Known for its Happy Meals and Big Mac burgers, more than 65 million people eat at McDonald’s every day. McDonald’s has been in business since 1940 and continues to be one of the most beloved fast food retailers.
If you’ve never heard of McDonald’s before, you may be wondering what the company is known for and how it’s different from other fast food places. I looked into it and here’s everything I learned about McDonald’s!
What is McDonald’s in 2024?
McDonald’s is a fast food restaurant that sells hamburgers, fries, chicken nuggets, and drinks like milkshakes as of 2024. Originating in America, McDonald’s was founded in 1940 in California by Richard and Maurice McDonald. Additionally, McDonald’s business model works by offering fast, low-cost food products worldwide.
For more information on McDonald’s, including how it was started, who owns McDonald’s, whether McDonald’s is a franchise, why McDonald’s is successful, and how many McDonald’s stores exist, then keep reading!
What is McDonald’s known for?
McDonald’s is known for its iconic logo of a gold « M » on a red background, inspired by the first McDonald’s restaurants.
In addition, McDonald’s sells hamburgers, breakfast sandwiches, chicken products, French fries, desserts, and coffee products, including coffee and bakery rolls.
Additionally, one menu item that McDonald’s is best known for is its Happy Meal, a popular choice for kids that often features a toy or book while collaborating with other brands.
Finally, McDonald’s is known for its unique menu, like the Big Mac, which consists of the following items:
- Two beef patties
- Sesame seed bun
- Cheese
- Pickles
- Salad
- Onion
- Big Mac Sauce
How is McDonald’s different from other fast food places?
Initially, McDonald’s business model allowed its company to thrive because it could beat competitors by offering products made quickly by employees.
With this, McDonald’s simplified its menu to nine items, allowing its franchisees to generate more sales through speed of delivery.
Although McDonald’s menu has now expanded, it still offers cheap items quickly.
Additionally, McDonald’s is different because it aims to standardize its restaurants and practices from location to location.
However, it offers menu adaptations for foreign countries to reflect local traditions and tastes.
So while you can always find the Big Mac on the McDonald’s menu no matter where you go, there may be special items if you’re in a foreign country like China or France.
What type of store is McDonald’s?
McDonald’s is a fast food chain that has stores operating around the world.
Currently, there are more than 39,000 McDonald’s stores worldwide, including more than 13,000 in the United States.
Who owns McDonald’s?
McDonald’s has been owned by Kroc since 1955.
With this, Kroc founded the McDonald’s Corporation, which owns the companies’ exclusive branding rights.
Yet McDonald’s is a franchise, meaning its stores are often operated by individual owners who have purchased the company’s brand rights.
When was McDonald’s founded?
McDonald’s was founded on April 15, 1955, in San Bernardino, California, by Richard and Maurice McDonald’s.
Additionally, the first McDonald’s restaurant was opened in 1940 but did not resemble the current branding we know today.
For example, the first McDonald’s was a drive-thru that stocked slow-cooked barbecue foods and did not offer indoor seating.
McDonald’s became a franchise after Ray Kroc purchased it in 1955, and in 1956 Kroc introduced the golden arches and mascot Ronald McDonald.
After that, the company began to resemble the modern version of McDonald’s.
Is McDonald’s a franchise?
McDonald’s became a franchise in 1955 after Ray Kroc purchased the company from the McDonald’s brothers.
With this, McDonald’s franchising gave the company its current success, as it allowed for rapid growth, consistency and innovation.
Additionally, McDonald’s franchisees and management are trained at Hamburger University, located in Chicago, before operating.
Can I own a McDonald’s?
Yes, it is possible to own a McDonald’s since it is a franchise business. To start applying for a McDonald’s franchise, you must apply electronically.
Additionally, the franchise fee for McDonald’s is $45,000, which is more than many competitors, but McDonald’s often generates much higher profits.
Still, there are additional costs to opening a McDonald’s franchise ranging from $1,000,000 to $2,200,000, depending on the location.
Finally, McDonald’s franchise applicants must have the following to operate their own store:
- A minimum of $500,000 in assets
- Follow a 12 to 18 month training program
Why is McDonald’s so successful?
McDonald’s is so successful because of its business model, which adapts to emerging trends, attracts families and young people, and promotes rapid growth.
Additionally, the consistency McDonald’s offers, regardless of location, helps it attract customers because they know what to expect from the store.
With this, all McDonald’s franchisees are trained to ensure their location provides the same consistency.
Additionally, McDonald’s is constantly innovating and adapting its products to meet its customers and appeal to the market, including creating customized products to appeal to local areas.
Is McDonald’s a good company?
McDonald’s can be considered a good company because of its philanthropic efforts.
For example, McDonald’s participates in charity work, including McHappy Day, where a percentage of profits are donated to charity.
Additionally, McDonald’s allowed the $1 million winning game piece to be transferred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the annual Monopoly game.
However, winners generally do not allow transfers.
Additionally, McDonald’s operates McRefugees in Hong Kong, Japan and China, allowing homeless people to use its restaurants as temporary hostels.
Who is the McDonald’s mascot?
McDonald’s mascot is Ronald McDonald, a clown often depicted wearing McDonald’s iconic red and yellow colors.
Introduced in 1956, Ronald McDonald strived to appeal to a younger demographic and attract families to McDonald’s.
Additionally, McDonald’s franchises use Ronald McDonald for their advertisements and have actors who visit children in hospitals and Ronald McDonald Houses.
Additionally, McDonald’s formed the Ronald McDonald House Charities to improve the health and well-being of children and provide homes for sick children and their families.
How many McDonald’s stores are there?
Currently, in the United States, there are 13,452 McDonald’s operating in 53 states and territories and 4,643 cities.
Additionally, the US state with the most McDonald’s locations is California, which has 1,221 locations and accounts for 9% of the total number of locations in America.
Next, Texas has the second most McDonald’s stores with 1,121 (8% of the total), followed by Florida with 862 stores (6% of the total).
To learn more, you can also check out our related articles on McDonald’s business model, McDonald’s competitor, and whether McDonald’s is an ethical company.
Conclusion
McDonald’s is a fast food chain founded in California in 1955 by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald.
Additionally, McDonald’s is known for selling convenience foods including burgers, chicken nuggets, fries, etc.
Under a franchise model, independent McDonald’s owners who have purchased the rights to use the McDonald’s brand often operate McDonald’s restaurants.
Visit Les Gourmandises for more information.
