"The Founder": A fast-food story

Summary

The video explores the story behind the founding of McDonald's, focusing on the McDonald brothers, Richard and Maurice, who revolutionized fast food with their 'Speedy Service System' in 1948. It highlights the conflict with Ray Kroc, who expanded the brand nationwide, ultimately taking control of the business in 1961 for $2.7 million. Despite this, the McDonald family was left out of the riches, with Kroc reportedly not honoring a promised royalty deal. Jason McDonald French, grandson of Richard McDonald, reflects on the family's legacy and the historical inaccuracy in how the McDonald's story is often told.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Downey, California McDonald's is the oldest still standing location in the world, built after the McDonald brothers' original restaurant in San Bernardino.
• 😀 Jason McDonald French is the grandson of Dick McDonald, who co-founded McDonald's with his brother Mac in 1948.
• 😀 Growing up, Jason's family rarely talked about their connection to McDonald's, as it was considered a family secret.
• 😀 The McDonald brothers invented the Speedy Service System in 1948, revolutionizing the fast food industry with their assembly-line kitchen design.
• 😀 Ray Croc, who later became the face of McDonald's, was not originally involved with the McDonald brothers and took their concept nationwide after joining in 1954.
• 😀 The Speedy Service System allowed McDonald's to serve fresh burgers in 30 seconds, significantly changing fast food.
• 😀 The story of the McDonald brothers and Ray Croc is depicted in the film *The Founder*, starring Michael Keaton as Croc.
• 😀 Ray Croc is often credited as the 'founder' of McDonald's, though the McDonald brothers originally created the business concept.
• 😀 In 1961, Ray Croc bought the McDonald brothers out for $2.7 million and claimed control of the company, despite a handshake agreement to pay them royalties.
• 😀 The McDonald brothers were promised a 0.5% royalty on McDonald's sales, but the family claims they never received the payments, which could be worth over $100 million today.
• 😀 Jason McDonald French takes pride in his grandfather's role in creating fast food and appreciates the historical accuracy of the story being told in *The Founder*.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Downey, California McDonald's?

The McDonald's in Downey, California, is the oldest McDonald's still standing in the world. It was the third location ever built by the McDonald brothers.

Why was Jason McDonald French not allowed to talk about his family history growing up?

Jason's parents did not want them to publicly mention that they were the grandchildren of Richard McDonald, which was kept a family secret, likely due to the controversy surrounding the McDonald brothers' relationship with Ray Kroc.

How did the McDonald brothers’ business differ from traditional restaurants in 1948?

The McDonald brothers revolutionized fast food with their 'Speedy Service System,' an assembly-line kitchen that allowed for a fresh burger to be served in just 30 seconds, which was a breakthrough in fast food efficiency.

What role did Ray Kroc play in the expansion of McDonald's?

Ray Kroc was a milkshake mixer salesman who saw the potential in the McDonald brothers’ restaurant and convinced them to franchise their business. He eventually took control of McDonald's and transformed it into the global empire it is today.

What is the story behind Ray Kroc’s relationship with the McDonald brothers?

Ray Kroc worked with the McDonald brothers for years and initially had a great working relationship with them. However, their partnership soured, leading to Kroc purchasing the rights to the McDonald name and business from them for $2.7 million in 1961.

What does the movie 'The Founder' depict about Ray Kroc and the McDonald brothers?

The movie 'The Founder' tells the story of Ray Kroc's acquisition of the McDonald's business, focusing on his role in expanding the franchise, as well as his strained relationship with the McDonald brothers. Michael Keaton portrays Ray Kroc in the film.

How did Ray Kroc’s business dealings impact the McDonald brothers financially?

Ray Kroc’s deal with the McDonald brothers was infamous for leaving them without the royalties they were promised. Despite a handshake agreement to receive a 0.5% royalty on future earnings, the McDonald family claims they never received any payment, which would now be worth $100 million annually.

What did Jason McDonald French learn from his family's history after the release of 'The Founder'?

Jason learned a lot more about the history of the McDonald brothers and their significant contributions to the fast-food industry. He was surprised by the extent to which the McDonald brothers had created the fast-food model we know today.

What does Jason McDonald French think about the portrayal of his family in 'The Founder'?

Jason McDonald French feels positive about the portrayal of his family, appreciating that the story was told in a historically accurate way, giving credit to the McDonald brothers for their creation of fast food.

Why does Jason McDonald French not feel bitterness about the financial loss his family experienced with Ray Kroc?

Jason explains that his grandfather, Richard McDonald, was never bitter about the deal with Ray Kroc, so the family doesn't harbor resentment. Despite the financial loss, they take pride in what was created.