The Founder

In 1954, Ray Kroc is introduced as a struggling salesman trying desperately to sell multimixers for milkshakes. His endeavors are met with constant failures and frustrations, particularly with the slow and inefficient service at drive-ins, which he finds particularly disappointing.

While checking in at his Chicago office, Ray's secretary informs him of an unusual order from a small restaurant in San Bernardino, California, requesting eight multimixers instead of the expected six. Curious and intrigued, Ray decides to investigate this unexpected order.

Ray travels to San Bernardino and discovers the walk-up stand called McDonald's. He is impressed by the quick service and happy families, piquing his interest in the operations of the restaurant and what makes it so successful.

During his visit to McDonald's, Ray meets the owners, brothers Mac and Dick McDonald. They share their innovative food preparation method, the 'Speedee Service System', which has significantly improved their service efficiency and reduced operational issues.

The McDonald brothers recount their journey from Hollywood hopefuls to successful restaurateurs. By focusing on hamburgers and fries and optimizing their kitchen layout, they created a streamlined operation that minimizes waste and maximizes profit.

Captivated by the potential of the McDonald's brand, Ray proposes to the brothers the idea of franchising their concept. Despite their hesitations about maintaining quality control, Ray's enthusiasm convinces them to consider the collaboration.

As Ray prepares to open the first McDonald's franchise in Des Plaines, Illinois, he faces significant challenges, including securing funding and dealing with doubts from his wife, Ethel. Still, he remains determined to replicate the McDonald's success.

As Ray’s ambitions grow, he begins to clash with the McDonald brothers over their core values and business practices. Tensions arise when Ray prioritizes aggressive growth over the principles that initially defined McDonald's.

While expanding the franchise, Ray navigates complex personal relationships, including an intriguing connection with Joan, Rollie's wife. Financial struggles and marital tension with Ethel add layers to Ray’s character and motivations.

To combat rising costs, Ray ingeniously introduces a powdered mix for milkshakes, streamlining operations. This move reflects his drive for efficiency but also foreshadows the ethical boundaries he is willing to cross in pursuit of success.

As Ray's strategy shifts to owning the land where franchises are built, his relationship with the McDonald brothers further deteriorates. The brothers witness Ray's unsparing tactics that undermine their original vision for the restaurant.

Tensions reach a breaking point when Ray offers the McDonald brothers a buyout. Faced with his aggressive business acumen and the inability to match his tactics, the brothers reluctantly sell their stake, altering the company’s future.

After acquiring the rights to McDonald's, Ray establishes a competing location nearby, demonstrating his ruthless ambition. His actions lead to a significant departure from the principles the brothers held dear, focused solely on profit.

Ray's relentless pursuit of success solidifies his place in fast-food history, establishing the McDonald's brand globally. However, this nearly transcendent success comes at a substantial ethical cost, as the McDonald brothers see their dream irrevocably shattered.

In the end, Ray Kroc’s story serves as a reflection of the price of ambition and the sacrifices made in the name of success. The McDonald brothers’ legacy is forever overshadowed by the empire built by Ray, prompting questions about ethics and loyalty in business.