Hamburger University

by Roberta Beach Jacobson


Hamburger University got its humble start in the basement of a McDonald's restaurant in Elk Grove Village, IL - not far from my childhood home. The first class had just 14 graduates. The year was 1961. 

When the curious sign announcing 'Hamburger University' first appeared along the roadway, rumors circulated about what it meant. Sure, even back then, we recognized the Golden Arches, symbol of McDonald's. We knew the fast-food restaurant (where a hamburger cost us 15 cents). But what in the world was Hamburger University? Was that where people learned to put mustard on buns and root beer in cups?

It all started with Ray Kroc, who founded McDonald's by following his dream. At age 52, he invested his savings in a super-duper five-spindled milk shake machine. It was called the Multimixer. He figured he could sell one to every future McDonald's manager and he even supposed he could open up some restaurants himself. The rest, as they say, is history.

Hamburger U was started by Fred L. Turner, Ray Kroc's first grillman. Since the initial class (and the university's subsequent relocation to Oak Brook, IL), some 80,000 managers, mid-managers and owner/operators have graduated from the program. They learn restaurant operations, service, quality and cleanliness.

The McDonald's museum Also near my childhood home is the city of Des Plaines. McDonald's opened
there in 1955 and the venue has since been turned into a museum. Imagine that workers back then peeled potatoes and drew soft drinks from barrels! The all-male crew is represented by mannequins, dressed in the traditional uniform of the day – dark trousers, white shirts, aprons and paper hats. 

The museum (no admission fee) houses plenty of McDonald's memorabilia and photos, but there is no store on the premises. 

In case you're wondering, the Ronald McDonald clown personality didn't make an appearance until 1963. It was on tv and he was none other than Willard Scott.


more articles by  Roberta Beach Jacobson