Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc. operates as a publicly traded corporation listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ARCO, meaning ultimate ownership is distributed among a diverse base of institutional mutual funds, investment management firms, and public retail shareholders. The company was originally founded by Woods Staton, who has historically maintained a significant controlling interest through holding structures. Corporate governance, strategic direction, and operational management are overseen by its Board of Directors and executive officers, allowing it to function as an independent public entity governed by shareholder votes and regulatory market standards.