What was McDonald's corporate name changed to in 1960, replacing McDonald's Systems, Inc.?

McDonald's changed its corporate name from McDonald's Systems, Inc. to McDonald's Corporation in 1960. The change reflected the company's transition from a restaurant operating system into a growing national franchise business.

Ray Kroc had joined the McDonald brothers' operation as a franchise agent in the 1950s. He established a separate company to develop and franchise restaurants, while the McDonald brothers continued operating their original San Bernardino location and holding rights connected to the name.

The corporate renaming occurred during a crucial period of expansion. In the same general era, McDonald's was developing more standardized restaurants, signs, packaging, and advertising so that customers would recognize the brand in different cities.

The corporate name should not be confused with the McDonald brothers' original restaurant business or with later regional subsidiaries. “McDonald's Corporation” became the formal company name associated with the global chain for decades.