Ray Kroc established McDonald's in 1955 in the US. By 2001, McDonald's had over 29,000 restaurants in 121 countries. McDonald's mission is to be its customers' favorite place to eat and drink by providing exceptional customer experiences. Some of McDonald's strengths include its large market share and quality assurance centers. However, it also faces weaknesses such as its unhealthy reputation and many franchised locations. McDonald's strategic plans involve targeting opportunities like increasing demand for fast food and threats such as trends toward healthy eating. The company tailors its operations and menu in different regions while maintaining quality, service, cleanliness and value. McDonald's limited menu and focus on quality have contributed to its success globally.