McDonald's

As one of the most popular and recognizable restaurants in the world, more than 80 percent of McDonald’s restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by franchisees. The company lists consistently in the Top 10 Franchises in the world in Entrepreneur Magazine, and Franchise Times Magazine. The company ranks Number 1 among the top 200 franchises. The McDonald’s Golden Arches logo has become one of the most ubiquitous marketing symbols in history. Happy Meals, McDonald’s French fries, chicken McNuggets, the Big Mac are household names. The company has led the way in the innovation of fast-food trends. Running a McDonald’s franchise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Think of the people you’ll meet … in the restaurant, across our organization and in the neighborhood. We couldn’t be more proud of the leadership our franchisees demonstrate each and every day. It takes heart, soul and a genuine commitment to the communities we serve. Get your piece of this great franchise opportunity. 

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McDonald's Franchise Cost and Requirements for 2024

Background

McDonald's is the world's largest restaurant chain by revenue. The company serves tens of millions of customers daily across the world. They rechristened their business as a hamburger stand. Later they then turned the company into a franchise, with the Golden Arches logo being introduced in 1953 at a location in Phoenix, Arizona. Although McDonald's is known for its hamburgers, the company also sells cheeseburgers, chicken products, French fries, breakfast items, soft drinks, milkshakes, wraps, and various desserts.

McDonald’s USA, LLC is the franchisor that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of its parent and predecessor, McDonald’s Corporation. The franchisor develops, operates, franchises, and services a system of restaurants that prepare, assemble, package, and sell food under the “McDonald's System.” A grant of a McDonald’s franchise authorizes franchisees to operate a McDonald’s restaurant business at a specific location and to use the McDonald’s System in the operation of that restaurant business for a specific period of time. The franchisor offers four types of franchises:

Traditional Restaurant: This type of franchise is a location in freestanding buildings, storefronts, food courts, and other locations. The franchisee operates a full-menu restaurant, offering the public a high standard of quality and uniformity in food and service.
Satellite Locations: The franchisee is granted the right to operate the franchise in a retail store, strip center, airport, universities, hospitals, and other specific and specialized locations. These restaurants serve a scaled-down menu of a traditional McDonald’s restaurant and may also serve non-McDonald’s trademarked products.
STO and STR Locations: ‘Small Town Oil’ locations are situated in convenience stores, and operate a full-menu McDonald’s restaurant.
BFL Franchises: “Business Facilities Lease” franchises grant franchises with leases that include the business facilities.

Company Details

Year Business Began: 1955
Franchising Since: 1955
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
Estimated Number of Units: 39,396 

Support and Training Offered By McDonald's

On-The-Job Training: 500 hours (average)
Classroom Training: 72 hours
Additional Training: At local McDonald's restaurant

2024 Franchise Requirements Needed to Own a McDonald's Franchise.

What does a McDonald's Franchise Cost?

McDonald's franchise fees for 2024:

McDonald's has the franchise fee of up to $45,000, with total initial investment range of $464,500 to $2,306,500.
Initial investments: $464,500 - $2,306,500
Liquid Cash Requirement: $500,000
Initial Franchise Fee: $45,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 4%
Ad Royalty Fee: $4%+

Is McDonald's a Semi Absentee Franchise with a Passive Ownership Opportunity?

No. McDonald's is not a semi absentee franchise. The owner of the franchise (the franchisee) is expected to be involved in all aspects of day-to-day operations.

Is McDonald's a Home Based franchise?

No. McDonald's is not a home based franchise opportunity.

What Do McDonald's Franchise Owners Make?

Click here to find out how much McDonald's franchisees make. McDonald's offers an Item 19 in their Franchise Disclosure Document which provides financial information about select franchisees in their franchise system.

Is McDonald's Looking for Franchisees in Canada?

Yes. McDonald's franchise is looking for Canada franchisees.

Is McDonald's Looking for International franchisees?

Yes. McDonald's franchise is looking for International franchisees.

Where can I see McDonald's's FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document)?

Buying a Franchise Guide: What is a Franchise Disclosure Document?

When evaluating a franchise opportunity, reading and understanding the current version of their FDD is a necessity. Considering the benefits of franchising, such as established brand recognition and support from the franchisor, it's important to also take into account franchise fees and franchising royalty fees. Since most franchisors are privately owned companies, the current versions of their FDDs are typically not available unless requested directly from them.

Click here to connect with a Franchise Consultant who can help you obtain a copy quickly and for free. They can also guide you through the essential franchise questions to ask, ensuring you make a well-informed decision about your investment.

Additional Information

Additional Categories

Food & Restaurants

Number of Units Open

100+ UNITS

Cash Required

More than $250,000

Passive Franchise

No

Home Based Franchise

No

Item 19 Franchise

Yes

B2B

No

Franchise Opportunities in Canada

Yes

International Franchise Opportunities

Yes

McDonald's Franchises for Sale

Click Here to inquire about existing McDonald's franchises for sale. We may have McDonald's franchise resales. A franchise resale is an already established franchise owned by a franchisee and the franchisee is looking to sell their franchise.

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The International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG) is an internationally recognized membership-based franchise organization. IFPG Franchise Consultants guide aspiring business owners through the process of identifying and investing in franchise businesses. The IFPG represents more than 550 franchises. We do not represent all franchises listed here. By clicking on "Request a Consultation," you are agreeing to be contacted by one of our Certified Franchise Consultants to discuss franchise ownership.

About our rankings: The IFPG uses its internal data collected from our membership portal to identify which franchises had the most activity in the past week. This ranking system is not based on franchise sales, franchisee success rates or number of units open. Our ranking system should not be used to make a decision on which franchise to buy it was solely created for internal purposes and for our IFPG Members.