Have you ever taken a bite of a McDonald’s burger and wondered, “Who owns this huge fast-food brand?” Millions of people around the world love McDonald’s for its fries, burgers, and Happy Meals—but behind the golden arches is a story of business, innovation, and global success. In this blog, we’ll explore who owns McDonald’s, how the company started, and what makes it one of the most powerful fast-food chains in the world.
| Company Name | McDonald’s Corporation |
|---|---|
| Type | Public |
| Stock Symbol | MCD (on New York Stock Exchange) |
| Founded | 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald |
| Key Person (Past) | Ray Kroc (Franchiser and business builder) |
| Current CEO | Chris Kempczinski (as of 2025) |
| Headquarters | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Main Product | Fast food (burgers, fries, drinks, etc.) |
| Major Shareholders | Vanguard, BlackRock, State Street, etc. |
| Official Website | www.mcdonalds.com |
How Did McDonald’s Start?- History
McDonald’s began in 1940 when two brothers, Richard McDonald and Maurice McDonald, opened a small drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino, California, USA. They served a simple menu—burgers, fries, and drinks—fast and cheap. It was one of the first times people saw the “speed service system” we now call fast food.
But the McDonald brothers didn’t take their brand global. That part came with Ray Kroc, a milkshake machine salesman who visited the restaurant in 1954. Ray saw something special in their efficient system and offered to help expand it.
In 1955, Ray Kroc opened the first McDonald’s franchise in Des Plaines, Illinois. Eventually, he bought the exclusive rights to the McDonald’s name and business in 1961 for $2.7 million. Ray Kroc is often seen as the man who truly built McDonald’s into a global brand.
Who Owns McDonald’s Today?
McDonald’s is no longer owned by a single person or family. Instead, it’s a public company. This means that its shares are traded on the stock market (NYSE: MCD), and it’s owned by thousands of investors who buy and sell McDonald’s stock.
There is no one single owner of McDonald’s today. Instead, it is led by a Board of Directors and top executives, including a CEO (Chief Executive Officer) who runs the company on a day-to-day basis.
As of 2025, the CEO of McDonald’s is Chris Kempczinski. He became CEO in 2019 and has helped McDonald’s stay strong even through tough times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who is the CEO of McDonald’s?
As of 2025, the CEO of McDonald’s is Chris Kempczinski. He became the CEO in November 2019 after the previous CEO, Steve Easterbrook, left the company. Chris has been working hard to keep McDonald’s strong and trusted around the world. He focuses on improving food quality, using more technology like digital ordering, and making the company more eco-friendly. Under his leadership, McDonald’s continues to grow and change to meet customer needs.
Major Shareholders of McDonald’s
Even though there’s no single owner, there are some big companies and investment groups that own large portions of McDonald’s through stocks. These are called major shareholders. Here are some of the biggest ones:
| Shareholder Name | Type | Estimated Ownership % |
|---|---|---|
| The Vanguard Group | Institutional | ~9.4% |
| BlackRock, Inc. | Institutional | ~7.5% |
| State Street Corporation | Institutional | ~4.5% |
| Wellington Management Group | Institutional | ~2.1% |
| Geode Capital Management | Institutional | ~1.9% |
| Capital Research & Mgmt. | Institutional | ~1.5% |
| Retail Investors | Public/General | ~75% (combined total) |
These companies manage investments for people, and they own large percentages of McDonald’s on behalf of their clients.
Is McDonald’s Still a Family Business?
No, McDonald’s is no longer a family-run business. While the McDonald brothers started it, and Ray Kroc helped it grow, the company became public in 1965, which means it’s now owned by many shareholders and managed by corporate leaders.
How Big Is McDonald’s Today?
McDonald’s is one of the largest restaurant chains in the world, with over 40,000 locations in more than 100 countries. Every day, millions of people visit McDonald’s for a quick meal.
They serve:
- Burgers
- French Fries
- Chicken Nuggets
- Happy Meals
- Breakfast items
- Coffee (McCafé)
Ray Kroc once said, “I didn’t invent the hamburger. I just took it more seriously than anyone else.” That’s the spirit that turned a small burger stand into a global empire!
FAQs
Q: Who owns McDonald’s?
A: McDonald’s is a public company owned by many investors. It is led by a CEO and a board of directors.
Q: Who is the current CEO of McDonald’s?
A: As of 2025, the CEO is Chris Kempczinski.
Q: Are the McDonald brothers still involved in the business?
A: No, Richard and Maurice McDonald sold their rights in the 1960s. They are no longer connected to the company.
Q: Did Ray Kroc own McDonald’s?
A: Yes, he bought the rights to McDonald’s and helped it grow into a global brand.
Q: Is McDonald’s still an American company?
A: Yes, McDonald’s is based in the United States but serves customers worldwide.
Final Note
McDonald’s started with two brothers and a dream, but it was Ray Kroc who turned it into the fast-food giant we know today. Now, McDonald’s is a global public company, led by executives and owned by investors. Even though it’s changed a lot since 1940, McDonald’s is still loved by people of all ages.
If you also want to learn more about McDonald’s or order your favorite meal, you can visit their official website at www.mcdonalds.com.
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