 cents. > > I also remember the original buildings with the golden arches. They did not have seating. \*\* I meant, “Something _like_ this?”. I knew that’s not what she was talking about. Besides, it’s the amphitheatre of Pula, and it’s the sixth largest structure of it’s kind still standing. ---
**Author:** ![NoGoodNamesLeft](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/8797f3/32.png) [@NoGoodNamesLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NoGoodNamesLeft)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2003, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-things-i-remember-about-mcdonalds-thread/156730/66 "2003-02-23T14:26:50Z")
We’ve pretty much still got the Arch Deluxe here in Canada. It’s called the ‘Big Xtra’. Same thing, without the sourdough bun. ---
**Author:** ![NoGoodNamesLeft](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/8797f3/32.png) [@NoGoodNamesLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NoGoodNamesLeft)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2003, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-things-i-remember-about-mcdonalds-thread/156730/67 "2003-02-23T14:38:41Z")
In fact, I’ve seen lots of differences in McDonald’s worldwide (I vacation on a severe budget). In The Canary Islands, I got beer at McDonald’s. They had wine too, but it was so hot outside, I didn’t want to risk it. I was in The Netherlands about two years after McDonald’s was pulling the styrofoam containers over environmental concerns. That’s why I was so surprised when my Big Mac came in one! (Not the standard cardboard crown and paper-wrap they switched to while developing the cardboard box). Suspiciously enough, they were all written in English. Hmmm… Lake Placid, New York was introducing hot dogs, (I think) this past October. In Canada, we have a ‘Light Menu’. 6 or 7 items designed for the health-concious. They are a grilled chicken sandwich, several salad varities, a kick-ass yogurt & fruit parfait, and a meatless burger. I was in a NYC restaurant one time and tried some of the experimental stuff. I’m making my way back next week. Maybe I’ll stop in! ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2003, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-things-i-remember-about-mcdonalds-thread/156730/68 "2003-02-23T19:21:14Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by belladonna \* > \*\*Not related to the food, but I can remember going when I was quite young (early eighties) and there would be a whole set of the glossy plastic life-sized McDonald land characters. There was a big spooky tree, and some Fry Guys too. The whole shebang was surrounded by a gate, and if you pounded on the railing it would trigger a recording from one of the characters. Anyone else remember these? \*\* OOooh-yeah! There was a little kid’s room with a small Merry Go Round (like the kind you see outside grocery stores) and all you had to do was to push a button and get on and it was so much fun! But the talking tree was broken. Their breakfast sandwiches are good too-Bacon Egg and Cheese Biscuits, or Steak and Egg Bagels. Although the latter is extremely messy to eat. But oh so yummy! McDs in Western PA usually have double cheeseburgers-and double Quarter Pounders. One time they had banana shakes. Those were good. For Arch Deluxe fans: [www.topsecretrecipes.com](http://www.topsecretrecipes.com) AND other recipes. Like McDonalds fries. ---
**Author:** ![Unintentionally\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unintentionally_blank/32/5418_2.png) [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2003, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-things-i-remember-about-mcdonalds-thread/156730/69 "2003-02-23T20:53:32Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ResIpsaLoquitor \* > \*\* > Ordering a McRib sandwich, and then wondering WHY I ordered the McRib sandwich. \*\* I remember when _ **Burger Chef** _ had a McRib product first. :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2003, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-things-i-remember-about-mcdonalds-thread/156730/70 "2003-02-23T23:25:00Z")
I remember placing my order at a real Golden Arches restaurant, outside, in line. The restaurants were all while/red tiled, small walkup windows and those big yellow (neon) arches. Oh, yeah. A hamburger had ketchup, mustard, picles and onions. All for 15 cents. Until ol’ Ray donated to the Nixon reelection campaign. Then all the prices jumped to pay for his campaign donation. What a Kroc! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![japatlgt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df705f/32.png) [@japatlgt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/japatlgt)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2003, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-things-i-remember-about-mcdonalds-thread/156730/71 "2003-02-23T23:49:59Z")
I remember when they were 15 cents a pop and they had competition in Atlanta called **Burger Chef**. Burger Chef was actually better but they tanked financially. ---
**Author:** ![Politzania](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3ab097/32.png) [@Politzania](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Politzania)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2003, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-things-i-remember-about-mcdonalds-thread/156730/72 "2003-02-24T01:21:38Z")
Page two and noone has mentioned the plastic spoon coffee stirrers? You know, the ones they filled in & then replaced with paddles. _Supposedly_ the spoons were being used to snort cocaine. ---
**Author:** ![Cleophus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a88e57/32.png) [@Cleophus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cleophus)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2003, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-things-i-remember-about-mcdonalds-thread/156730/73 "2003-02-24T02:30:17Z")
What’s a McDLT? ---
**Author:** ![Mehitabel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8797f3/32.png) [@Mehitabel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mehitabel)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2003, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-things-i-remember-about-mcdonalds-thread/156730/74 "2003-02-24T04:04:23Z")
A McDLT was a largish burger that had–you’re gonna love this, it’s the neatest idea EVER!–a container with two seperate compartments so that–and here’s the genius part–the Lettuce and Tomato were put in there so THEY STAYED COOL AND CRISP UNTIL YOU GOT TO YOUR TABLE AND PUT THE BURGER TOGETHER!!! I know, I get excited just typing it!! It lives on as a punchline and as Rosie O’Donnell’s nickname for her bandleader on her show, John McDaniel (who, unlike the burger, deserves the hype. I’ve seen him in concert and he, like Doc Severinsen, is quite a talented musician). And oh yeah, I remember those little spoons. Although of course the hipper-than-thou thing to do was to snort your coke through rolled up Benjamins. ---
