McDonald's Corporation (NYSE: MCD) is the world's largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants, serving around 68 million customers daily in 119 countries. Headquartered in the United States, the company began in 1940 as a barbecue restaurant operated by the eponymous Richard and Maurice McDonald; in 1948 they reorganized their business as a hamburger stand using production line principles. Businessman Ray Kroc joined the company as a franchise agent in 1955. He subsequently purchased the chain from the McDonald brothers and oversaw its worldwide growth.
A McDonald's restaurant is operated by either a franchisee, an affiliate, or the corporation itself. The corporation's revenues come from the rent, royalties and fees paid by the franchisees, as well as sales in company-operated restaurants. McDonald's revenues grew 27 percent over the three years ending in 2007 to $22.8 billion, and 9 percent growth in operating income to $3.9 billion.
McDonald's primarily sells hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken, french fries, breakfast items, soft drinks, shakes and desserts. In response to changing consumer tastes, the company has expanded its menu to include salads, wraps, smoothies and fruit.
Chris Barrett (born July 24, 1982 in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania) is an American film director, producer, and author who was featured in the Sundance Award Winning Documentary The Corporation.
Chris co-founded Powerhouse Pictures Entertainment, LLC, with Efren Ramirez, who is most well known for his portrayal of Pedro in Napoleon Dynamite. They co-authored the book Direct Your Own Life: How To Be A Star In Any Field You Choose released on June 10, 2008 through Kaplan Publishing.
In 2001, he became the first corporately sponsored college student in America. He was a spokesperson for financial responsibility for First USA, which was part of Bank One. He was profiled in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, People Magazine, and he made his sponsorship announcement on the Today Show the day of his high school graduation. His sponsorship story is spotlighted in titles such as The Power of Focus for Teens, The Success Principals for Teens, and Chicken Soup for the Extraordinary Teen Soul. He also appears as a featured subject in the award winning documentary films The Corporation and Maxed Out.