- Business
- McDonald's Corporation is a leading global food service retailer that operates a comprehensive fast-food restaurant system. It primarily offers quick-service menu items including hamburgers; chicken products such as McNuggets and McWings; French fries; breakfast items; salads; desserts; beverages under the McCafé brand including coffee and specialty drinks; and value meal options such as the McValue $5 meal and Snack Wraps. The company operates and franchises over 41,800 restaurants across approximately 120 countries worldwide, serving around 68 million customers daily. McDonald's maintains a predominantly franchised model with about 93% of its locations operated by franchisees. Its geographic reach covers North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, with notable expansions in China and Australia.
Founded in 1940 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, McDonald's has recently increased its strategic investments and operational footprint. In 2023-2024, McDonald's significantly expanded its stake in the China business by acquiring investment firm Carlyle’s minority interest, raising its ownership to 48% within a partnership consortium controlled by CITIC Capital. This move aligns with McDonald's Accelerating the Arches growth strategy to develop new restaurants, targeting over 10,000 locations in China by 2028. The company has also implemented technological innovations including edge computing in hundreds of US restaurants and a loyalty program with 185 million 90-day active users. Menu innovation continues with global launches of new products such as the Big Arch burger and permanent inclusion of McWings in Australia. McDonald's pursues ongoing value offerings like extended Snack Wraps, BOGO deals, and the McValue platform internationally.
Operationally, McDonald's reported a 6% increase in global systemwide sales in 2025 with broad-based comparable sales growth despite challenging macroeconomic conditions. The company has been modernizing its internal processes through restructuring initiatives and investments in digital and delivery capabilities, maintaining partnerships with Uber Eats, DoorDash, and selective local food delivery platforms to expand its home delivery market share. McDonald's continues to emphasize sustainable sourcing, community engagement through Ronald McDonald House Charities, and environmental responsibility as integral parts of its corporate strategy.
Overall, McDonald's Corporation operates a diversified portfolio of fast-food products and services globally, enhanced by strategic equity investments, menu innovation, technology adoption, and an expansive franchise system to drive growth and customer engagement in diverse international markets. Its core business remains fast-food retailing with a focus on affordability, convenience, and digital-first consumer experiences.