Short Answer
The film depicts Ray Kroc’s journey from a struggling salesman to the transformative force behind McDonald’s, emphasizing the innovative efficiency of the original restaurant. It highlights Kroc’s relentless ambition to franchise the brand, which leads to both success and conflicts with the McDonald brothers, ultimately showcasing the complex interplay of ambition and ethics in business.
Step 1: Ray Kroc’s Encounter with McDonald’s
At the start of the film, Ray Kroc is a struggling milkshake machine salesman who discovers the McDonald brothers after they order multiple machines for their restaurant. Ray’s first visit to their original McDonald’s in San Bernardino, California reveals a unique level of efficiency and quality in food service, setting a new standard in the industry. The initial menu mainly included items like hamburgers, cheeseburgers, French fries, and drinks, all designed for speed and affordability.
Step 2: The Franchise Model and Expansion
Ray Kroc recognizes the potential of franchising the McDonald’s brand despite initial hesitations from the McDonald brothers, who had struggled with franchise attempts before. He begins to promote the franchise model by traveling across the country, attracting potential franchisees with a compelling slogan: “Quality, Service, Cleanliness.” Ray’s relentless ambition leads to conflict with the brothers as he alters their original operation model to facilitate growth.
Step 3: The Transformation of McDonald’s
As Ray takes control, he exemplifies a mix of charismatic and ruthless traits, which ultimately transforms McDonald’s into a global icon. The film illustrates the darker side of business success, showing how Ray’s legal and financial tactics lead to the exclusion of the McDonald brothers from their own company. The Founder serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of ambition on personal relationships and business ethics, while also celebrating entrepreneurial success.