McDonald’s Statistics and Facts for 2024

Last Updated on: November 23rd, 2024


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Here are a few of the most interesting McDonald’s statistics and facts I was able to dig up including restaurant count, revenue totals and employee counts. As always, be sure to check back in the future as I will be updating this post as new and updated stats become available.


McDonald’s Facts

Here is pretty much everything you ever wanted to know about McDonald’s.

McDonald's Statistics restaurant count revenue totals facts 2023McDonald’s started modestly with two bothers from Manchester, New Hampshire heading out to California to start a small barbecue restaurant. Never could they have imagined that their humble business would turn into a staple of pop culture for generations globally with close to 37,000 locations across the globe.

Of course, as most people know from the recent docudrama “Founder,” the real jump start in McDonald’s growth in reach and footprint came in the mid-to-late 1950’s when a traveling salesman, Ray Kroc, convinced the McDonald brothers to replicate their fast food concept and system by selling franchises across the country. This was the true beginning of the McDonalds as we know it, but also the beginning of the end of the McDonald brothers’ involvement in their beloved restaurant.

McDonald’s Fun Facts:

  • Historical Landmark: Phoenix, AZ: The journey of the iconic McDonald’s brand began in Phoenix, Arizona, where the first restaurant featuring the now-famous Golden Arches was established. This landmark location marked the inception of a global fast-food phenomenon that would revolutionize the dining industry.
  • Inaugural Franchise: Des Plaines, IL: Ray Kroc, widely regarded as the mastermind behind McDonald’s expansion, opened his very first McDonald’s franchise in Des Plaines, Illinois. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a franchise model that would propel the brand’s growth and influence.
  • Speedee, the Original Mascot: In its early days, McDonald’s introduced Speedee, a chef with a hamburger for a head, as its first official mascot. Speedee symbolized the brand’s commitment to quick service and quality food, setting the stage for the fast-food legacy that would follow.
  • Willard Scott’s Role as Ronald McDonald: A surprising chapter in McDonald’s history involves the beloved television personality Willard Scott, who originally portrayed the iconic character Ronald McDonald. Before becoming a household name for weather forecasting, Scott lent his talents to the role, helping shape the persona of the iconic clown that has since become synonymous with the brand.
  • Historical Hub: San Bernardino, CA: The first-ever McDonald’s restaurant was established in San Bernardino, California, setting the stage for the brand’s meteoric rise. This humble beginning laid the foundation for the innovative systems and concepts that would define McDonald’s success in the years to come.
  • Golden Arches: A Symbol of Success: The Golden Arches, initially designed to catch the attention of passing motorists, have evolved into a symbol of global recognition. This distinctive architectural feature has become an integral part of the brand’s identity and is emblematic of the convenient and inviting dining experience McDonald’s offers.
  • Founding Principles: Quality and Speed: McDonald’s early focus on speed and quality has left an indelible mark on its legacy. The commitment to providing customers with consistent, delicious food served quickly has remained a core principle, driving the brand’s enduring appeal.
  • Ray Kroc’s Visionary Leadership: Ray Kroc’s visionary leadership transformed McDonald’s from a single restaurant to an international powerhouse. His dedication to franchising and innovative practices played a pivotal role in shaping the modern fast-food industry.
  • Global Cultural Impact: McDonald’s cultural impact extends far beyond its menu. The brand’s recognizable architecture, iconic packaging, and iconic characters have contributed to its status as a global cultural phenomenon, influencing not just how we eat, but how we experience popular culture.
  • Community Engagement: Over the years, McDonald’s has also established itself as a contributor to local communities. Through initiatives like the Ronald McDonald House Charities, the brand has demonstrated a commitment to giving back and supporting families in need, showcasing a multifaceted role within society.

The evolution of McDonald’s from its origins in San Bernardino to its worldwide prominence has left an indelible mark on the culinary landscape, business practices, and cultural expressions across the globe. These factoids provide a glimpse into the rich history and dynamic influences that have shaped the brand’s trajectory over the decades.

