- First invested into McDonald's at the age of 52.
- He came up with the idea of franchising McDonald's.
- Met Walt Disney while both were training to drive ambulances for the Red Cross during World War I; the War ended before they could be sent overseas. Years later, Kroc approached Disney about opening a McDonald's at Disneyland, but the deal fell through when Kroc rebuffed Disney's demand to increase the price of McDonald's French fries from 10 to 15 cents.
- His net worth was estimated at five-hundred million dollars at the time of his death.
- Owner of the San Diego Padres (1974-1984); he made headlines when he publicly berated his team after a game.
- Made a deal with Maurice McDonald and Richard McDonald in 1954 to be the exclusive franchisee for their McDonald's restaurant. When Kroc learned that the McDonalds had made a deal with another man to open franchises, Kroc bought him out, and, in 1961, bought the McDonalds' name and rights to their "speedee service system" concept for $2 million cash.
- Worked as a paper cup salesman, jazz musician, pianist and radio DJ before finding success in business.
- Struggled with alcoholism for many years and joined AA late in life.
- Inducted into the American National Business Hall of Fame.
- He was the son of Rosalia/Rose Mary (Hrach) and Alois "Louis" Kroc. His father was a Czech immigrant, from Horní Stupno. His mother was born in Illinois, of Czech descent.
- Older brother of Robert Kroc and Lorraine Kroc.
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