“The vast majority of McDonald’s locations are run by local franchise operators. These operators act in many ways as independent businesses: They set wages and prices and, when they feel it appropriate, make statements or donations at their discretion. That approach has helped make McDonald’s a global phenomenon, with over 40,000 locations globally, including nearly 27,000 outside of the United States, as of 2022.” But it means the company can’t dictate how each operator responds in a crisis, for better or worse. 

‘Disheartening and ill-founded:’ McDonald’s CEO responds to Middle East backlash [CNN]