McMansions: incredible homes built and bought by fast food millionaires

Take a drive-thru tour of these fast food tycoon's homes

When we think about super-rich homeowners, we might picture movie stars or tech giants, bankers and business people, but what about the entrepreneurs behind some of the world's most popular fast food chains?

From the man behind McDonald's and his 'hamburger house' to Colonel Sander's KFC headquarters, the Domino's estate and the In-N-Out Burger mansion, discover the homes built and bought by fast food royalty.

Read on to enjoy a drive-thru tour...

Domino's CEO's Bel Air estate, California, USA

After purchasing this incredible Bel Air estate in 2021, former Domino's head Don Meij was ready to sell the spectacular home in 2023. The pizza mogul bought the desirable slice of Los Angeles real estate for $20.9 million (£16.2m) and after upgrading the interior, listed the home for $30 million (£23.2m) with Hilton & Hyland.

Let's find out more about the home and Don Meji, who became the brain behind one of the world's best-loved fast food outlets...

Don Meij

Domino's was founded in 1960 in the US state of Michigan. Its first Australian franchise opened in 1983, but Queensland native Meij didn't join the company until 1996. His love of pizza reportedly began in 1987 when he worked part-time for Silvio’s Dial-a-Pizza. He soon climbed through the management ranks at Silvio’s, which later bought the Domino’s brand in Australia and New Zealand, emerging as Domino's Pizza Enterprises.

In 1996, Meij opened his first Domino’s store in Caboolture, Queensland and within five years he owned 17 stores. In 2002, he became CEO of the company, a role he held until his retirement in November 2024, some 22 years later.

Domino's CEO's Bel Air estate: lavish living areas

Meij spent some of his hard-earned money on this remarkable piece of real estate in the Bel Air neighbourhood of Los Angeles.

Set on half an acre (0.2ha), the eight-bedroom, 15-bathroom home was built in 2013 and makes the most of its incredible reservoir and canyon views, with almost every room of the sprawling house featuring floor-to-ceiling windows. This formal sitting room is just one of several living areas, which include coffered ceilings and beautiful stone fireplaces.

Domino's CEO's Bel Air estate: a chef's dream

The kitchen is no less grand. It's described in the listing as a "chef's dream", with twin islands, top-of-the-line appliances, custom cabinetry and marble countertops. Meij made a number of subtle changes to the space over his two-year tenure, such as painting the cabinetry grey and opting for a sleek, glazed pendant light.

Domino's CEO's Bel Air estate: entertainment zone

The home's opulent extras are exactly what a discerning billionaire might expect to find in their home, including a 12-seat home theatre. Complete with a refreshment stand outside, you could be forgiven for thinking you'd wandered into an actual cinema.

Elsewhere, there's also a lounge and billiard room, as well as a full gym to keep residents active.

Domino's CEO's Bel Air estate: spectacular swimming pool

The home's new owners will also get to enjoy this incredible indoor swimming pool, complete with a breathtaking stained-glass ceiling that channels light down into the room.

Outside, the estate has even more to offer with an infinity-edge pool and spa, sundeck, lawn and multiple terraces and balconies, all overlooking incredible views across the glittering waters of the Stone Canyon Reservoir.

Kraft cheese inventor's mansion, Illinois, USA

This elegant six-bedroom mansion is tucked away among the highly desirable tree-lined streets of Wilmette, Illinois, a quiet neighbourhood 14 miles (22.5km) north of Chicago.

Dating back to 1930 and constructed by architect Abraham Epstein, the house was once the home of none other than James Lewis Kraft, the inventor of Kraft processed cheese. It was captured here during a video tour by DroneHub for local realtors the Noah & Janet Group of Engel & Völkers.

James Lewis Kraft

The second of 11 children, Kraft – then spelt Krafft – was born in 1874 near Ontario, Canada, where his father had a business delivering dairy products in a horse-drawn wagon. At the age of 28, he emigrated to Buffalo, New York and joined the Shefford Cheese Company, however, he was later forced out of the business. Luckily for fans of the famous Kraft cheese slices, the entrepreneur started his own company, which eventually became Kraft Foods Inc.

The inventor is best known for devising a process for pasteurising and preserving cheese, which was patented in 1916. Kraft received a huge boost in the First World War when the US government provided their armed forces with tinned cheese.

Kraft cheese inventor's mansion: an architectural marvel

Kraft's magnificent former home was originally built for the family of storage magnate Halsey Earl Poronto. It was just a year after the stock market crash and America was in the grip of the Great Depression, however, against all odds, the mansion was completed. The property was so admired that it was featured in a 1930s special edition of Architecture & Design magazine.

