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

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.  

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.

Ownership of Other Restaurant Concepts

To ensure full dedication to McDonald’s and alignment with our system standards, candidates who currently own or have a financial interest in another restaurant, whether quick service or otherwise, including competitors, must fully divest that interest prior to beginning the McDonald’s Franchisee Training Program.

Divestment to a spouse is not permitted, as these are typically considered joint assets and may limit the flexibility required for relocation during training and placement.

This requirement applies to all domestic franchisee applicants and is in place to ensure an unbiased focus on the McDonald’s system.

Legal Disclaimer: Participation in the McDonald’s Franchisee Training Program is contingent on meeting all eligibility and compliance requirements as defined by McDonald’s Corporation. McDonald’s reserves the right to evaluate, update, or revise these requirements at any time at its sole discretion. Meeting the outlined criteria does not guarantee selection for or completion of the training program or a franchise award. Additional financial, operational, and ethical requirements may apply.

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.

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.