McDonald’s History

  • Year first McDonald’s opened: 1940
  • Year that Ray Kroc joined McDonald’s: 1955
  • The iconic McDonald’s Golden Arches debut: 1962
  • The Filet-O-Fish debuts: 1962
  • Year that Ronald McDonald made his debut: 1965
  • The first McDonald’s opens outside the US: 1967 (Richmond, British Columbia, Canada)
  • The Big Back debuts: 1968
  • McDonald’s “You Deserve a Break Today” marketing begins: 1971
  • The first McDonald’s in Asia opens: 1971 (Tokyo, Japan)
  • The Egg McMuffin debuts: 1972
  • The Quarter Pounder debuts: 1973
  • The first Ronald McDonald House opens: 1974
  • The first McDonald’s drive-thru window opens: 1975
  • The Happy Meal debuts: 1979
  • Chicken McNuggets debut: 1981
  • First year that Monopoly at McDonald’s was played: 1987
  • The first McDonald’s opens in China: 1990
  • Year smoking was banned in McDonald’s restaurants: 1994
  • McDonald’s purchases minority stake in Chipotle: 1998
  • McDonald’s introduces salads and other healthy menu options: 2003
  • McDonald’s launches the “I’m Lovin’ It” marketing campaign: 2003
  • The first all-day breakfast menu launches: 2015
  • McDonald’s acquires tech startup Dynamic Yield : 2019
  • McDonald’s introduces plant-based McPlant burger in select markets: 2020
  • McDonald’s partners with BTS for a special celebrity meal collaboration: 2021
  • McDonald’s announces the goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2050: 2021

McDonald’s Restaurant Count

How many McDonald’s are there in the world?

How many McDonald's are in the world?

How many McDonald’s are in the US:

13,457 restaurants (2023)

Number of McDonald’s locations in China:

5,903 restaurants (2023)

Number of McDonald’s restaurants in Japan:

2,982 restaurants (2023)

Number of McDonald’s restaurants in the UK:

1,436 restaurants (2023)

Number of McDonald’s restaurants in Canada:

1,466 restaurants (2023)

McDonald’s Employee Count

How many employees does McDonald’s have globally:

2 million (2023)

Average number of workers McDonald’s hires annually in the US:

1 million (2015)

McDonald’s Revenue Totals

McDonald’s annual revenue:

McDonald's annual Revenue

McDonald’s annual net income:

McDonald's annual Net Income

Additional McDonald’s Statistics

McDonald’s number of customers:

25 million customers served daily (2020)

Number of MyMcDonald’s Rewards members:

25 million sign-ups to date (2022)

Number of downloads of the McDonald’s mobile app:

127 million (2023)

Number of McDonald’s you can mobile order at:

22,000 (2019)

Average wait time at a McDonald’s drive-thru:

208.16 seconds (2017)

Average wait time at a McDonald’s drive-thru in 2006:

167.1 seconds

McDonald’s drop in US visits in 2016:

2.1%

Number of McDonald’s restaurants that offer delivery:

7,800 restaurants

Last updated 7/26/17

Number of countries McDonald’s offers delivery in:

47 countries (2017)

The number one item ordered through McDonald’s delivery service is the Double Cheeseburger.

Number of McDonald’s Monopoly pieces that were printed in 2016:

500 million

Percentage of McDonald’s Happy Meals that offer a fruit, vegetable or low-fat or dairy-free option:

95% (2019)

McDonald’s ownership share of Chipotle in 2005:

90% (before they sold it)

Number of eggs McDonald’s USA buys annually:

2 billion (2015)

Average number of hamburgers sold at McDonald’s per minute globally:

75 hamburgers (2010)

Amount of fries McDonald’s sells every day globally:

9 million pounds of fries (2015)

Number of Big Macs sold each year:

550 million (2015)

Number of countries McDonald’s has restaurants in:

120 (2019)

Percentage of McDonald’s restaurants that are franchises:

93% (2019)

Number of McDonald’s restaurants that are franchises:

35,085 (2019)

Percentage of McDonald’s restaurants that are in the US:

40%

Last updated 3/19/16

Percentage of McDonald’s global revenue that comes from the US:

32%

Last updated 3/19/16

Please note that some of these numbers are easier to find than others. A few of these McDonald’s statistics come from their own reports, but some are based on news reports and not official company tallies. No information contained on DMR should be relied upon to make investment decisions. Basically, this is the best I can find and I don’t guarantee anything to be 100%.


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About Craig Smith

DMR Publisher. Director of Marketing by day and I run this little site at night. Other interests include Disney, Sports, 80's Nostalgia, LEGO, Star Wars and Tech Gadgets. Other site is DisneyNews.us.