**Author:** ![Mehitabel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8797f3/32.png) [@Mehitabel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mehitabel)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2003, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-things-i-remember-about-mcdonalds-thread/156730/75 "2003-02-24T04:07:13Z")
My Three Hundredth Post and it was about Mickey D’s!! ARRGH! :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Lizard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dfb087/32.png) [@Lizard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lizard)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2003, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-things-i-remember-about-mcdonalds-thread/156730/76 "2003-02-24T04:39:26Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Another Primate \* > **I don’t understand the “not clean” and “slow service” complaints, but then, maybe the ones in southern Oregon are better restaurants.** Hah! I just moved back to Ohio after an 18-month sojourn in Roseburg (that’s only a few hours away from **AP** , for the uninitiated). The thing I miss the most about living out West? Jack-In-the-Box. Mmm, mmmm! The Jumbo Jack for 99 cents is the best deal ever created. I’m surprised **Adoptamom** and I are the only former McDonald’s employees to post on here. I saw a statistic once that said 70% of the U.S. work force began their careers there. Given that, my oldest memories of the place are not good ones. Because I was the biggest, strongest employee, I had to empty the grease troughs on the grills. These were long, narrow drawers about 10 inches high, 4 inches wide, and 3.5 feet long. They laid along the sides of the grill, and every time the cooks scraped the grill, all that grease went into these troughs. When I emptied them (into a bucket, that I then had to empty into a HUGE garbage-bin type thingie out back) they each held several gallons of grease. Once a month or so, somebdy came and took all the grease. I asked the managers once and they wouldn’t tell me what happened to it. For all I know, it became the stuff we fried the fries in. Working at McD’s was okay. In my hometown, it was literally the only place a teenager without connections (i.e., a family-owned business) could get a job at all. I went there for a few hours each week, and they gave me money to buy candy bars and comic books. Oh to be a simple child again. I visited there last month, and some of the same people I knew in high school were still working there. (!) I’m not surprised the company has fallen on hard times. With competition that makes higher quality food and sells it cheaper (read: Jack In the Box, Wendy’s) they have become uncompetitive. ---
**Author:** ![TVGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/82dd89/32.png) [@TVGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TVGuy)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2003, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-things-i-remember-about-mcdonalds-thread/156730/77 "2003-02-24T04:42:35Z")
Good grief - I haven’t actually eaten in a McD’s for so long I didn’t even know they had gotten rid of the Quarter Pounder (no cheese) Anyway - I remember the McD’s in my hometown being silver with slanted glass windows and GREAT BIG arches running right through the roof. I remember going to the first McD’s drive-thru I’d ever seen. Dad, you mean we can get food without even getting out of the _CAR_???!! Sadly, it was McD’s continual bad service AT the drive-thru that finally convinced me never, ever to go back. I’ve given no money to a McDonald’s Restaurant in just over 12 years now. However, you can’t beat their nice clean restrooms when you’re on the road! ---
**Author:** ![King\_Rat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/7bcc69/32.png) [@King\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/King_Rat)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2003, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-things-i-remember-about-mcdonalds-thread/156730/78 "2003-02-24T05:14:21Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Mehitabel \* > \*\*There were only a few in the inner cities when I was a kid, late 60’s early 70s \*\* I’ve always been positive that I grew up a couple of blocks from the **very first McDonald’s in New York City** but after reading the above I don’t want to swear to it. It was around 1972, in Manhattan, on Broadway between 95th St. & 96th St. Remember the scenes at the first Moscow McDonalds and the first Beijing McDonald’s? The incredible lines? Well that’s what it was like. It said “McDonald’s Townhouse.” The store is still there. Fast food chains in NYC were an oddity. They just didn’t exist. There were a few local chains, of course, but no McDonalds, Burger King, etal. It really was quite a sensation when they opened up. Now they are everywhere. **Most expensive McDonalds** I’ve ever been to is in Waikiki. Three years ago a combo meal was over 7 bucks, if memory serves. I think McDonalds has gone downhill because they lost sight of their original concept: fast food at low prices. Now it’s slow and not cheap. I still get an insatiable hankering for a Big Mac every now and then, though. ---
**Author:** ![Fern\_Forest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/71c47a/32.png) [@Fern\_Forest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fern_Forest)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2003, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-things-i-remember-about-mcdonalds-thread/156730/79 "2003-02-24T05:25:29Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by King Rat \* > **Most expensive McDonalds I’ve ever been to is in Waikiki. Three years ago a combo meal was over 7 bucks, if memory serves.** Well that’s for burger, fries, drink AND a pineapple dish. Those are the lettered meals. You can still get the numbered (normal) meals for only slightly less inflated prices. Although we are lucky enough to have the McTeri and other Asian oriented cuisine. ---
**Author:** ![King\_Rat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/7bcc69/32.png) [@King\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/King_Rat)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2003, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-things-i-remember-about-mcdonalds-thread/156730/80 "2003-02-24T05:34:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Osiris \* > \*\*Although we are lucky enough to have the McTeri and other Asian oriented cuisine. \*\* And rice instead of potatoes for breakfast, with portugese suasage! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-things-i-remember-about-mcdonalds-thread/156730.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-things-i-remember-about-mcdonalds-thread/156730.md?page=5)