How many McDonald's restaurants are franchises in the UK?

The number of McDonald's restaurants operating as franchises in the UK is part of a larger context regarding the fast-food industry and franchise business models. Franchising allows for individual ownership while still being tied to a recognized brand, enabling a uniform customer experience across locations.

In the UK, the franchise model is widespread for McDonald's, with several hundred locations being owned and operated by franchisees. The correct figure is closer to 600, reflecting a specific operational structure McDonald's has adopted within the UK market. This number indicates the balance McDonald's maintains between company-operated stores and franchised locations, ensuring that service standards and brand identity are preserved while facilitating business growth through local ownership.

Other choices provided represent figures that do not accurately reflect the operational landscape for McDonald's in the UK. By understanding the role of franchising in the fast-food industry, one can better appreciate how such significant brands manage their presence in different regions.