McDonald's

Franchise Overview

McDonald's is one of the world's largest quick-service restaurant systems, where independent franchisees own and operate locations serving burgers, chicken, breakfast, beverages, and desserts under a model built on consistent food quality, speed of service, and value pricing.

Key Highlights

  • One of the most recognized brand identities in the entire world
  • Extensive supply chain infrastructure supporting consistent quality across all locations
  • Comprehensive multi-month training program required before franchisee approval
  • Ongoing technology investments and product innovation to drive same-store sales growth

With approximately 95% of locations run by independent franchisees, McDonald's offers a deeply refined, system-wide operating model backed by national and local marketing support at every level.

Just the Facts

For most current information, see Franchise Disclosure Documents

In Business Since1955
Number of Units43,477
Min Liquid Capital$500,000
Required Networth$500,000
$$$Total Investment$1.0M – $2.3M

McDonald's Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDD)

These official McDonald's FDDs contain 23 sections of federally mandated disclosures such as franchisee obligations, franchisor litigation, and financial performance. FDD's are typically 100+ pages long and are critical to evaluate when researching a franchise.

Available Documents

McDonald's FDD 2026

April 2026

$99.00

McDonald's FDD 2025

April 2025

$99.00

McDonald's FDD 2024

April 2024

$99.00

McDonald's FDD 2023

April 2023

$99.00

McDonald's FDD 2022

April 2022

$99.00

McDonald's FDD 2021

April 2021

$99.00

McDonald's FDD 2020

April 2020

$99.00

McDonald's FDD 2019

April 2019

$99.00

McDonald's FDD 2018

April 2018

$99.00

McDonald's FDD 2017

April 2017

$99.00

Mcdonald's FDD 2016

April 2016

$99.00

McDonald's FDD 2015

April 2015

$99.00

Note: Purchased FDDs are available for immediate download. The $99 Document Processing Fee covers acquisition, storage, organization, and digital delivery of the FDD document.