Today McDonalds restaurants operate in 122 countries of the world, serving the community of fifty one million customers every day. It is the largest chain of fast-food restaurants in the whole world and its brand name is the most popular and widely recognized. Though it was not McDonald's that invented hamburger and fast food, its name is associated with them. McDonalds restaurants are owned by local businesspeople around the world. Many of the smaller enterprises use McDonald's brand and name.
The first McDonald's restaurant was opened by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald in 1940. Eight years passed since the principles of the fast-food restaurant more embodied and the system worked out. At first it offered hamburgers, cheeseburgers and beverages only. The food was sold at a lower price with the account it might attract more customers. A series of innovations in hamburger making allowed to service more clients.

The McDonald brothers also permitted others to build McDonalds restaurants across the country. As a result newly-designed restaurants opened in Arizona and California in 1953. By the end of 1960 total amount of McDonalds restaurants reached over one hundred.
The McDonald's Corporation business model differs from that of other fast-food chains. It owns the property, on which McDonald's franchises are located. In 1967 the first McDonald's restaurant was opened in Richmond. In 1968 Hot Apple Pie was introduced and added to the menu. In 1971 the first McDonald's was opened in Tokyo, Japan. The first European McDonald's appeared in Netherlands. The company was the main sponsor of the 1984 Summer Olympic Games. On January 1990 the first McDonald's was opened in Moscow. It was the largest McDonald's in the world. In 2003 the global campaign under the label "I am lovin' it" started in more than one hundred countries of the world.
McDonald's is a friendly family restaurant. Cozy atmosphere, pleasant music, beautiful interior, friendly personnel and tasty food always attract people.

Among the McDonald's fast food variety the big mac takes prominent place. It was first introduced in 1968 as a response to the burger at Big Boy restaurants. It consists of a sesame-seed bun with two pieces of meat, special sauce, lettuce, onions and cheese. Of course it varies in some countries. In India, for example, traditional big mac is replaced by the Maharaja Mac, originally a mutton burger. It is now a chicken burger. Another popular meal is hamburger, composed of one piece of regular meat, onions, mustard and ketchup. Children prefer Chicken McNuggets - small chicken pieces with a dipping sauce, and, of course Happy Meal, which consists of hamburger, cheeseburger or nuggets, fries, drink and a toy. McDonald's is attractive for children because of its birthday parties.
Using McDrive, any driver can offer and take the meals without leaving the car.
Today McDonald's faces many challenges. It finds itself in the position of constant criticism, as it is seen as a symbol of American lifestyle domination in the world.