Later, the Tudor Revival mansion was snapped up by America's most famous cheesemonger and his wife, Pauline. Kraft owned the house until his death in 1953.

Kraft cheese inventor's mansion: timeless charm preserved

Although the interior has been upgraded to include all the modern luxuries a family might need, the historic home's timeless charm has been preserved. The grand formal living room and impressive hallway are lined with rich floor-to-ceiling wood panelling, along with intricate plaster mouldings. The ground floor also includes a dining room, a large family room with a water feature, a custom-built kitchen with a Calcutta marble island and a sunlit breakfast room.

Epstein also designed three built-in safes for the home, one specifically for silverware, one in the master bedroom and a third "room-sized vault" that is now part of the second-floor living space.

Kraft cheese inventor's mansion: family-friendly floor plan

Upstairs, the first floor is made up of a library with original doors and four large bedrooms, each with an ensuite. An additional second storey – which would have been the maid's quarters in Kraft's day – has an enormous great room with vaulted ceilings, a kitchenette, a full bathroom and two further guest bedrooms.

Downstairs, a fully-finished basement provides everything a family might need to entertain themselves during the worst of Chicago's weather, including a space that's currently set up as a games room with a brick fireplace, an indoor putting green and a foosball table.

Kraft cheese inventor's mansion: illustrious former owners

Outside, there's a covered terrace framed by rows of stone archways, along with 0.4 acres (0.2ha) of manicured gardens.

The previous owners renovated the whole home meticulously and faithfully, right down to the hand-painted Ernest Batchelder tiles, which were restored or replaced with originals sourced from collectors.

Following Kraft's tenure at the home, it was later owned by legendary American football player Lee Artoe and his wife, Elaine, who sold the home in 2007. The property most recently changed hands for just under $2.8 million (£2.2m) in April 2024.

McDonald's headquarters, California, USA

This 554-acre (224ha) ranch near Santa Barbara, California was once the headquarters of arguably the world's most iconic fast food chain, McDonald's.

According to data gathering platform Statista, McDonald's was the second-highest valued restaurant brand in the world in 2024, with a brand value of $38 billion (£30bn), only coming second to Starbucks. Not bad for a company founded in 1955. So, where did it all begin and how did this unique HQ come to be?

Ray Kroc

In 1954, travelling salesman Ray Kroc visited a small restaurant in San Bernardino, California run by the McDonald brothers. Kroc was so impressed by its streamlined menu and speedy service that he based his franchise business on their model and called it McDonald’s System, Inc.

In 1955, Kroc opened the first McDonald’s east of the Mississippi River and by 1961, he owned the company outright. When the fast-food giant went public on the stock market, Kroc became an overnight millionaire.

McDonald's headquarters: the hamburger home

Kroc snapped up this Californian ranch in 1966, a decade after taking control of the McDonald's franchise, naming it the J and R Double Arch Ranch. He paid just $600,000 – the equivalent of around $5.8 million (£4.6m) today – for the place, and moved in with his second wife, Jane.

The estate's most famous feature is its grand, circular home, which was built in the early 1970s, after Ray married his third wife, Joan. The property's rotund shape is rather fitting and locals fondly refer to the building as the hamburger.

McDonald's headquarters: a state-of-the-art research facility

The property sits atop a small hill on the estate and Kroc spent years turning it into a research facility where new McDonald's recipes could be cooked up. The home doubled as a holiday retreat for Kroc and the other McDonald’s executives – that's not a bad company perk!

Inside, the property boasts gorgeous architectural features, including a central firepit, soaring ceiling and carved support beams. Its glass walls allow for 360-degree views across the landscape outside.

McDonald's headquarters: birthplace of the McNugget

Now known as the Knoll House, the home hosted the think tank where the Egg McMuffin and Chicken McNugget were born, according to the LA Times,

Yet the round house isn't the only building on the estate. There's also the Golden Arches Lodge (pictured here), which spans 17,000 square feet (1,579sqm) and boasts a stunning main living room with a 28-foot-high (8.5m) ceiling.

McDonald's headquarters: changing hands

Seven more units, including a library, test kitchen and gym make up the estate.

Sadly, Kroc passed away in 1984 and Joan tried to donate the estate to the Ronald McDonald House charity to develop a camp for sick children, but the plan never came to fruition. It was later bought by Gerald Kessler, the owner of Nature's Plus Vitamins.

