McDonald's is the world's largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants, serving over 64 million customers daily in 119 countries. It began in 1940 in San Bernardino, California and was founded as a corporation by Ray Kroc in 1955. McDonald's has over 33,000 locations worldwide owned by the corporation itself, franchisees, or affiliates. It has 1.5 million employees and generates revenue through franchise fees and sales in corporate-owned restaurants. The company is known for its iconic golden arches logo and uses of red and yellow colors.

1. Davila
Jonathan Davila
November 7, 2011
Introduction
Mc Donald’s Corporation is a chain of hamburger fast food restaurants. It is
the world’s largest chain in this industry serving up to 64 million customers daily all
around the world. It originated in San Bernardino California in 1940 by Richard
Maurice McDonald. The Corporation was founded by Ray Kroc in 1955 after he
purchased the rights to the chain. Today Mc Donalds is present in 119 countries
with its headquarters still in the United States. It operates over 33,000 locations
worldwide. Each fast food restaurant is owned by either the corporation itself, a
franchisee, or an affiliate. This makes the possibilities of the corporation growing
much greater and makes its success much more tangible. The corporation has over
1.5 million employees. Its revenues are based on its rent and royalties, fees paid by
franchise owners, and its sales from restaurants owned by the company.
The company has been using the same golden arched logo since 1968, a
trademark known around the world. Its traditional yellow and red colors remain
significant in their design. Their golden arches are more recognized by people
around the world than the cross. The company is well known for their convenient
drive through services. The company is the largest distributer of toys, included in
their kid’s meals. There are some locations that allow for walk-through service
mainly in busy trafficked downtown cities. Beyond their stand-alone locations, they
are located in shopping malls, airports, and gas stations. There is also a ski through
location in Salen Sweden. It has been most famous for its hamburgers, chicken
nuggets, desserts, french fries, and breakfast. The company often has seasonal items
for sale such as the McRib sandwich. Also, among different countries they provide
food made around its surrounding customs.
The company has an intricate and different business design. While expanding
to franchise owning, the company itself still owns and operates over 15% of their
restaurants. They have continuously increased their dividends for their
shareholders, for 25 consecutive years. They have overcome plentiful legal battles.
Many of them had to with trademark names and legalities. Also legal rights defenses
and defamation suites have been put upon the corporation. Their most famous
lawsuit named the McDonalds Coffee Case in 1994 involved a 79-year old woman
from Albuquerque who suffered from third degree burns after spilling a cup of
coffee on herself. The company is often the face of criticism and controversy over its
menu, expansions, and business practices. The movie “Super Size Me” was made in
2004 ridiculing the unhealthy affects of eating McDonalds. McDonalds has an annual
event where they pick a day in which a percentage of their days’ sales go to charity.
Celebrated in 17 different countries, this day is known as McHappy Day.
1