The Founder Assignment

  • What makes Ray Kroc and the brothers different from each other?
    Ray Kroc and the McDonald’s brothers were different in several ways. Ray Kroc was a savvy businessman who was always looking for opportunities to expand his business, while the McDonald’s brothers were focused on perfecting their fast-food system. Kroc was a risk-taker who was willing to invest heavily in his business, while the McDonald’s brothers were more cautious and wanted to keep their business small and focused. Additionally, Kroc had a vision for McDonald’s to become a global franchise empire, while the McDonald’s brothers were content with running a successful local business.
  • Do you think the McDonald’s brothers did the right thing by selling out to Ray Kroc? Did Ray Kroc give the brothers a good deal?

    “The Founder” depicts Ray Kroc as a shrewd businessman who is willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants. He steals the McDonald’s concept from the brothers and then uses his charisma and salesmanship to convince them to sell him the business. Kroc is presented as a complex character who is both charming and ruthless, and the film explores the moral implications of his actions. Some viewers may sympathize with Kroc’s ambition and drive, while others may see him as a villain who took advantage of the McDonald’s brothers.

  • How did the local store franchisees make money?

    Overall, the success of the McDonald’s franchise was dependent on the hard work and dedication of the local store franchisees. They were responsible for implementing the fast-food system and delivering high-quality products to customers. The film highlights the tension that arose between Kroc and the franchisees as Kroc’s desire for profit often clashed with the franchisees’ commitment to quality and customer service.

  • How did Kroc make money? How was that different than the franchisees, running the local stores?

    Another way that Kroc made money was through purchasing the real estate on which the franchises were located and then leasing it back to the franchisees at a higher rate. This allowed Kroc to make money from the land as well as from the franchise fees and royalties. While Kroc’s wealth and power grew, the franchisees often struggled to keep up with the demands of the franchisor and maintain profitability at their local stores.

  • Does this film change your view of McDonald’s?

    The film also raises questions about the impact of corporate power and the tensions that can arise between franchisors and franchisees. It offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the potential consequences of prioritizing profits over people. Ultimately, whether or not the film changes one’s view of McDonald’s may depend on one’s perspective and values.