McDonald’s makes the best french fries in the world. Reaching into the bag or sitting under the golden arches and taking that first salty bite is a serene experience.

Have you ever wondered how this perfect encapsulation (and magnetism) of fast food deliciousness came to be?

The story of this revolutionary fast food restaurant highlights how an idea took off and never looked back. After visiting McDonald’s #1 courtesy of Ray Kroc outside Chicago in Des Plaines, Illinois and Hamburger University in Oak Brook, Illinois, the history of McDonald’s came alive. This is not simply a family-friendly restaurant chain, but something much more. There’s an “it” factor.

I even have an authentic Hamburger U flag to prove it!

Arriving in theaters this August, Ray Kroc’s drive and ambition can be seen as Michael Keaton, Laura Dern and Nick Offerman star in The Founder that illustrates the saga of how we’ve all come to love McDonald’s. But first, let’s see how Mr. Kroc and the McDonald brothers cleaned the grease stains that appear to have put the now multi-billion franchise in some early jeopardy.

Even if you are not a fan of McDonald’s or fast food, Ray Kroc changed the way millions upon millions of people around the world (yes, you and me) eat not just on a daily basis, but on a meal-meal and snack-to-meal basis.

Speaking of which, I wonder if there’s some golden arches near by?

Just kidding! Of course there are.

McDonald’s even has a monopoly on fast food jokes.