1851

With over 38,000 locations worldwide, <a href="https://www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb/franchising.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-mcdonalds-founder-ray-kroc-developed-a-business-model-that-grew-a-fast-food-empire-2711976" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">McDonald’s</a> is arguably one of the world’s most recognizable brands. With a presence in 120 countries and serving close to 70 million people daily, the brand’s reach is indisputable, and largely unmatched in the QSR space—or any other space, for that matter.&nbsp;So, how did a small burger joint in Des Plaines, Illinois grow to become the goliath of fast food? Look no further than its founder, Ray Kroc.&nbsp;Born in 1902, Kroc always had a knack for sales and business. Starting off as a paper cup salesman in his teens, his interest in the restaurant business was piqued after a business trip to San Bernardino, California in 1952 (he was working as a Multimixer salesman), where he was captivated by the emergence of franchised restaurants in the area. Not Long after he arrived home to Illinois, Kroc came across an emerging burger place that was started by two brothers, Dick and Mac McDonald, and was fascinated by the new dining concept they’d set up. By only offering burgers, fries and drinks, they were able to keep the quality of their food high while keeping preparation speed low.&nbsp;Kroc partnered with the brothers as their franchising agent, working to build a system that would consistently produce the same quality food across all McDonald's locations. By creating a systematic approach that required all McDonald’s franchisees to follow the same principles, his idea of serving quality food fast became more than just mildly successful. In fact, famous menu items like the Big Mac and Filet-O-Fish were actually created by franchisees who innovated within McDonald’s model standards, allowing their creations to be adopted systemwide.By placing a particular emphasis on the replicability of McDonald’s processes and operations, Kroc created one of the world’s most prevalent fast food chains. Not only has his model made McDonald’s a household name, but it has also ensured efficient operations and a nearly identical experience for consumers at all locations, regardless of where they may be in the world.&nbsp;One of the most important lessons to take away from Kroc’s McDonald’s model is to implement and stick to a system that works. For McDonald’s, that means one based on quality, service, cleanliness and value. His system is also a three-legged stool, meaning the model only works if franchisees, employees and McDonald’s suppliers all work together. At the end of the day, a business is only as successful as all the parts that keep it moving, and Kroc’s business acumen ensured McDonald’s would be the system to beat well into the future.&nbsp;Image courtesy of AP.

How McDonald’s Founder Ray Kroc Developed A Business Model That Grew A Fast Food Empire

1851 Franchise

From a family-owned burger shop to a multi-billion-dollar industry conglomerate synonymous with the word "franchise," McDonald’s owes its global success to its founder. 

how-mcdonalds-founder-ray-kroc-developed-a-business-model-that-grew-a-fast-food-empire

United Water Restoration Group

The Importance of Quick Response in the Water Restoration Business: How United Water Restoration Group Leads the Way

the-importance-of-quick-response-in-the-water-restoration-business-how-united-water-restoration-group-leads-the-way

Senior Care Authority

Senior Care Authority Celebrates Major Wins and Welcomes Four New Franchisees in Q1 2025

senior-care-authority-celebrates-major-wins-and-welcomes-four-new-franchisees-in-q1-2025

Children's Lighthouse

Why This Hotel Franchise Owners is Investing in Children’s Lighthouse 

why-this-hotel-franchise-owners-is-investing-in-childrens-lighthouse

Integrity Franchise Group

Which Franchise Ownership Model Is Right for You? Semi-absentee Ownership?

which-franchise-ownership-model-is-right-for-you

Melting Pot

Photo of 50th Anniversary Melting Pot fondue with golden chives

50 Years of Fondue and Family: Melting Pot Celebrates Its Legacy and Looks to the Future

melting-pot-franchise-50th-anniversary

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

How New Tariffs Are Causing Price Hikes and Surcharges for U.S. Businesses and Franchises - 1851

Tariffs Prompt Price Hikes, Surcharges as Businesses (and Franchises) Brace for Rising Costs 

tariffs-prompt-price-hikes-surcharges

Pizza Hut - EYM Group - Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - 77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold - 1851 Franchise

77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold After Franchisee Bankruptcy Filing

pizza-hut-franchisee-bankruptcy-eym-group

Jersey Mike's - Blackstone - Global Growth - 1851 Franchise

Jersey Mike’s Ramps Up Global Growth Following Blackstone Acquisition

jersey-mikes-blackstone-growth

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

Lindora’s New President Discusses Franchise Growth and the Future of Health and Wellness

lindoras-new-president-discusses-franchise-growth-and-the-future-of-health-and-wellness

Church's Texas Chicken - Franchise Deep Dive - Growth Club - 1851 Franchise

Church’s Texas Chicken Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

churchs-franchise-deep-dive

From Pizza Delivery to Fast-Casual Innovator: How Dave Wood Built Mahana Fresh

mahana-fresh-franchisor-dave-wood

Happy Joe's Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-happy-joes-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Military Veteran and Craft Beer Enthusiast to Bring Voodoo Brewing Co. to Toledo, Ohio

military-veteran-and-craft-beer-enthusiast-to-bring-voodoo-brewing-co-to-toledo-ohio

franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Venetya Evans and Sylvan Learning logo

IT Leader Celebrates One Year of Sylvan Learning in Simi Valley: A Passion for Education and Technology Drives Her Mission to Help Students Succeed

it-leader-celebrates-one-year-of-sylvan-learning-in-simi-valley

How McDonald’s Founder Ray Kroc Developed A Business Model That Grew A Fast Food Empire

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS