McDonald's is one of the largest fast-food chains in the world, with over 36,000 locations across more than 119 countries. It was founded in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald in San Bernardino, California, and later expanded into a global giant after Ray Kroc joined the company in 1954. Kroc played a pivotal role in transforming McDonald's into a franchise model, purchasing the company from the McDonald brothers in 1961. McDonald's is known for its fast food staples such as hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fries, chicken nuggets, and breakfast items. Iconic menu items like the Big Mac and Filet-O-Fish were introduced in the 1960s, and the company has consistently evolved its offerings to meet customer preferences, including healthier options like salads and fruit. The company also owns much of the real estate where its franchises operate, a key financial strategy that contributes significantly to its revenue. Despite being one of the most successful fast-food chains globally, McDonald's has faced criticism over its nutritional offerings and environmental impact​.