No. 3 of the UK's Top 100
McDonald’s is proud to be one of the most recognised brands in the world, with restaurants in over 100 countries and serving billions of customers each year. As the global leader in the food and service industry, we have a legacy of innovation and hard work that continues to drive us not just on a global level, but also here locally within the UK and Ireland.
The first McDonald's opened in Des Plaines, Illinois, USA in April 1955. The idea was soon franchised and following huge success in the United States, went international with Canada and Puerto Rico in 1967. The first UK restaurant opened in 1974 in Woolwich and there are over 1,300 restaurants in the country.
Food quality is very important for McDonald’s and the company makes sure to use 100% British and Irish beef for burgers, 100% chicken breast, free-range eggs, whole British potatoes, milk from UK dairy farms, etc.
McDonald's is proud to work with their dedicated franchisees, who make up 90% of restaurant ownership in the UK and Ireland. Their passion for people, ability to adapt in diverse, fast paced environments and love for delivering quality food day-in, day-out is what sets them apart from other business owners.
The company is always looking for new franchisees from a variety of backgrounds to join the McDonald’s family, with a long-term commitment to run successful businesses. The franchisor understands career changes can be both an exciting and daunting prospect, which is why they offer comprehensive support and training for successful applicants, in order to assist them on their new business journey.
There is important information for you to take on board before applying to become a McDonald’s Franchisee. Anyone who is interested should look further to understand more about the role, the financial commitment involved and whether this fits with your long-term aspirations of running your own business. Various Franchising Events are run by the franchisor throughout the year, which you can register your interest for. These provide valuable industry insights and allow you to ask any questions you may have with respect to Franchising at McDonald’s.
All of McDonald’s franchisees complete a comprehensive training programme of a minimum of 16 weeks, followed by a business immersion and handover process, before they take control of their restaurant. They gain hands-on experience in the running of a restaurant and learn the different roles, from crew member to restaurant manager. A consultant will guide and support the franchisee through the training.
When the franchisees have completed training, they receive a fully equipped restaurant, ready to open. The franchisee consultant will be there to give them advice and support. The franchisees, McDonald’s senior executives and marketing experts will also work together to try to achieve a maximum return on investment from the marketing budget.
A McDonald’s restaurant can open 9 months to a year after the initial contact.