McDonald's Franchises for Sale

The largest restaurant franchise in the world. An owner-operator system where the franchisor controls the real estate and selects who gets in.

Restaurant Franchises for Sale Fast Food Franchises for Sale All Existing Franchises for Sale

13,706

Total units

$1.5M+

Initial investment

Request Franchise Information See existing locations for sale

Brand Performance Snapshot

Franchised and company-owned unit counts for 2023 through 2025, as reported in the franchisor's FDD.

Unit count by year

Franchised Corporate

13,457

2023

13,559

2024

13,706

2025

13,062

Franchised units

644

Company-owned units

13,706

Total units

+1.9%

3-yr unit growth

Existing McDonald's Franchises for Sale

Operating McDonald's territories listed for sale by their owners or brokers, reviewed before publishing.

View all resale listings

No McDonald's resales listed right now

Existing territories come up for sale as owners retire or relocate. Tell us where you're looking and we'll email you when a McDonald's resale is verified and published.

McDonald's Franchise Model Overview

McDonald's restaurants are free-standing drive-thru units operated under a model in which the franchisor typically owns or leases the site and the franchisee runs the restaurant, paying rent alongside the service fee. The franchisor requires owner-operators, not investors, and its selection and training process runs a year or more. Most franchisees are multi-unit, and new restaurants go to existing operators. For an outside buyer, the route in is acquiring an existing restaurant or group from a retiring owner — with McDonald's approval, which is the gate that matters.

Ideal owner profile

Hands-on operator willing to complete McDonald's approval and training process

Significant liquid capital and comfort with a franchisor that owns the real estate

Investment Snapshot

Initial franchise fee $45,000

Total initial investment $1,472,000 – $2,807,000

Royalty 4–5% of Gross Sales

Ad / brand fund Advertising 4%+ of Gross Sales (OPNAD national fund + local co-ops)

FDD year 2026 (unit data through 2025)

Request franchise information

About opening a new McDonald's franchise,

Optional: Check if you want to be connected with a funding company to discuss funding options (SBA Loan, IRA/401k Rollover, etc.).

By clicking this button, you agree to Verified Franchise Resales’ Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.

Important disclosure

Brand information on this page — including unit counts, fees, and investment ranges — was compiled by Verified Franchise Resales from the brand's most recent Franchise Disclosure Document and has not been independently verified. Verified Franchise Resales is an independent marketplace and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by McDonald's. Prospective buyers should obtain and review the current FDD, consult qualified legal and financial advisors, and confirm all terms before responding. This page is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy a franchise; offers are made only through the FDD in applicable jurisdictions. Read VFR’s Terms of Use before responding to any franchise.