What company name did McDonald's adopt in 1960 after dropping “Systems” from its corporate title?

McDonald's adopted the name McDonald's Corporation in 1960, dropping “System” from the earlier corporate title McDonald's System, Inc. The change reflected the company's evolution from a restaurant operating method into a larger branded corporation.

The earlier name was closely associated with Ray Kroc's franchise organization. Kroc had joined the McDonald brothers' business as a franchise agent and promoted a standardized operating system based on speed, consistency, limited menus, and high-volume service.

McDonald's branding and corporate structure developed together. As more franchise restaurants opened, the company needed a name that represented not only a service system but also a national network, trademark, supply chain, and advertising operation.

The name should not be confused with the restaurant's original 1948 service model, which is commonly called the Speedee Service System. That phrase described the operating approach; McDonald's Corporation became the formal corporate name. The company later became one of the world's largest restaurant brands while retaining the McDonald's name.