How to Own a McDonald's

McDonald's is one of the most recognized names in the fast food industry, with franchises located throughout the world. Owning your own McDonald's is possible through the franchisee program. McDonald's has offered aspiring restaurateurs the opportunity to own their own golden arches since the company opened its first set of doors back in 1955, and this program continues today. The McDonald's franchise program requires aspiring owners to not only be enthusiastic and energetic, but to have a lot of business acumen and startup capital as well.

Instructions

1. Acquire a successful track record for operating a business. While you don't necessarily have to have experience in running a fast food restaurant, it certainly doesn't hurt. But, you do have to show the McDonald's Corporation that you have what it takes to build a successful business from the ground up. Your resume has to reflect adequate executive managerial experience or successful small business ownership.

2. Save up enough cash. McDonald's requires their franchisees to have $45,000 available to purchase a franchise and an additional $100,000 to $150,000 to purchase equipment and cover payroll, inventory, and other accounts receivable expenses. You will be required to pay the McDonald's Corporation 12.5 percent of your profits in ongoing royalties. All of this is in addition to the $506,000 to $1.6 million that you will spend just to buy or lease the property and build the building that will house your new business. The McDonald's Corporation requires that you have 25 percent to 40 percent of this money in cash with the rest of it coming from loans and grants.

3. Complete an application. When you feel as though you have the experience and capital necessary to become a McDonald's franchisee, simply complete the online application located on the McDonald's Corporation website. You can find the link to the application in the Resources section. Be prepared to divulge lots of personal information about yourself and your finances during this process.

4. Attend the interview. If your application is initially approved, you will be asked to attend an interview session where you will be asked to go further in depth about your experience, finances, and other qualifying criteria. If you pass the interview, you will be granted the opportunity to own your own franchise.

References

• Buyerzone: Qualifying for a McDonald's Franchise
• McDonald's: Franchising Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

• McDonald's: Franchise Application