Ray Kroc: The Franchisee Who Built McDonald's
Business Owner · Food & Beverage
Ray Kroc was a milkshake-mixer salesman who convinced the McDonald brothers to let him franchise their San Bernardino burger stand, bought the brand in 1961 and grew it into the world's biggest fast-food company.
About Ray Kroc: The Franchisee Who Built McDonald's
Raymond Albert Kroc (October 5, 1902 to January 14, 1984) was an American businessman instrumental in turning McDonald's into the most successful global fast-food corporation by revenue. He purchased the brand from the McDonald brothers in 1961 after several years as their franchising agent, and led the company until his death. He is credited as its founder because of his influence as a franchise agent and his principal role in the company's expansion, even though he did not found the original restaurant. Kroc was born in Oak Park, Illinois, near Chicago, to Czech-American parents, Rose Mary and Alois "Louis" Kroc. He worked a variety of jobs, including as a paper-cup salesman and a musician, before becoming a milkshake-mixer salesman. In 1954 he visited a hamburger restaurant in San Bernardino, California, owned by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald. Impressed by the efficiency and speed of its operations, he convinced them to let him franchise the concept. Under Kroc's leadership McDonald's grew rapidly through aggressive expansion across the United States and eventually internationally. He served as president from 1955 to 1968, chairman of the board from 1968 to 1977, and senior chairman from 1977 until his death in 1984. He was an active supporter of numerous charitable organizations and owned the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball from 1974 until his death. Sources: English Wikipedia (Ray Kroc, accessed September 2026).
Basic Information
Former Chairman, McDonald's Corporation (1902-1984)
Company Details
McDonald's Corporation
Fast Food, Franchising
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