Welcome to Fondy Famous! We’re joined by Don, a remarkable individual who is about to consume his 35,000th Big Mac. Yes, you read that right—35,000! Don’s unique story starts in the most ordinary of places, a local McDonald’s, and evolves into a lifelong passion that has captured the attention of many.
The Beginning of a Big Mac Legacy
Don’s journey began back in 1972, a simpler time when the price of a Big Mac meal was less than $2. Working as a shoe shiner at the South Hills Club, Don met Walter Rausch, the owner of the only McDonald’s in Fontlake at the time. Walter’s persistent invitations to try a Big Mac finally bore fruit when Don bought his first car. True to his word, the first stop he made with his new car was at McDonald’s, where he had not one, but three Big Macs along with a shake and fries. This meal marked the beginning of his extraordinary relationship with the Big Mac.
“I was hooked on hamburgers long before I tried a McDonald’s Big Mac,” Don recalls. “But once I had a Big Mac, I couldn’t get enough of them.” His initial indulgence led to consuming eight or nine Big Macs daily for nearly a month, a testament to his burgeoning love for the iconic burger.
A Daily Ritual and a Growing Collection
Fast forward several decades, and Don has maintained a steady diet of two Big Macs a day. His dedication goes beyond mere consumption; he has also amassed a significant collection of Big Mac cartons and memorabilia. “The Military Avenue McDonald’s has had 56 different cartons since I started eating Big Macs there,” he notes, highlighting his attention to the evolving packaging designs.
Among his treasured collectibles, the most sentimental is a Ronald McDonald doll, a gift from a fan that holds immense personal value. “It’s a gift, and it’s like something I would never consider selling,” Don explains, underscoring his appreciation for the community that has formed around his unique journey.
Health, Happiness, and Big Mac Milestones
As Don approaches the milestone of 35,000 Big Macs, his excitement is palpable, though not without a hint of concern for the uncontrollable, like the weather on the big day. His wife, a nurse practitioner, ensures his health remains in check, despite the unconventional diet. “I’ve been doing fine,” Don assures, reflecting on the surprisingly healthy state he maintains amidst a daily intake of fast food.
Don’s Big Mac journey has also been intertwined with significant life events. He proposed to his wife at the very McDonald’s where he had his first Big Mac, adding layers of personal significance to the location. This spot, now marked by the new McDonald’s building, holds a special place in his heart and is where he often chooses to eat his commemorative Big Macs.
A Life of Travel and Big Macs
Don’s passion for Big Macs has taken him on numerous adventures across the United States. He set himself the ambitious goal of eating a Big Mac at every Major League Baseball park, every National Football League stadium, and every NASCAR track. “It’s like Taylor Swift concerts, you go to all sorts of different ones,” Don compares, highlighting the joy these travels bring him, especially as a respite from his demanding job as a prison guard.
These trips are not just about fulfilling a quirky goal but also about escaping the daily grind. “You deal with so much crap at the prison every day that when you get your vacations, you really treasure them,” Don shares. His travels funded by the overtime he worked at the prison, have allowed him to explore and enjoy life beyond his professional responsibilities.
Community and Continuity
Despite his unique dietary habit, Don remains grounded and connected to his community. He insists on paying for his Big Macs, emphasizing fairness and equality. “Just think if I got my Big Macs for free and then poor people come into McDonald’s and they have to pay for theirs,” he reflects, demonstrating his thoughtful consideration for others.
Don’s story is not just about the burgers but about the connections and memories he has built around them. Whether it’s the fans who gift him memorabilia or the personal milestones celebrated with a Big Mac in hand, each burger is a thread in the fabric of his life story.
Looking Forward
As Don prepares for his 35,000th Big Mac, the excitement among his friends, family, and fans is undeniable. They understand the significance of this number, a testament to his dedication and love for the Big Mac. While he does not expect any grand gestures from McDonald’s corporate, his journey continues to be a source of joy and pride.
“I love them so much that if you watch me, you watch me eat them, and it’s like, wow, I really enjoy these,” Don says, his eyes twinkling with the same excitement as when he first tasted a Big Mac. This enduring enthusiasm is what makes Don’s story so captivating and relatable, a reminder of the simple joys that can shape and define a lifetime.
In conclusion, Don’s journey with Big Macs is a heartwarming tale of passion, persistence, and the pursuit of happiness. It’s a narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever loved something with all their heart, proving that sometimes, the simplest pleasures can lead to the most extraordinary lives. As Don continues to savor each Big Mac, he not only celebrates a personal milestone but also shares a universal message of joy and dedication.
