McDonald's

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McDonald's Plaza, the main office of McDonald's
McDonald's Kosher in Buenos Aires (Argentina)

McDonald's is an American corporation and a fast food joint specializing in burgers and other fast food. With over 36,000 stores in 119 countries and territories, McDonald's is the second-most stores out of all fast food chains worldwide behind only the submarine sandwich chain Subway.

Mascot[edit | edit source]

The McDonald's mascot is Ronald McDonald.

McDonald's Corporation
Company typePublic company
NYSE: [Script error: No such module "Stock tickers/NYSE". MCD]
IndustryFast food
Founded1940 in San Bernardino, California, United States (as a Barbecue restaurant) April 15, 1955 in Des Plaines, Illinois, United States (as McDonald's Corporation)
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Number of locations
  • Over 38,000 in 119 countries (2021)
Key people
Chris Kempczinski, CEO and President

Enrique Hernandez Jr., Chairman

Kevin Ozan, CFO
ProductsHamburgers, Cheeseburgers, Chicken sandwiches, French fries, Soft drinks, breakfast items, desserts, shakes, and more
RevenueIncrease US$19.2 billion (2021)
Increase US$4.9 billion (2021)
Increase US$4.6 billion (2021)
Total assetsIncrease US$44.2 billion (2021)
Total equityIncrease US$16.7 billion (2021)
Number of employees
Increase 205,000 (2021)
Websitewww.mcdonalds.com


McDonald's Corporation is an American fast food restaurant chain. Founded in 1940 as a barbecue restaurant, the chain later shifted its focus to hamburgers, french fries, and other fast food items. Today, McDonald's is one of the world's largest fast food chains, with over 38,000 locations in 119 countries as of 2021.

History[edit | edit source]

McDonald's was founded in 1940 by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald in San Bernardino, California. Initially, the restaurant was a small barbecue joint. In 1948, the brothers revamped their restaurant to focus on fast food, and introduced a simplified menu of hamburgers, french fries, and milkshakes.

The company's most famous menu item, the Big Mac, was introduced in 1968. Other notable menu items include the Filet-O-Fish sandwich, introduced in 1962, and the Egg McMuffin, introduced in 1972.

In 1955, McDonald's Corporation was established in Des Plaines, Illinois, and the company began franchising its restaurants. The first international McDonald's location opened in Canada in 1967. Today, McDonald's has locations in 119 countries around the world.

Menu[edit | edit source]

McDonald's is best known for its hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and french fries. The company also serves chicken sandwiches, chicken nuggets, and fish sandwiches. Breakfast items, including the Egg McMuffin, are available all day in most locations.

In addition to its main menu, McDonald's also offers a variety of desserts, including apple pies, cookies, and McFlurrys. Soft drinks and other beverages are also available.

Corporate responsibility[edit | edit source]

McDonald's has faced criticism over the years for its business practices, including its labor practices and the nutritional value of its food. In response, the company has made efforts to improve its image and address these concerns.

In recent years, McDonald's has made a number of commitments related to corporate responsibility. The company has pledged to use only cage-free eggs by 2025, and to use only chickens raised with reduced antibiotics by the end of 2027. In addition, the company has made a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its restaurants and offices by 36% by 2030.

McDonald's has also taken steps to address concerns about the nutritional content of its food. The company has introduced healthier menu options, such as salads and grilled chicken sandwiches, and has committed to reducing the sodium, sugar, and saturated fat in its menu items.

In 2021, McDonald's announced a new global commitment to reduce plastic waste by phasing out plastic toys in Happy Meals and transitioning to more sustainable materials for other items.

Controversies[edit | edit source]

Over the years, McDonald's has faced a number of controversies related to its business practices. One of the most significant was the McLibel case, a legal battle with environmental activists in the United Kingdom that lasted from 1990 to 2005. The activists accused McDonald's of a range of unethical business practices, including promoting unhealthy food, exploiting workers, and contributing to deforestation. Although the case was ultimately decided in McDonald's favor, it garnered significant negative publicity for the company.

In addition to the McLibel case, McDonald's has faced criticism over its labor practices, including low wages and inadequate benefits for its employees. The company has also been accused of contributing to environmental problems, such as deforestation and climate change.

Advertising[edit | edit source]

McDonald's is known for its iconic advertising campaigns, including the "I'm Lovin' It" slogan and the Ronald McDonald character. The company has also sponsored a number of high-profile events, including the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.

Locations[edit | edit source]

McDonald's has restaurants in the following countries:


Other websites[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD