McDonald’s started as a barbecue restaurant in 1940 by Dick and Mac McDonald in San Bernardino, California. The brand currently operates the biggest hamburger fast food network around the world. McDonald’s operates more than 35,000 restaurants serve almost 70 million customers in more than 100 countries worldwide. In January 2014, McDonald’s posted five straight quarters of disappointing overall sales indicating fiercer competition in and outside the US. The chain is suffering mainly inside the United Sales whereas its International operation continuous growth. McDonald’s has a strong presence in the MENA region with 766 branches. According to McDonald’s 2014 annual report, Saudi Arabia operates the highest number of McDonald’s branches in the Middle East and North African region with 191 branches followed by 181 branches in Israel. Israel was leading in the number of McDonald’s branches since 2000 but the fast growth of brand in Saudi placed its first in the Middle East. McDonald’s launched 32 locations in 2014 (link) that are mostly located in smaller cities in the central and northern region. Saudi Arabia registered a growth in the number of outlets by 18% in 2014 followed by Jordan and Egypt with a outlet growth rate of 10% and 9% respectively. It was north to note that the first McDonald’s in the Middle East was launched in Israel few months it was launched in the rest of the Arab countries in 1993.

29 Aug 2015