“On the corner of Lakewood and Florence in Downey, a part of America’s past has reopened its doors. The oldest surviving McDonald’s is back in business, complete with the original mascot “Speedee,” the walking burger, and a 50s-style menu: burgers cooked on old-fashioned grills and individually-mixed milk shakes. There will be no breakfasts, salads or chicken McNuggets, but Happy Meals and Big Macs will be served. The staff will wear white shirts, hats with Speedee on them, and bolo ties.
The historic building with its traditional golden arches got a facelift, but nothing drastic was changed. The 60-foot Speedie got an overhaul to remove all the rust and bird stuff. McDonald’s also added a gift shop to sell T-shirts, miniature Speedee’s, and other memorabilia.
The Los Angeles Conservancy called the stand, which opened Aug. 18, 1953, “one of the most influential designs of commercial architecture in the 20th century.””