As reported by TopTenRealEstateDeals.com, the property was listed for sale in 2020 for $29 million (£22.9m) and relisted in September 2021, priced at $26.9 million (£21.2m). It was last on the market in 2023 for a heavily discounted $18 million (£14.2m).

Campbell's soup heir mansion, Pennsylvania, USA

This enchanting 32-acre (13ha) estate in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania was once owned by the Dorrance family of Campbell Soup Company fame. It features an amazing French Norman-style main residence, several guest houses, staff quarters, enchanting courtyards, rolling pastures, formal gardens and numerous outdoor pools.

Let's find out more about the Dorrances and their spectacular estate...

John T. Dorrance

The Campbell Soup Company started life in 1869 with the partnership of wholesale vegetable vendor Joseph Campbell and commercial canner Abraham Anderson. In 1894, Arthur Dorrance succeeded Joseph as company president and three years later Arthur's nephew, John T. Dorrance, invented condensed soup – something that the company is still known for today.

Thanks to John's success, Forbes named the Dorrance clan America's 23rd richest family in 2024, with a net worth of $17 billion (£13.4bn).

Campbell's soup heir mansion: the family seat

It was at this lavish historic home, known as Linden Hill, that the Dorrance family raised their children. The house dates back to 1930 and was purchased in the 1950s by John T. Dorrance Jr, son of John T. Dorrance Sr. The estate remained in the family until the 1990s.

Campbell's soup heir mansion: beautiful period features

Step inside and the true beauty of the home is revealed. The 14,467-square-foot (1,344sqm) main house boasts historic rooms featuring gorgeous period features combined with 21st-century amenities.

The house was designed between 1928 and 1931 by Edmund B. Gilchrist for stockbroker Rodman Ellison Griscom and no expense was spared in its construction. There are grand-scale formal rooms for entertaining and cosy, intimate spaces for quiet family time.

Campbell's soup heir mansion: sprawling interior

Across the estate, you'll find 14 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a formal living room and dining room, a large gourmet kitchen, a library and a lofted lounge that would make for the perfect home office.

Outside, there are plenty of amenities too including tennis courts, a 10-car garage, a multi-stall horse barn and a woodwork shop.

Campbell's soup heir mansion: passing the mantle

Yet the estate's most unique feature has to be this one-of-a-kind, turreted chicken coup in the grounds.

In 1992, the Dorrances sold the home to Robert Burch, the former brother-in-law of fashion designer Tory Burch. The Burch family placed the property on the market in 2013 for $24.5 million (£19.2m) and relisted it numerous times over the following decade with no luck, as reported by TopTenRealEstateDeals.com.

However, in the summer of 2024, the estate, which had been split into two parcels, was finally sold at auction. A local buyer is said to have purchased both lots and intends to use the property as a family home.

In-N-Out Burger mansion, California, USA

Lynsi Snyder became the majority owner of the popular American fast food chain In-N-Out Burger at the age of 35, an inheritance that came with a billionaire's bank account. According to Forbes, the entrepreneur is worth $7.4 billion (£5.8bn) as of 2024.

With her wealth, Snyder snapped up this sprawling estate located about 30 minutes northeast of downtown Los Angeles for $17.4 million (£13.7m) in 2012. So, how did her fortune come to be?

Harry and Esther Snyder

The history of In-N-Out Burger is fascinating. After serving in the Second World War, founder Harry Snyder met his future wife Esther working in a Seattle catering kitchen. Eager to return to his hometown of Baldwin Park, Los Angeles, Harry persuaded Esther to move and start a restaurant. In 1948, their dream came to life with the opening of In-N-Out, a modest 10-square-foot eatery across from Harry’s childhood home.

By night, Harry devised a groundbreaking idea: a two-way intercom and pick-up window, letting customers order and receive food without leaving their cars. Californians embraced the drive-thru innovation, and under Harry’s creativity and Esther’s careful management of the accounts, the tiny burger stand steadily gained popularity.

Lynsi Snyder

Sadly, Snyder's father and uncle, both previous company presidents, died young. So by 2000, Snyder became the last family heir when she was just 18. In 2017, on her 35th birthday, she received the final portion of her inheritance and the controlling stake in the company.

Over the years the company grew under her leadership and in December 2023, the 400th store opened its doors.

In-N-Out Burger mansion: a magnificent trophy home

Since gaining ownership, Snyder has expanded In-N-Out by more than 80 locations, proving that she's definitely taking a hands-on role in the job.

