Where’s the beef in McDonald’s claim?

About a week ago an article in the Coeur d’Alene Press had a gentleman being touted as the originator of a certain hamburger at McDonald’s. Before there were any McDonald’s on the face of the Earth, my father originated the “Paul Bunyan burger” in April 1952 (for Louie’s In ‘n’ Out, later called Paul Bunyan). McDonald’s opened in April 1955.

The ingredients were two meat patties on a sesame seed bun (the bun was cut twice), a third-pound of beef, special sauce, relish, pickle, lettuce, and tomato. Cheese was extra. Dad put in a Paul Bunyan man in 1953; that large sign is still there today.

I was just a sophomore at Coeur d’Alene High School and worked at the restaurant a lot. Dad started the restaurant with $7,200, and borrowed $300 from my grandfather for meat and buns, etc. Dad was a meat cutter by trade. He used choice beef and boned, cut up, and ground the beef, and then made meat patties.

By the end of 1952 Louie’s In ‘n’ Out was in great shape financially. Previously the bank told Dad that Coeur d’Alene already had a drive-in. Louis Ormesher was a great father and businessman. My mom, Mildred Ormesher, was Dad’s great wife and wonderful helper. Anyway, as I lived it, Louis Ormesher was the originator of the hamburger sandwich as described here.

I, along with my wife, purchased the restaurant, six-unit apartment house, three-bedroom home, and two warehouses all on that corner in 1963 from Dad and Mom. We are eternally grateful to Louis and Mildred Ormesher and the people of Coeur d’Alene for all those wonderful years of business and community.

Thank you, Coeur d’Alene!