Business & McDonald's Franchising FAQ

Want to do business with McDonald's?

Have a question about owning a McDonald's franchise? You've come to the right place. Check out our McDonald's Franchise FAQ for answers to all of your McDonald's business and franchising related questions.

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I have a piece of property that would be ideal for a new McDonald's restaurant; will McDonald's develop the site and award the franchise to me?

The site selection process is separate from our franchisee selection process. We make the decision to develop a location because we believe it will be a success. McDonald’s manages all the site evaluation, acquires the property and constructs the building. After making the decision to develop a site, McDonald’s awards the franchise to the most qualified candidate. If you have a piece of property that you are interested in selling, please contact us by visiting McDonald's U.S. Real Estate.

Can you still get a McDonald's franchise (in the United States) and how much does it cost?

Yes, McDonald’s continually seeks qualified individuals to become franchisees. Since the total cost varies from restaurant to restaurant, the minimum amount for a down payment will vary. Generally, we require a minimum of $500,000 of non-borrowed personal resources to consider you for a McDonald's franchise. For more information about purchasing and financing a McDonald’s Franchise, please visit the U.S. Franchising Home Page.

How can I become a non-U.S. McDonald's franchisee?

McDonald’s franchises restaurants in many international markets, and decisions relating to the selection of candidates are made locally by the management in the country where the restaurant is located. For interest in specific markets regarding international franchising, please refer to the list of contacts and franchising information on the Global Franchising page of this web site. Links to individual market web sites are provided where available.

Can you donate food for my function/party/team?

We’re committed to being a good neighbor in the local communities we serve. For any donation requests, contact your local McDonald’s restaurant.

Does McDonald's give out scholarships?

Archways to Opportunity® offers scholarships to eligible McDonald’s employees and eligible employees of participating independent franchisees. Also, the McDonald’s HACER® scholarship program grants scholarships and college resources for eligible Hispanic students.

I'd like to do business with McDonald's.

We appreciate you looking to share information. It’s our company policy to initiate contact with outside vendors.

Can I use the Golden Arches for a project?

Fill out our McDonald's trademark permission form. If you don’t hear from anyone in two weeks, we were unable to accept your request.

I'm doing a paper. Can you answer some questions about McDonald's for me?

All the information about McDonald’s that can be shared is available on McDonald's corporate website.

Does McDonald's recycle?

We do! Many McDonald’s restaurants around the world are recycling waste materials, including cooking oil and corrugate, for a wide range of secondary uses. We’re also working on in-restaurant recycling programs in select markets. Our sustainability page has additional information.

Why don't you list prices on the McDonald's website?

McDonald's prices vary by location. Ninety percent of McDonald's restaurants are independently owned and operated by franchisees, who have the ability to set their own prices.

I submitted a customer complaint and I haven't received a response from a McDonald's customer service representative. Why haven't I heard anything?

If you requested follow-up regarding your issue and it’s been over 10 days, please let us know by calling or emailing us using the forms on our Contact Us page.

How do I book a birthday party at McDonald's?

We’re glad you want to celebrate your events and birthday at McDonald's! Visit our PlayPlace & Parties page for more information.

Why doesn't McDonald's offer the receipt survey over the phone?

The McDonald's receipt survey is an online only survey. If you don’t have access to the internet, you can visit your local library to connect.

How do I take the McDonald's survey? How do I get a validation code?

Have your receipt handy and visit our Customer Satisfaction Survey page to take the survey. At the end of the survey, you’ll receive a validation code to use on a future visit to McDonald’s.

I don't want to receive emails from McDonald's. How do I remove my name?

We’re sad to see you go, but you can change your preferences or unsubscribe from McDonald's emails by entering your email address on our unsubscribe page.

I'd like to open a McDonald's franchise. Where do I start?

Visit the franchising page on our website for more information on U.S. and International franchising and frequently asked questions about franchising a McDonald's brand restaurant.

Can you sell more international McDonald's menu items in the U.S?

We’re always looking for great tasting, new McDonald's menu items our customers will love. You never know what you’ll find on our menus next!

Do you offer a senior/military/teacher discount at McDonald's?

Certain McDonald’s locations may offer a special discount for seniors, those in the military or veterans, or teachers. Use the McDonald’s Restaurant Locator to contact a store near you for information.

Have a specific question about McDonald's food?

If you have a question about McDonald’s food items visit Our Food, Your Questions page to browse frequently asked questions.

I was double charged at McDonald's today. How do I get my money?

If you were double charged at a McDonald’s Restaurant first check with the store to see if they are responsible. You can find store contact information by using the McDonald’s Restaurant Locator page. If, not check with your bank to rectify the issue.

Where can I buy McDonald's t-shirts/hats/gear?

Visit the McDonald's Merchandise website Golden Arches Unlimited to order McDonald's apparel online. For in-store shopping call your local McDonald's by using the McDonald's Restaurant Locator to find a restaurant, and ask for product availability.