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2022 Franchise 500 Rank
#14 Ranked #11 last year
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Initial investment
$1.4M - $2.5M
Units as of 2022
39,696 4.2% over 3 years

Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in opening a McDonald's franchise.

McDonald's has become a staple in fast meals on-the-go. Whether it's a Happy Meal or a McChicken, the world is lovin’ it.

If you're interested in running a location of your own, McDonald's actually operates through purchasing and branding existing restaurants. Regarded as one of the most lucrative businesses in fast-food, franchisees can trade using the brand name to leverage on their existing customer base.

Under this model, McDonald's may lease any of their locations to you based on their stipulated terms and operating procedures. Outlet owners operating under the brand must operate under their policies. McDonald’s executives make a profit by acquiring existing outlet locations, branding, and then leasing to potential franchisees.

Setting up one of these McDonald's franchise locations may be a successful venture, especially when compared to establishing a new restaurant under a different name. The company focuses on preserving its brand and defending its reputation. Because of this, opening a McDonald's franchise may offer a perfect opportunity to make your mark on the restaurant industry.

Why You May Want to Start a McDonald's Franchise

If you plan to run a restaurant under those golden arches, you'll have to follow the specific procedures for running any McDonald's restaurant locations. The good news about trading under the brand is that you may have a higher likelihood of succeeding than if you did not.  

It's no secret that McDonald's commands a considerable following, especially in the American fast-food industry. The fast-food chain enjoys global recognition for its affordable and growing menu.

Setting up a McDonald’s franchise requires entering into an agreement to run a restaurant under McDonald's brand. It'll allow you to operate under the brand for a specific length of time, depending on the agreement. Many agreements last for 20 years.

The unique aspect of running a business under McDonald's is that it may be easy to draw in loyal (and hungry) customers. This is all thanks to the credibility and status that comes with the McDonald's brand… and, of course, their irresistible french fries. 

Why Opening a McDonald’s Location May Be a Good Choice

At the end of the day, owning a McDonald's outlet could result in a pretty successful  enterprise. Coupled with a good reputation and a considerable market segment, opening a McDonald's franchise may have a more predictable outcome than investing in a completely new brand that may struggle to thrive in an already crowded and competitive fast-food industry.

As a result, riding on the already existing niche that McDonald's commands could give you an upper hand in kickstarting your business and enjoying the advantages. This doesn’t even take into account the fact that you may not have to spend a lot of resources on advertising to tap into local sales.

How to Establish a McDonald’s Restaurant Business 

To open a McDonald’s franchise, you should ensure that you are financially sound enough for an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. You should also prepare yourself for ongoing fees that will include advertising, royalty, and renewal fees. 

In some cases, McDonald’s requires a down payment before you can establish a restaurant in a new location. You may be required to pay a slightly less hefty down payment for acquiring an existing restaurant.

Before opening a McDonald’s franchise, the company takes franchisees through an extensive training program. Some of the support shared before signing a lease agreement includes information about suppliers, marketing, advertising, and improving hospitality oriented skills through free training. After this, you may be allowed to buy any of their outlets and operate under their policies.

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Company Overview

About McDonald's

Industry
Food
Related Categories
Hamburgers
Founded
1955
Leadership
Chris Kempczinski, CEO

Franchising Overview

Franchising Since
1955 (67 years)
# of employees at HQ
885
Where seeking

This company is seeking new franchisees throughout the US.

This company is seeking new franchisees worldwide.

# of Units
39,696 (as of 2022)

Franchisor Information

Corporate Address
110 N. Carpenter
Chicago, IL 60607

Information for Franchisees

Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in opening a McDonald's franchise.

Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees

Here’s what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.

Initial Franchise Fee
$45,000
Initial Investment
$1,366,000 - $2,450,000
Cash Requirement
$100,000
Royalty Fee
4%
Ad Royalty Fee
4%+
Term of Agreement
20 years
Is franchise term renewable?
Yes
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Training & Support Offered

Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.

On-The-Job Training
100+ hours
Classroom Training
81 hours
Additional Training
At local McDonald's restaurant
Ongoing Support
Purchasing Co-ops
Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Lease Negotiation
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Support
Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
National Media
Regional Advertising
Marketing Planning & Support
Social Media
SEO
Website Development
Email Marketing
Loyalty Program/App

Operations

Additional details about running this franchise.

Is absentee ownership allowed?
No
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit?
No
Can this franchise be run part time?
No
Are exclusive territories available?
No
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Franchise 500 Ranking History

Compare where McDonald's landed on this year’s Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.

Additional Rankings

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise by Entrepreneur Media. Our franchise listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare franchise operations. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise. That should include reviewing the franchisor's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees.
Updated: February 8th, 2021