Founding and Early History
McDonald's was founded by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald in San Bernardino, California, in 1940. In 1954, Ray Kroc joined as a franchise agent and later bought the chain, expanding it into a global brand. The company was incorporated in 1961 and went public in 1965.
Global Growth and Operations
Today McDonald's operates in over 100 countries with more than 40,000 locations worldwide. It is one of the largest restaurant chains by revenue and employs hundreds of thousands of people. The company focuses on standardized operations while adapting some menu items to local tastes.
Menu, Innovation, and Business Strategy
The menu centers on burgers, chicken, fries, and breakfast items, with frequent limited-time offerings. McDonald's uses a mix of company-owned and franchised restaurants and emphasizes digital ordering, delivery, and loyalty programs. Learn more about its business and financial performance on the official investor relations page at https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/corporate/investors.html
