Mcdonald's research paper

With franchises in over 120 countries and 6 different continents, McDonalds has become a leader in fast food globalization. Seen in airports, zoos, college campuses, rest stops, the name McDonald’s, is a name that almost anyone across the globe can recognize. It is also a name that holds many different opinions. McDonald’s has been a pioneer in globalization for the fast food industry. Before the introduction of McDonald’s overseas “fast food was almost unknown. McDonald’s was the first company to try to export America’s love of fast food and changes in eating habits of other nations (Gould 1996).” This is a concept that to some could be seen as beneficial or corrupting to their culture. Now with over 30,000 restaurants, McDonald’s continues to wave its name internationally (McDonald’s 2013). Of course, with any globalizing company, comes the opinions of the countries to which it is moving into. As for McDonald’s the company has done an excellent job of trying to cater to the different needs of different cultures, but at the same time has had many harsh critics. Many argue that the massive numbers of McDonald’s that are surfacing are a mere symbol of American economics and nationalism, which in many places is seen as an insult to their national cuisines. Still, McDonald’s is known and recognized for being a company of truly peaceful globalization. This paper will explore the globalization of McDonald’s and how it influences other cultures, but also how it adapts to and impacts these cultures.
Beginning as a burger stand in Bernardino, California in 1940, McDonald’s has certainly come a long way to become a powerful international name. McDonald’s began its international expansion in 1967, first in Canada and then Puerto Rico (McDonalds’s 2013). The 1960’s sparked a new wave of neoliberalism, focusing on free markets and economic growth, which is why McDonald’s decided to spread its wings into new countries. During the first twenty years of its

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