What corporate name did McDonald’s adopt in 1960 as its business expanded?

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

The company had previously operated under names connected with the McDonald brothers’ restaurant system and Ray Kroc’s early franchising business. As Kroc expanded the franchise network, a formal corporate identity became increasingly important for managing restaurants, franchise agreements, real estate, suppliers, and advertising.

The 1960 name change came during a period of rapid growth. Kroc had purchased the rights to the McDonald brothers’ name and operating system in 1961, but the corporate name had already been adopted the previous year.

This timing can cause confusion in brand histories. The restaurant brand was already known as McDonald’s, while the corporate legal identity was McDonald’s Corporation. The corporation remained the company’s familiar name for decades before later corporate restructuring and name changes.