And what better way to reward yourself for your hard work, than with an incredible mansion in the heart of Los Angeles? The 4.2-acre (1.7ha) property features a stunning main residence, a guest house, a six-car garage, a pool cabana and a recreation centre. Let's take a look inside...

In-N-Out Burger mansion: Mediterranean-inspired interior

Shown in images shared by TopTenRealEstateDeals.com, the grand 18,687-square-foot (1,736sqm) Mediterranean-inspired property is truly spectacular.

Step through the front door and you'll find yourself in a huge, double-height entrance foyer, decorated with a Cinderella staircase, sleek marble floor and statement chandelier. The hallway leads through to numerous formal living rooms, decorated with French doors, European fireplaces and hardwood floors.

In-N-Out Burger mansion: palatial master suite

In total, the estate has 11 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms, but the master suite is well and truly the home's crowning glory. The space has its own lounge, walk-in closet, ensuite and private balcony overlooking the garden.

Other highlights include the home's billiards room, movie theatre and 3,400-square-foot (316sqm) recreation centre, which could be used as a ballroom, dance studio or batting cage.

In-N-Out Burger mansion, California, USA

The home also has three kitchens: a large chef's kitchen, a prep kitchen and this cool indoor-outdoor cooking area that's perfect for making the most of the Californian climate.

The resort-like backyard benefits from panoramic views of the city and features manicured gardens, water features, an infinity-edge pool, alfresco dining spaces, a private golf course and a basketball court.

In December 2021, Snyder sold the home for just under $16.3 million (£12.9m).

Colonel Sanders' long-time estate, Kentucky, USA

This sprawling estate in Shelbyville, Kentucky was the long-time residence of Colonel Sanders, the man behind everyone's favourite fried chicken outlet, KFC.

As well as boasting a lovely private home, the three-acre (1.2ha) estate also features an amazing 25,000-square-foot (2,323sqm) restaurant and banquet hall, which Sanders created for his wife, Claudia Sanders, back in 1959. Let's take a look at how KFC came to dominate the fast-food market...

Colonel Harland David Sanders

Colonel Sanders is one of the world's most recognisable faces. The grandfather of fast food had many jobs before he launched KFC – he was a steamboat pilot and a farmer – but in 1930 he bought a roadside motel in Corbin, Kentucky and began serving his southern-style chicken. In 1939, he perfected his recipe, which is still used today, and in 1952, the first KFC franchise opened near Salt Lake City.

In 1964, Sanders sold the company for $2 million – the equivalent of $20.4 million (£16.1m) in 2024 – and today it's valued at $6.7 billion (£5.3bn), according to Statista.

Colonel Sanders' long-time estate: a home and a business

During his time owning the world's second-largest restaurant chain (after McDonald's), Colonel Sanders clearly made a reasonable amount of money. He used his wealth to buy a historic home, which was constructed in 1866.

He then set about creating a huge restaurant on the same lot named the Claudia Sanders Dinner House after his wife, which is still in operation today. Pictured here in a YouTube tour captured when the estate was last on the market, the eatery and house sit next to one another with a large car park in between.

Colonel Sanders' long-time estate: steeped in heritage charm

The house, known as Blackwood Hall, was the primary residence of Colonel and Claudia Sanders for more than 25 years, from 1959 to 1984.

The 5,000-square-foot (465sqm) building still retains much of its original period charm, including its sweeping timber staircase, wood floors, grand chandeliers and intricate woodwork. The front door opens into a unique entrance hall, decorated with bold wallpaper and gilded furnishings.

Colonel Sanders' long-time estate: filled with personal belongings

The hall flows through to a living room, formal dining room, traditional kitchen and a music room with mirrored walls. While we don't know how many bedrooms the house has, we're sure they're all as charming as the rest of the interior.

The home also still harbours some of the couple's personal belongings, including Sanders' original Kentucky Colonel certificate – the highest honour awarded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky – a Happy Birthday letter from President Nixon, Sanders’ monogrammed bible, his money clip and wristwatch.

Colonel Sanders' long-time estate: in search of a buyer

Meanwhile, the restaurant offers an expansive commercial space. Spanning 25,000 square feet (2,323sqm), it offers countless dining areas spread across two floors, as well as a huge commercial kitchen, restrooms and a gift shop.

Both properties were listed for sale in 2022 for $9 million (£7.1m), before being reduced to $4.9 million (£3.9m) in spring 2023, but the estate is no longer for sale.