The McDonald's chain was founded by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald. The brothers opened their first restaurant in San Bernardino, California in 1940, serving a simple menu of hamburgers, fries, and beverages. Their innovative "Speedee Service System" revolutionized the fast-food industry by focusing on efficiency and consistency in food preparation and service.

However, it was businessman Ray Kroc who turned McDonald's into the global powerhouse it is today. Kroc joined the company as a franchise agent in 1954, and eventually bought the exclusive rights to franchise McDonald's restaurants across the country. Under his leadership, McDonald's expanded rapidly, opening thousands of locations worldwide and introducing new menu items to cater to changing consumer tastes.

Today, McDonald's is one of the most recognizable and successful fast-food chains in the world, with over 38,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries. The company continues to innovate and adapt to stay relevant in an ever-changing market, offering healthier options, digital ordering platforms, and environmentally friendly practices.

If you want to learn more about the history of McDonald's and how it became an iconic brand, you can visit their official website at www.mcdonalds.com. There, you can find information about their menu, promotions, and company news.

For a deeper dive into the story of McDonald's, you can also check out books like "Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald's" by Ray Kroc, or documentaries like "The Founder" starring Michael Keaton as Kroc. These resources provide insights into the challenges and triumphs of building a global empire from humble beginnings.

In conclusion, the McDonald's chain was founded by the McDonald brothers, but it was Ray Kroc who transformed it into a worldwide phenomenon. The company's commitment to quality, convenience, and innovation has made it a staple of the fast-food industry for over 80 years.

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