#6
At a Glance
Products & Services: Hamburgers, chicken, salads
Number of Locations: 33,009
Total Investment: $1.07M - 1.89M
Founded: 1955
Began Franchising: 1955
Public Owned MCD
About McDonald's
Ray Kroc, a milkshake mixer salesman, ventured to California in 1954 to visit McDonald's hamburger stand, where he heard they were running eight mixers at once. Kroc was impressed by how rapidly customers were served and, seeing an opportunity to sell many more milkshake machines, encouraged brothers Dick and Mac McDonald to open a chain of their restaurants. Kroc became their business partner and opened the first McDonald's in Des Plaines, Illinois in 1955. McDonald's and the Golden Arches have since become an internationally-recognized symbol of quick-service hamburgers, fries, chicken, breakfast items, salads and milkshakes.Franchise Units
| Year | U.S. | Canadian | International | Company Owned |
| 2011 | 12,484 | 1,102 | 13,053 | 6,370 |
| 2010 | 12,477 | 1,097 | 12,764 | 6,399 |
| 2009 | 12,221 | 1,070 | 12,510 | 6,357 |
| 2008 | 12,136 | 1,046 | 12,283 | 6,502 |
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $1,068,850 - $1,892,400
Franchise Fee: $45,000
Term of Franchise Agreement: 20 years, renewable
Franchise Fee: $45,000
Term of Franchise Agreement: 20 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Liquid Cash Available: $500,000
Operations
86% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators).| Financing Type | In-House | Third Party |
| Franchise Fee | ||
| Startup Costs | ||
| Equipment | ||
| Inventory | ||
| Accounts Receivable | ||
| Payroll |
How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Training: Available at headquarters: 1 week. At local McDonald's restaurant : 12-24 months.
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives,
Marketing Support: Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising,
Other marketing support: Restaurant-specific support