McDonald’s Corporation

McDonald's Corporation is a global fast-food restaurant chain founded in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald in San Bernardino, California. Ray Kroc joined as a franchise agent in 1955 and transformed the concept into a worldwide franchise system, growing it into one of the most recognized brands globally. As of September 2025, McDonald's operates approximately 40,275 restaurants across more than 100 countries. The company operates through a franchise model, with about 95% of locations owned and operated by independent franchisees. McDonald's generates revenue through rent, royalties, and fees from franchisees, as well as sales from company-operated restaurants. The corporation is also a significant real estate entity, owning the land and buildings for many locations and leasing them to franchisees. Restaurant formats range from traditional freestanding locations with drive-thrus to smaller footprint urban stores, kiosks, and delivery-only formats. The company continues to modernize its portfolio through the Experience of the Future initiative, which includes digital menu boards, self-order kiosks, table service, and enhanced delivery capabilities. McDonald's maintains a disciplined approach to real estate site selection, targeting high-visibility corner locations on major arterials with strong traffic patterns and demographics. The company pursues steady global expansion, typically adding 1,000 or more new restaurants annually. Growth priorities include emerging markets in Asia, continued development in established markets, and format innovation to serve evolving customer preferences.

The company operates through a franchise model, with about 95% of locations owned and operated by independent franchisees. McDonald's generates revenue through rent, royalties, and fees from franchisees, as well as sales from company-operated restaurants. The corporation is also a significant real estate entity, owning the land and buildings for many locations and leasing them to franchisees.

McDonald's restaurant formats range from traditional freestanding locations with drive-thrus to smaller footprint urban stores, kiosks, and delivery-only formats. The company continues to modernize its portfolio through the Experience of the Future initiative, which includes digital menu boards, self-order kiosks, table service, and enhanced delivery capabilities. McDonald's maintains a disciplined approach to real estate site selection, targeting high-visibility corner locations on major arterials with strong traffic patterns and demographics.

The company pursues steady global expansion, typically adding 1,000 or more new restaurants annually. Growth priorities include emerging markets in Asia, continued development in established markets, and format innovation to serve evolving customer preferences. McDonald's emphasizes franchisee relationships, operational consistency, supply chain efficiency, and technology integration to maintain its competitive position in the quick-service restaurant sector.