As I finish writing this book, I am painfully aware of the names I have not mentioned in it. Men like Reub Taylor, Commander Alexander B. Dusenbury, Ben Lopaty, Carl Reed, and a great many others who contributed significantly to the making of McDonald’s. I can only ask all those who have been omitted to forgive me.
McDonald’s had 4,177 stores in the United States and 21 other countries at the end of 1976, a year in which we broke through several boundaries to new levels of business activity and profitability. In 1976, for the first time, our total system-wide sales exceeded $3 billion: the revenue of McDonald’s Corporation exceeded $1 billion. Our net earnings after taxes were more than $100 million, and our net worth was $500 million. The company is still green and growing and so am I. In fact, my 75th birthday party made me feel greener than ever. It was a terrific celebration that brought together a lot of the old McDonald’s team. It was great to see them all, especially June Martino and Harry Sonneborn. There was a time when Harry and I were convinced we would never speak to each other again, so it was wonderful to have him put his arm around my shoulder and tell me, “Ray, you’re the best friend I ever had.” Everything seems to be coming up roses. I’ll be able to tell you more mañana … mañana …
La Jolla, California