In 1955, Ray Kroc founded the McDonald’s® Corporation and opened the first restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois. In 1961, he bought out the McDonald brothers. And the rest, as they say, is history. McDonald’s® grew into the largest restaurant organisation in the world. Today, there are more than 33,000 McDonald’s® restaurants in 119 countries. Ray Kroc died in 1984 but his legacy is very much alive. His success story continues with McDonald’s® families of employees, franchisees and suppliers. His commitment, dedication and achievements continue to live on at McDonald’s® restaurants across the world.