Your business savvy. Our global brand. Make your mark.

Unlock your potential with the world’s leading brand and discover how you can apply your business acumen—and our framework—to become a McDonald’s Franchise Owner and help create a positive impact for yourself, your family and your community.

Apply now

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Make your mark as a McDonald's Franchisee

In business for yourself, but not by yourself

As a McDonald’s Franchisee, you have the independence of running your own business backed by the training, guidance, and support of the McDonald’s system.

Our connected community

At McDonald’s, we believe we have a responsibility to add value to the communities in which we live and operate. That’s why our Franchisees don’t just buy restaurants; they buy into the neighborhoods where they live, investing in their employees and community.

A global brand, invested in your success

Through our intensive, hands-on training program, we’ll prepare you to run a McDonald’s business that provides an outstanding experience for your customers.

Committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable future

McDonald’s is committed to increasing the number of Franchisees from all backgrounds, including historically underrepresented groups.

Read more about our global effort to increase demographic representation.

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Leaders wanted, The entrepreneur’s guide to opportunity with McDonald’s

Our playbook. Your potential.

You’ve achieved the success you’ve always dreamed of. But there’s more you can accomplish. As a McDonald's Franchisee, you could help create positive change in your community and leave a lasting legacy. Check out our ownership guide to learn more.

Get the Franchisee Guide (PDF 14.7 MB)

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McDonald’s Franchisees share their stories

Entrepreneurship is about more than making money. It’s about making your mark. That drive to do more is why thousands of men and women across the United States have invested their entrepreneurial energy in becoming McDonald’s Franchise Owners. Read more of their success stories here.  

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Finding a place for everyone at McDonald’s

Nathan Carter pursued his dream of working in finance. But he soon missed the bustle of a busy McDonald's restaurant, where he worked as a teenager. Now he’s a Franchisee and makes sure McDonald’s is a place where everyone is welcome.

Access the Carter Story video with audio descriptions

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See how one family built a legacy with McDonald's

Celestina Quintana came to the United States with her parents from Spain when she was only nine. As an adult with a growing family, she opened her first McDonald's restaurant in New Jersey. Today, the next generation is ready to take the business forward.

Access the Quintana Story video with audio descriptions

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How an entrepreneur found success with McDonald’s

By the time he graduated from college, John Carnagio had started and sold a landscaping business. John had ambition and drive, and McDonald’s gave him the training, tools, and partnership he needed to help him succeed.

Access the Carnagio Story video with audio descriptions

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There’s so much more to McDonald’s

Aneka Young says, “Look beyond the burger” and see how being an owner operator helps you invest in dreams.

Access the Young Story video with audio descriptions

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Learn how McDonald’s Franchisees make their mark

Becoming a McDonald’s Franchisee is more than a business opportunity. It’s a way to invest in people, careers, and community. Learn more about this business opportunity from a few of our Franchisees as they share their stories, their success, and their guidance. 

Fill out the form below to get the guide.

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Success stories, Franchisees make their mark and a difference

  

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What it takes

The opportunity to enter the Franchisee Training Program is based on your ability to:

  • Divest of all existing business interests.
  • Devote full time and best efforts to operating the business, including exhibiting personal management, financial management, fiscal responsibility to reinvest, and leadership in the restaurant business.
  • Commit to an extensive 6-12 month training program that includes your ability to work a number of different day-parts and days a week depending on restaurant operating hours.
  • Relocate based on availability of restaurants.
  • Meet a recommended investment minimum of $750,000 in non-borrowed, unencumbered personal funds as McDonald’s does not allow partnerships or investors.

Asset Recommendations

We recommend a minimum of $750,000 in liquid assets you are willing to invest to be considered for an opportunity to become a McDonald’s Franchisee. This minimum does not guarantee that you will become a McDonald’s Franchisee nor does it guarantee purchase of a restaurant(s) in certain geographies. For consideration for opportunities to own multiple restaurants and/or restaurant(s) in certain geographies if you become a McDonald’s Franchisee, higher investment may be required.

Note: Foreign-held funds will not be considered within any of these amounts. Additionally, funds allocated from an applicant’s primary residence real estate holding will only be considered after meeting the $750,000 recommended minimum.

In addition to the downpayment, at least $100,000 of working capital dollars will generally be required for each restaurant purchased.

Relocation Recommendations

In addition to the downpayment, we recommend a minimum of $75,000* for relocation. You must be willing and able to relocate. We will ask that you rank your top 10 states in order of preference. Availability of restaurant opportunities varies, and some states may not have current openings. Geographic preference is a crucial portion of the candidates consideration for admittance into the program. Significant amendments/changes to geographic preferences can result in removal from the program.

*Amount may vary.

McDonald’s, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to make exceptions to the above recommendations.

how relocation with mcDonald's sparks opportunity

Smart moves start here

Relocation with McDonald’s is never a solo decision. We work with you to find a location that fits your business plan, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals. We help you find the right place at the right time.

