What corporate name did McDonald’s adopt in 1960 after operating as McDonald’s System, Inc.?

McDonald’s adopted the corporate name McDonald’s Corporation in 1960.

Before that change, the company associated with Ray Kroc’s franchising operation was known as McDonald’s System, Inc. The new name reflected the expanding importance of the McDonald’s identity as the company grew beyond its early franchise system.

The change occurred during a period of rapid development. Kroc’s organization was standardizing restaurant operations, expanding the franchise network, and building a consistent public brand around the McDonald’s name and Golden Arches.

The corporate name is sometimes confused with the name of the restaurant business itself or with later regional subsidiaries. McDonald’s Corporation is the company name adopted in 1960; it is not the name of the original San Bernardino restaurant or an advertising slogan.