What was the name of Ray Kroc’s corporation established in 1955 to franchise McDonald’s restaurants?

Ray Kroc established McDonald’s System, Inc. in 1955 to franchise McDonald’s restaurants.

Kroc had become involved with the McDonald brothers after seeing the efficiency of their San Bernardino restaurant. He secured a franchise arrangement and opened a McDonald’s restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1955.

The corporate name reflected Kroc’s emphasis on a repeatable restaurant system rather than a single location. Standardized menus, operating procedures, equipment, service methods, and visual branding allowed the chain to expand while presenting a consistent customer experience.

McDonald’s System, Inc. should not be confused with the later corporate identity of McDonald’s Corporation. The earlier name belongs to the company’s formative franchising period under Kroc.