Get the Relocation guide

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How it works

1. Get started

Are you ready to take the first step in becoming a McDonald's Franchisee? Fill out the inquiry form to begin the process. You’ll then receive an email with an application to complete.

Start the application process

2. Complete the application process

Let’s get to know each other! We're excited to learn what makes you the perfect fit for a McDonald’s franchise opportunity. The process starts with filling out the application and, upon approval, is followed by two rounds of interviews.

3. Start training

If you’re accepted into our candidate program, it’s time to start training. Our world-class program combines 6–12 months of practical and classroom experience to help you learn the skills to run a McDonald’s restaurant business. Don’t worry, we work around your availability and give you enough notice before you begin. 

4. Review franchise opportunity

After successful completion of the training program, McDonald’s, in its sole and absolute discretion, will inform a candidate of available McDonald’s franchise opportunities for purchase. Depending on the availability of suitable restaurants, there may be a delay between the completion of training and the identification of a franchise opportunity. 

5. Complete restaurant purchase

Upon completing your restaurant(s) purchase, you will become a McDonald's Franchisee and will be responsible for running the day-to-day operation of your business.

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how our training program helps set you up for success

Where potential becomes performance

Some franchise systems offer a quick orientation. We do things differently. The McDonald’s franchise training program teaches you how to run a business and run a restaurant. It’s hands-on, all-in, and built for people who want to perform at the highest level.

Get the Training guide

Suggestions before Applying

The following are suggestions only.  Performance of any or all of the following does not guarantee acceptance into the McDonald’s franchise program or approval as a McDonald’s franchisee.  Note that you will not be reimbursed for any costs incurred in the performance of any of the following.  

  • Read through the Franchising website.
  • Download the guides on the website.
  • Research the McDonald’s Brand.
  • Experience a McDonald’s restaurant as a customer.

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McDonald’s Franchisee Leonardo and his team standing outside for a group photo.

What you have

  • Dedication to your crew, your community, and your business
  • The drive to complete a flexible but rigorous learning and development program
  • A proven record of business success
“McDonald’s can’t be successful unless our Franchisees are successful.” - Ray Kroc, Former McDonald’s CEO

Why we want you

  • You have passion for the McDonald's brand, and building great teams
  • You take a hands-on approach to your business
  • You believe in proven systems
  • You have a desire to be part of something bigger
  • You believe a diverse and inclusive workforce is critical to success
  • You have a desire to learn

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Our values

Our values are our foundation and our core. Explore how they set us apart.

       Serve

We put our customers, our crew, and community first.

     Inclusion

We open our doors to everyone.

      Integrity

We do the right thing.

   Community

We are good neighbors.

       Family

We get better together.

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Resources

Leaders wanted, The entrepreneur’s guide to opportunity with McDonald’s

Discover more about franchise ownership

Be in business for yourself but not by yourself. Learn how you can make it happen with our entrepreneur’s guide.

Get the Franchisee Guide (PDF 14.7 MB)
Success stories, Franchisees make their mark and a difference

Explore what success can look like as a McDonald’s Franchisee

Learn how our Franchisees are inspiring the next generation and making their mark.

Get the Success Stories guide
Join the a-team, Investment and opportunity pathways with McDonald’s

Dive into training and development

Find out exactly what’s included in our playbook and get ready for franchise ownership. 

Get the Opportunity Pathways guide
Make your Mark: Your path to becoming a McDonald’s franchisee.

Franchise ownership at-a-glance

Learn more about franchise ownership opportunities and the Franchisee Training Program.

Get the Franchisee Overview (PDF 321 KB)
how our training program helps set you up for success

See how franchise training ups your game

We invest in training so you can lead with confidence from day one. See what sets us apart.

Get the Training guide
how relocation with mcDonald's sparks opportunity

Explore relocation with McDonald’s

See how McDonald’s helps Franchisees move where opportunity is waiting. 

Get the Relocation guide
The 5 pillars of franchise training

See the five pillars of franchise training

Hear what graduates have to say in their own words about McDonald’s franchise training program.

Get the Training infographic
mapped for opportunity

Paths of opportunity

Relocation with McDonald’s is a partnership in finding the right place at the right time.

Get the Relocation infographic

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Ready to make your mark?

Take your first step toward becoming a McDonald’s Franchisee. Apply to join one of the world’s most recognized brands today.

Apply now

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Contact us

To learn more about U.S. franchising opportunities, email franchising@us.mcd.com

For more information on McDonald’s policy for collection and processing of franchisee personal information please read the McDonald’s Franchisee Privacy Statement.

McDonald’s USA, LLC, 110 N. Carpenter St., Chicago, Illinois 60607. Minnesota File No. 10. This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for informational purposes only. U.S. residents: Please note that the states of California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin regulate the offer and sale of franchises. If you are a resident of one of these states, or seeking a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have qualified for an exemption, or have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. New York residents: This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law.

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