Behind the Big Mac: McDonald's gets film, book spotlight
Man who turned a hamburger stand into McDonald is having a posthumous Hollywood moment
PHOTO: REUTERS
The man who turned a popular California hamburger stand into the McDonald's global fast-food empire is having a posthumous Hollywood moment.
Kroc, who died in 1984, convinced Richard and Maurice McDonald to let him franchise their clean, quick-service restaurants that helped end the US carhop era.
McDonald's launches Nutella burger in Italy
He then wrested so much control over the brand that the brothers agreed to be bought out in 1961 for $2.7 million.
The film closes with the bombshell allegation that Kroc cheated the McDonald brothers out of what would have been a massive annual royalty payment. The brothers' survivors, who struck a rights deal with the film's producers, have made that charge.
However, it was not confirmed by other sources or in media interviews with the brothers themselves, whose major complaint appeared to be Kroc's appropriation of the McDonald's founder title.
McDonald's reduces use of its famed mascot during 'creepy clown' craze
McDonald's Corp declined comment on the issue.
Joan Kroc, who died in 2003, lived lavishly while using Kroc's billion-dollar fortune to promote causes sure to have sent her husband, a pro-business conservative who supported US President Richard Nixon, spinning in his grave.
The book traces their tumultuous relationship, which blossomed through a mutual love of music and business. But Napoli says it was Ray's unwavering devotion to bargain-barrel "Early Times" whiskey that fueled both conflict in the marriage and aspects of Joan's charitable giving.
In keeping with the times, Joan did not speak openly about Ray's drinking, which "doesn't square well with the mythology of McDonald's," Napoli said.
"She couldn't get him to quit, so she helped other people like herself to deal with people who drink," Napoli stated.
Joan supported addiction research, awareness and treatment through gifts to major universities and facilities such as the Hazelden Foundation and the Betty Ford Clinic. Other major recipients include the Salvation Army, National Public Radio and the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.
Kroc, who died in 1984, convinced Richard and Maurice McDonald to let him franchise their clean, quick-service restaurants that helped end the US carhop era.
McDonald's launches Nutella burger in Italy
He then wrested so much control over the brand that the brothers agreed to be bought out in 1961 for $2.7 million.
The film closes with the bombshell allegation that Kroc cheated the McDonald brothers out of what would have been a massive annual royalty payment. The brothers' survivors, who struck a rights deal with the film's producers, have made that charge.
However, it was not confirmed by other sources or in media interviews with the brothers themselves, whose major complaint appeared to be Kroc's appropriation of the McDonald's founder title.
McDonald's reduces use of its famed mascot during 'creepy clown' craze
McDonald's Corp declined comment on the issue.
Joan Kroc, who died in 2003, lived lavishly while using Kroc's billion-dollar fortune to promote causes sure to have sent her husband, a pro-business conservative who supported US President Richard Nixon, spinning in his grave.
The book traces their tumultuous relationship, which blossomed through a mutual love of music and business. But Napoli says it was Ray's unwavering devotion to bargain-barrel "Early Times" whiskey that fueled both conflict in the marriage and aspects of Joan's charitable giving.
In keeping with the times, Joan did not speak openly about Ray's drinking, which "doesn't square well with the mythology of McDonald's," Napoli said.
"She couldn't get him to quit, so she helped other people like herself to deal with people who drink," Napoli stated.
Joan supported addiction research, awareness and treatment through gifts to major universities and facilities such as the Hazelden Foundation and the Betty Ford Clinic. Other major recipients include the Salvation Army, National Public Radio and the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.