Flashback

Heating up fast food

A big innovation for fast-food giant McDonald’s was highlighted in the January-February, 1968 edition of OPPD’s Ideas magazine.

A trial began at a South 24^th Street McDonald’s, where electric quartz heaters with reflectors were mounted above window areas. The effect was “radiant beams of heat passed through the air, creating a band of pleasant warmth for both customers and employees,” according to the publication.

The use of the heaters helped block cold drafts as doors were frequently opened and closed. Soon, the heaters were installed at four other Omaha McDonald’s.