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1. Focus on Location: Kroc prioritized high-traffic locations (near highways, schools, and suburbs) to maximize customer visibility and convenience. 2. Pricing Strategy: Kroc kept prices low to attract a wide customer base, creating value by offering affordable meals for families. 3. Supplier Relationships: He built strong partnerships with suppliers, ensuring quality ingredients at a consistent cost, leading to a reliable supply chain. 4. Menu Simplification: McDonald’s maintained a simple menu, allowing for faster service, easier training, and consistent quality across franchises. 5. Standardized Training: Created Hamburger University to teach franchisees and managers standardized procedures, ensuring operational consistency. 6. Quality Control: Kroc implemented rigorous quality checks and operational audits to maintain high standards across all franchises. 7. Customer Experience Innovation: Introduced innovations like self-service, efficient kitchen layouts, and later, drive-thru service to enhance customer convenience. 8. Aggressive Expansion Strategy: Kroc’s relentless focus on opening new outlets rapidly, especially in new regions and internationally, helped McDonald’s achieve early market dominance. 1. Focus on Scalability: Kroc designed McDonald’s systems (kitchen operations, training, etc.) to be easily replicable, allowing rapid expansion without compromising quality or service. 2. Hands-On Management Approach: Kroc frequently visited franchises, ensuring standards were met and building strong relationships with franchisees, reinforcing the importance of personal involvement. 3. Adaptation to Local Markets: As McDonald's expanded internationally, Kroc adapted menus and services to fit local tastes and cultures, which contributed to global success. 4. Focus on Family-Friendly Environment: McDonald's was positioned as a clean, safe place for families, setting it apart from other fast-food establishments and broadening its customer appeal. 5. Franchise Ownership vs. Corporate Control: Kroc’s model allowed individual franchisees to own and operate their stores while maintaining strict corporate control over branding, quality, and operational standards. 6. Customer Feedback and Iteration: Kroc placed a strong emphasis on listening to customer feedback, using it to constantly improve menu items, service, and restaurant design. 7. First-Mover Advantage: Kroc’s aggressive expansion strategy gave McDonald’s a first-mover advantage in many markets, making it difficult for competitors to catch up.