Ray Kroc transformed a small family-owned burger stand into McDonald's, the world's biggest fast-food empire.

The way Ray Kroc tells the story, when he first encouraged the McDonald brothers to open more hamburger restaurants, they winced. The year was 1954. The place: San Bernardino, California ...

Ray Kroc, founder and chairman of McDonald's Corporation, stands outside one of his franchises, holding a hamburger and a drink.Bettman/Getty Images McDonald's is among the most iconic and ...