Invest in a rewarding journey to become a multi-sitefranchisee with our world-famous business model.
If you thrive on building people up and making a real difference, this could be your life’s best work. McDonald’s restaurants create opportunities, launch careers and support local initiatives.
Own Today. Shape Tomorrow.
Owning McDonald’s restaurants is a 20-year partnership that’s deeply rewarding: you’ll grow as a person, build a business that matters and create a tangible, ongoing impact.
Backed by world-class support, expertise and operating systems, a McDonald’s franchise creates real choice for your future, professionally and financially.
The journey can take you from one restaurant to 10 or more. Take ownership of an established restaurant and build from there, earning the right to acquire or open further sites based on your success.
Each restaurant is an asset you can grow in value by applying your skills alongside our renowned business model.
Who This Suits
Owners come from all walks of life. Many didn’t think a McDonald’s franchise was “for people like them” – until they looked closer. Traits they tend to have in common include:
- Hands-on, sleeves-rolled-up leadership – especially crucial in the early years
- Value giving young people their start – and the direction to keep going
- Invested in others’ success – from your first employee to your 1,000th
- Commercially astute and values-led – you want to do the right thing
- Strong communicator & motivator – capable of building high-performing teams
- Collaborative by default – enjoy working with their teams and ours
- Commitment to our quest – you care about great service and standards
- Want to give it your all – this is your only business, your full-time focus
The Role of the Owner
You lead people, build culture and drive performance. You’ll ensure service and standards quality, growing shift leaders and future managers from within and empowering them to run day-to-day operations in your restaurants.
Especially in the early years, you’ll be very hands-on, coaching your managers and leading from the floor. Restaurants with clear values, confident teams and visible owners consistently perform well.
Support & Systems
Every owner completes a structured training programme blending classroom learning and in-restaurant experience. You’re then paired with an experienced Business Consultant (average McDonald’s tenure ~25 years) and a network of experts in marketing HR, sustainability, technology and more.
Alongside systems refined since 1940, you’ll also have access to cutting-edge data-driven pricing and performance tools.
Regular engagement with our senior teams, in workshops and peer forums drive long-term personal development. The aim is to evolve you from a restaurant owner to a high-performing multi-site franchisee.
Investment, Rewards
Most owners begin with £300k–£1m unencumbered funds; our partner banks can finance up to 75% of your restaurant purchase, unsecured, for the right person*. It’s a commitment of time, energy and money, with a model designed to prioritise the right operators, not simply the best-funded.
Our 20-year partnership offers stability and security. Run well, your business can give you choice over your financial options, such as the means to support family goals, fund education, build property or pension portfolios.
*Financial figures are indicative only and based on historic performance. Actual results will vary. No guarantee of income or returns is given. Funding is subject to lender approval.
Turn Leadership into Ownership
If you’re ready to take everything you know about leading people and apply it to a business that lasts, get in touch below to start your journey:
Local Franchisee Celebrates 50 Years with McDonalds UK
South London McDonald’s Franchisee, Terry Eagle, reached an incredible milestone this month, as he celebrated 50 years at McDonald’s.
Terry joined McDonald’s UK in its early years, just two years after the company first launched in the UK, in Woolwich, in 1974.
Terry first joined McDonald’s UK in 1976 as a part time Crew Member when he was fifteen at Catford McDonald’s restaurant. Terry was then ‘hooked’, and his determination enabled him to progress to Restaurant Manager in just four years, at the age of nineteen. In 1988 Terry applied to be a McDonald’s Franchisee and took on his first restaurant, Camberwell, in 1990.
Fast forward 50 years later, Terry now owns and operates six McDonald’s restaurants across South London, which include Camberwell, Eltham, Streatham Place and Sydenham. Terry was awarded a commendation from the MET police for commitment to working to reduce crime in his local area.
To celebrate his significant achievment, Terry’s team surprised him with a 50th anniversary party, complete with decorations, balloons, a custom England shirt and cake. Terry wore a tie gifted to him by Fred Turner, the former CEO of McDonald’s US.
Throughout his career, Terry has continuously showcased his passion and commitment to both his team and the local community. His dedication to inclusivity earned him the Learning Disabilities Work Experience Week Award for closely supporting and employing people with disabilities. Additionally, Terry’s community impact has been recognised at the highest level, receiving three Parliamentary awards.
Terry heavily advocates for youth development programs, notably acting as a champion for the several youth initiatives. Most recently, he has partnered with Spiral, a charity dedicated to helping youth transition back into the workforce. To ensure high streets remain safe, Terry also works closely with local police and ward councillors.
Over his career, Terry has been a dedicated supporter of Ronald McDonald House UK (RMHUK). RMHUK provides free accommodation to families across the UK and abroad, giving them the chance to remain close to their child whilst they are in hospital. Terry is particularly involved in his local Camberwell Ronald McDonald House, annually donating Christmas trees and toys for the families staying at the House. In total, Terry has raised approximately a staggering £150,000+ for RMHUK, helping local families in need.
Through sheer hard work and determination, Terry has become an integral part of both McDonald’s UK and his local community. His remarkable journey from crew member to Franchisee serves as an inspiring example to everyone around him.
Local McDonald’s Franchisee, Terry Eagle, said: “I am so proud to be celebrating 50 years with McDonald’s UK. Starting out as a crew member, I never could have imagined the journey ahead of me. For me, business has always been about more than just the numbers, it’s about people.
Helping my crew grow, supporting incredible youth initiatives, raising funds for Ronald McDonald House, and giving back to the local community, is what truly drives me every single day. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my incredible team. This achievement reflects the continuous support I have received, and I couldn’t have had this amazing career without them.”