Issue 64 - December 24th, 2021 Most people think of french fries, Big Macs, or the McFlurry when you mention the Golden Arches, but most people do not realize that at its core McDonald’s is a real estate holding company empire. While the brand has sold more than one billion hamburgers to customers around the world, 85% of its stores are owned by franchisees. Franchisees pay to use McDonald’s brand name, its proprietary processes and trademarked menu items, but unlike other franchises, McDonald’s owns the land the stores are built on.