Food & Beverage FDD Analyzed

McDonald's

McDonald's USA, LLC

Chicago, IL Website FDD: April 15, 2025
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Investment Range

$1,471,000 - $2,728,000

Franchise Fee

$45,000

Royalty

5%

Marketing Fee

4%

Total Units

13,559

Median Revenue

$3,838,000/yr

Unit Growth

Last 5 years

2022

13,455

+0.0%

2023

13,457

+0.8%

2024

13,559

Initial Investment Breakdown

CategoryLowHigh
Initial Franchise Fee (Traditional)$45,000$45,000
Initial Franchise Fee (STO and STR locations)$22,500$22,500
Initial Franchise Fee (Satellites)$0$500
Real Estate and Building – 3 Months’ rent (Traditional)$0$313,000
Real Estate and Building – 3 Months’ rent (STO and STR locations)$0$60,000
+ 12 more categories (apply to see all)
TOTAL INVESTMENT$1,471,000$2,728,000

Financial Performance Data

Access detailed revenue metrics, expense breakdowns, and profitability data from the Item 19 Financial Performance Representation.

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Franchisee Contact Directory

1550

Connect directly with existing franchise owners to learn about their experience, get real insights, and validate your decision.

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Is McDonald's a Good Investment?

Based on the FDD data, here are key factors to consider when evaluating a McDonald's franchise opportunity:

Potential Advantages

  • Established brand with 13,559+ locations nationwide
  • Competitive royalty fee of 5%
  • Financial Performance Representation (Item 19) available for review

Considerations

  • Litigation history disclosed in FDD (review Item 3 carefully)
  • Higher initial investment requires significant capital

Disclaimer: This analysis is based on publicly available FDD data and should not be considered financial advice. Always consult with a franchise attorney and accountant before making any investment decision.

Frequently Asked Questions About McDonald's

How much does a McDonald's franchise cost?

The total initial investment for a McDonald's franchise ranges from $1,471,000 to $2,728,000. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, inventory, real estate, and other startup costs as disclosed in the FDD.

What is the McDonald's franchise fee?

The initial franchise fee for McDonald's ranges from $45,000 to $45,000.

What are the ongoing fees for a McDonald's franchise?

McDonald's franchisees pay a 5% royalty fee and a 4% marketing/advertising fee on an ongoing basis.

How many McDonald's franchise locations are there?

McDonald's currently operates 13,559 franchise locations. This includes both franchised and company-owned units.

Quick Facts

Litigation Disclosed
Bankruptcy None
Protected Territory No
Item 19 (FPR) Available
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