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

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

The company formalized Kroc’s role in expanding the McDonald brothers’ restaurant concept beyond its original California locations. Kroc emphasized consistent food, service, cleanliness, and operating procedures, allowing the brand to look and function similarly as more franchises opened.

The name later changed as the business developed. McDonald’s System, Inc. became McDonald’s Corporation in 1960, shortly before Kroc acquired the exclusive rights to the McDonald’s name and system from the McDonald brothers.

This history can create confusion because “McDonald’s Corporation” is the familiar modern name. The 1955 company name, however, was McDonald’s System, Inc.