Has anyone own or run a McDonald franchise? How's the experience? Does it require lots of work? Or just require passive monitoring? How's the cost vs payout?
> How's the experience?
It must be good because he now owns 4 McD franchises. All his kids worked there through HS and (some) college. His son is the "Manager" of all 4.
> Does it require lots of work?
I think after their first couple of restaurants, they have developed and refined their management system. The son works a typical work week floating between restaurants and balancing books, hiring managers, etc.
> Or just require passive monitoring?
My fathers friend was at the first restaurant from almost open to close everyday for several years. (I used to ride my bike there for free ice cream and he was always there). The son seems to have enough free time - its almost like a 8-6pm type job for him.
> How's the cost vs payout?
He and his family are very well off and have been able to invest in other money making areas as well. A lot of hard work on the front end but now he has 4 cash cows that his son manages.
They talk to a franchisee, and to me it looks like you need to work really hard to be successful. You're basically the CEO of your own business with your own money at risk, so it is nothing like "passive monitoring." Anecdotally, it's pretty clear to me when you walk into a McDonald's how much the owner cares about it - some are pretty impressive, but some are also awful.