Most likely you have seen the big “M” several times in your life and have stopped at least once to grab a burger and fries. No matter what your food preference is, the existence of McDonald’s is all because of Ray Kroc.

Kroc was born on October 5, 1902 in Oak Park. His business career started when he was selling multi-mixers that could make multiple shakes at one time. He sold his mixers to Mac and Dick McDonald who owned a small and successful restaurant that sold mainly hamburgers.

Kroc saw that food sales could be organized for mass production and he ended up paying the brothers permission to open restaurants similar to theirs. The first McDonald’s he opened was in Des Plaines, April 15, 1955.

Kroc observed that the public wanted good food, low prices, friendly service and no waiting in long lines. So that’s what he gave them. He also wanted all McDonald’s to sell the same food in every restaurant.

McDonald’s expanded greatly in 1967 because of Kroc’s ability to keep the customers happy and his ability to steadily increase the quality of the business. As of now, there are thirty thousand McDonald’s restaurants on six continents.

Kroc also established the Kroc Foundation that focuses on financial aid philanthropy. He also established centers that offer support to families of children who have cancer, known as Ronald McDonald House charities.

Kroc passed away on January 14, 1984.

Learn more:
The Ray Kroc Story
McDonald's official home page
Ronald McDonald House Charities