By George Anderson
Fifty years to the day Ray Kroc opened the first McDonald's franchise in Des Plaines, Ill., the fast food icon is opening a new restaurant in Chicago on the spot where the former Rock 'n Roll McD's stood.
Today, the chain's restaurants are found in countries across the globe but still, as a report in the Asbury Park Press pointed out, McDonald's remains "a uniquely American phenomenon, one in which capitalism, comfort food and speed all combine in a red and gold facsimile of the American dream."
Moderator's Comment: What has been McDonald's impact on the food industry and American society?
A special webcast preview of the newest McD's will be aired on the company's Web site today from 10:00 — 10:30 a.m. Central Time. To register go to http://www.iian.ibeam.com/events/mcdo001/13375/index.jsp - George Anderson - Moderator