How to start a McDonald's franchise?

Multi-site franchisee Joey Antwi-Kusi sitting in one of his restaurants.

From leader to owner

This is a 20-year business opportunity for people who want to build something special. McDonald’s doesn’t do shortcuts. It’s a rigorous, well-supported journey that turns strong leaders into confident Restaurant Owners, ready to run a high-performance business and develop people at scale.

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1) In-depth discovery

Start with clarity. This is where you get a detailed view of the role of a McDonald’s restaurant owner.
You’ll learn what the business demands, what support is available, and how existing multi-site franchisees have navigated their journey. The aim is simple: to make sure you’re excited by the reality, not just the idea.

2) Application process

Next, you’ll complete an application that helps the team understand your leadership experience, values and readiness for ownership.
This is where you explain why you want this franchise, why now, and what you’ve done that proves you can build a strong team and deliver exceptional performance.

Franchisee sitting with team member in a restaurant.

"The application process is very rewarding – they’re really good at knowing what sort of personality works well for a Franchisee. They let you be really honest, so there’s no pretence or fakery – and it helps you decide whether or not you want to invest and become a Franchisee. It’s not in the interest of McDonald’s to make someone a Franchisee if their heart’s not in it."

Marc Shenken, ex-accounting

3) From training to confidence

You’ll complete a structured training programme that blends classroom learning with live-restaurant experience.

It covers the realities of ownership: operations, people leadership, standards, the commercial drivers of performance.

McDonald’s restaurant team group photo by the collection point.

"The extensive recruitment and training process is unique - you get to experience everything from being a crew member, salaried manager, and working with an experienced franchisee. It’s incredible what you learn."

Jonny Nassau, ex-automotive franchisee

McDonald’s Restaurant Owner holding a coffee in the dining area.

"The training and the process that you go through to become a Franchisee sets you up for success and puts you in a good place to really understand what you’re getting involved in."

David Knight, ex-MD in the IT sector

4) Invest in your first restaurant

You’ll start with an established restaurant and build from strong foundations. You’ll lead from the front with a focus on developing people, strengthening performance and building a reputation to be proud of.

McDonald’s Restaurant Owner outside a restaurant beneath the Golden Arches.

"Getting the thumbs up to run my first franchise was my proudest moment."

Dean Fitzmaurice, ex-security

"It is all about the people and no day is the same. Yes, it is a big responsibility and it is a long-term commitment. but you will build your own legacy!"

Anne-Marie Clarke, ex-operations

5) Scale your portfolio

As you strengthen your restaurant’s results, opportunities open up to take on more. Multi-site ownership is earned through strong leadership and sustained performance.

Many owners build portfolios of five to 10 sites or more over time, with leadership teams that grow from within as the business scales.

Carel in the kitchen holding a tray while the team works behind.

"I became a franchisee in February 2019 and now have eight restaurants – I can’t really complain!"

Carel Venter, ex-IT director

Two men shaking hands outside a McDonald's restaurant.

"We don’t just operate in communities, we’re part of them. And we’ll keep showing up, partnering locally and doing our bit to leave things better than we found them."

Joey Antwi-Kusi, ex-consultant

6) Realise long-term value

This is a long journey for a reason: the rewards build at each stage. Early on, it’s pride and progress – watching people grow and the business strengthen. Over time, strong performance can create real choice: funding life goals, strengthening pensions, investing prudently beyond your restaurants.

And later, when you decide to step back, you can realise the value of the assets you’ve grown. You’re building something with meaningful worth at the end, not just an income along the way.

Shameela with team members outside a McDonald’s restaurant.

"There’s no denying its challenging, but you’re supported the entire way through which sets you up for success. I can honestly say all the effort was worth it and I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved as a franchisee so far."

Shameela Awan-Patel, ex-sales

"McDonald’s isn’t a get-rich quick plan, it’s about building a rewarding future."

Shafali Shown-Keen, ex-finance

Expectations to be clear on:

This is a long-term (20-year) partnership
It’s hands-on, not stand back
It’s your sole business focus
People development is central

Ready to take the next step?

If you want to learn more about McDonald’s restaurant ownership, find out how to apply and what happens next.

How to Apply

Financials

Costs, returns and ongoing investment - here's what to expect.

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FAQs

Your most common questions answered.

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From leader to owner

1) In-depth discovery

2) Application process

3) From training to confidence

4) Invest in your first restaurant

5) Scale your portfolio

6) Realise long-term value

Expectations to be clear on:

Ready to take the next step?

Financials

FAQs

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