Is McDonald’s a US brand?

Yes. McDonald’s originated in the United States, where Richard and Maurice McDonald opened the first McDonald’s restaurant in San Bernardino, California, in 1940.

Who founded McDonald’s?

Richard McDonald and Maurice McDonald founded McDonald’s. Ray Kroc later expanded the concept through franchising and acquired the McDonald’s name and concept in 1961.

Does McDonald’s own all of its restaurants?

No. McDonald’s Corporation uses both franchised and company-operated restaurants. Approximately 95% of McDonald’s restaurants were franchised at the end of 2025.

How many countries have McDonald’s restaurants?

McDonald’s restaurants operate in more than 100 countries. McDonald’s Corporation reported 45,356 restaurants worldwide at the end of 2025.

Who owns McDonald's?

McDonald's

Ultimate ownerUnited StatesMcDonald's Corporation

Brand origin: United States
Main production: Several countries, incl. China

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Political donations in the US

McDonald's gave US$1,000,000 to Donald Trump's inauguration in January 2025.

The company's political action committee gave 45% to Republican and 36% to Democratic candidates in the 2025 to 2026 election cycle.

Information from the US Federal Election Commission (FEC). Made O'Meter takes no side. Source: FEC · the PAC

See the full list in the Magazine

About McDonald's

What is McDonald’s?

McDonald’s is a restaurant brand that serves food and beverages through company-operated and franchised restaurants. McDonald’s Corporation reported 45,356 restaurants in more than 100 countries at the end of 2025, with approximately 95% operated by franchisees. McDonald’s Corporation reported revenue of $26.9 billion in 2025 and systemwide sales of $139.4 billion in 2025.

Who owns McDonald’s?

McDonald’s is ultimately owned by McDonald’s Corporation, according to Made O’Meter’s ownership data verified on 13 September 2026. McDonald’s Corporation is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and is a publicly listed company. McDonald’s Corporation operates and franchises McDonald’s restaurants worldwide.

Where does McDonald’s come from?

McDonald’s originated in the United States. Brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald opened McDonald’s Bar-B-Q restaurant in San Bernardino, California, in 1940. In 1948, the brothers streamlined the restaurant’s operations and introduced the Speedee Service System. Ray Kroc later expanded the restaurant concept through franchising, and the McDonald brothers sold the McDonald’s name and concept to Kroc in 1961.

What products does McDonald’s make?

McDonald’s restaurants serve hamburgers, cheeseburgers, French fries, chicken products, breakfast items, desserts, soft drinks, coffee and shakes. The original 1948 streamlined menu included hamburgers, cheeseburgers, soft drinks, milk, coffee, potato chips and pie. Menus vary by market.

How does McDonald’s operate?

McDonald’s operates through a combination of franchised and company-operated restaurants. McDonald’s Corporation states that its restaurants serve locally relevant food and beverages in communities across more than 100 countries. McDonald’s Corporation’s headquarters is at 110 North Carpenter Street in Chicago, Illinois.

Frequently asked questions about McDonald's

Is McDonald’s a US brand?: Yes. McDonald’s originated in the United States, where Richard and Maurice McDonald opened the first McDonald’s restaurant in San Bernardino, California, in 1940.
Who founded McDonald’s?: Richard McDonald and Maurice McDonald founded McDonald’s. Ray Kroc later expanded the concept through franchising and acquired the McDonald’s name and concept in 1961.
Does McDonald’s own all of its restaurants?: No. McDonald’s Corporation uses both franchised and company-operated restaurants. Approximately 95% of McDonald’s restaurants were franchised at the end of 2025.
Where is McDonald’s Corporation headquartered?: McDonald’s Corporation is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
How many countries have McDonald’s restaurants?: McDonald’s restaurants operate in more than 100 countries. McDonald’s Corporation reported 45,356 restaurants worldwide at the end of 2025.

Sources: corporate.mcdonalds.com: our history.html, stocktitan.net, corporate.mcdonalds.com: MCD 2025 Annual Report.pdf, people.com, marketscreener.com, companiesmarketcap.com, en.wikipedia.org, sec.gov