McDonald's is the world's leading fast-food company by sales, with more than 33,000 restaurants serving burgers and fries in 120 countries. The popular chain is well-known for its Big Macs, Quarter Pounders, and Chicken McNuggets. Most of the outlets are free-standing units offering dine-in and drive-through service, but McDonald's also has many eateries located in airports, retail areas, and other high-traffic locations. About 80% of the restaurants are run by franchisees or affiliates. The McDonald's gold arch is one of the most recognized commercial symbols of the world.

Headquartered in the United States, McDonald's began in 1940 as a barbecue restaurant operated by the eponymous Richard and Maurice McDonald. In 1948 they reorganized their business as a hamburger stand using production line principles. Businessman Ray Kroc joined the company as a franchise agent in 1955. He subsequently purchased the chain from the McDonald brothers and oversaw its worldwide growth mostly through franchise and affiliate operations.