On the corner of 14th and E, in San Bernardino-old Route 66, is the original sign for the McDonald Brothers restaurant. This is the original location where Mac and Dick built their first restaurant in 1940, then in 1948 after seeing over 80% of the business was burgers, shut down and started Speedy Service, which evolved today into what we know as Mickey D's! And a legend of selling 15 cent hamburgers-10 to the pound-became history. Fast food-born in San Berdoo. And all that is left to commemorate this history is a small, very personal museum. For before the brothers sold the exclusive franchise rights to Ray Kroc, they had already sold their first franchise for the whopping sum of a one time fee of $995 to a man in Phoenix, and another in North Hollywood. But Ray saw the big picture, but missed the small print, as when he bought them out, they kept their location, and the others.
And that is why the McDonalds Corp. has no ties to the museum. Pre-Kroc if you will. It is like a trip down Memory Lane, with stories, pictures, and letters from 1940 employees, old menus, and stuff we Baby Boomers can relate to. It made me remember when the first McDonalds came to our town, and how busy it was. And how I used to send my girlfriend Paula in to get food for me-she was quite attractive and the guys would give her a discount or sometimes even free. How David Rogo would see us on a busy Friday night, and then hand us a bag of free food, telling us "sorry to keep you waiting." Remember when they advertised a three course meal-burger, fries, and a shake for 52 cents? And who was the guy in your school who could actually eat $5 of their food in one sitting? Yes, this place brought back the memories.
It is owned by a man named Albert Okura. He owns Juan Pollo. Never heard of him? I hadn't either or his restaurants. But he owns 33 of them, and since 1984, this first generation Japanese man has been selling Mexican chicken successfully. Over 75 tons of chicken a week. And not the way they teach in business school either. He doesn't promote or advertise-no radio, TV, paper-he depends on word of mouth, and his product. And it works! And I look forward to eating at one soon-seems there is one only 30 miles from me.
And rather than giving back to the community who made him successful, he is part of it. Sponsoring many events, among them a huge car show every year, in conjunction with San Berdoo. And he owns the museum-free admittance, and also has a small Juan Pollo room. Hands on, certainly not a polished, Power Point presentation, but then most of us aren't either. Remember-this is something you eat with your hands-no silverware found here! And if you remember years ago when Amboy was for sale-now you know who the new owner is-no Juan Pollo there yet, but if you need gas at 3am, call the number on the window, and someone will come and pump it for you. Maybe this guy know something about people! Now that's service!
I don't know if Albert knows, but 2000 years ago, another successful man built a ministry based on product-salvation. No ads, seminars, telethons, tracts, programs, book tours, or radio or TV interviews. Word of mouth. Someone told their friends, and then told others, and soon thousands were looking, and finding. Men would leave their businesses, would tear off roofs to lower friends to meet Him, and He would change their life-not the programs or even the church. The Holy Spirit would change their life-something to remember. You see no church planning can do what the spirit does. Acts 2 tells us the numbers were added to daily, all Peter, an old fisherman did was teach the gospel. And when you realize it is not you, but the spirit, then you too can grow in grace, and see the things of God multiply in your life. Like Albert, you can rely on the best product ever-Jesus Christ. He needs no hype. And His message was simple-love your neighbor, after loving God first. People will notice, and then God will change their hearts. And He reminds us, that unless God builds the house-we labor in vain! Hard work doesn't lead to salvation-giving your life to Jesus does. So don't let anything-denominational or religious differences divide you. Not what does your church believe-do they believe Jesus and teach Him as resurrected-and the only way to God? Do they emphasize His deity-in love? Jesus said they will know you are Christians by our love. Does your life reflect the gospel? Can you teach it, adding words only if necessary?
I had to leave the museum before I was ready, it looked like rain, and was getting chilly. And after learning about Juan Pollo, and reflecting on old 15 cent burger days, I decided to try either one. But didn't, keeping my commitment not to eat at either one, knowing the temptation would be there, and even justifying it in my mind. But I decided to honor my diet-so I ate at Carl's Jr.
But I will eat at a Juan Pollo soon. Maybe to support Albert, but mainly to try his chicken. Any man who can be a success by word of mouth must have a great product, and I want to be part of it. And in case you haven't heard, Jesus is alive, and well. And loves to eat-take Him with you. Spreading His gospel may never have tasted so good.
love with compassion,
Mike
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