[newforms]

McDonalds is in the real estate business (letting buildings), fast food is just a side order.

[justinclift]

Aren't the stores franchise's, with the individual stores owned by the relevant franchisee?

[maxerickson]

The operations are mostly franchised, but the corp owns many of the buildings and plots of lands that they are located on.

https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/about-us/franchising/real...