The global fast food industry is booming, with IBISWorld reporting a market size of $1.1tr in 2024.
In the U.S. alone, the average family now spends around 10% of their income on fast food, highlighting how deeply embedded these brands are in our daily lives.
From early-morning coffee stops to midnight snack runs, the world’s largest chains influence how – and what – we eat.
But behind the convenience lies a rapidly evolving industry. Traditional static menu boards are no longer keeping pace with changing consumer expectations and operational demands.
Fast food brands today are facing challenges like rising ingredient costs, frequent menu updates, and the need for dynamic pricing or localization.
To adapt, many have embraced digital menu boards, which allow them to instantly update offerings, feature high-impact visuals, promote best-selling items, and personalize the in-store experience.
This shift isn’t just cosmetic – it’s a strategic move that enhances customer engagement, reduces printing costs, and improves upselling potential.
Paired with efficient restaurant POS system, restaurants can better manage high-volume orders, streamline payments, and create a smoother overall customer experience – even during peak hours.
In this dynamic and competitive environment, some brands are not just surviving – they’re leading the industry through innovation, scale, and customer insight. Using data from QSR Magazine’s 2024 rankings and other industry reports, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 top fast food chains in the world, based on global sales, number of locations, and international reach.
| Company | Number of Locations | Global Sales | Country of Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company: Mixue Ice Cream & Tea | Number of Locations: 45,302 | Global Sales: $1.89 billion | Country of Origin: China |
| Company: McDonald's | Number of Locations: 41,822 | Global Sales: $23.2 billion | Country of Origin: United States |
| Company: Starbucks | Number of Locations: 40,199 | Global Sales: $32.3 billion | Country of Origin: United States |
| Company: Subway | Number of Locations: 37,000 | Global Sales: $16.1 billion | Country of Origin: United States |
| Company: KFC | Number of Locations: 30,000+ | Global Sales: $31.3 billion | Country of Origin: United States |
| Company: Luckin Coffee | Number of Locations: 22,340 | Global Sales: $1.85 billion | Country of Origin: China |
| Company: Domino's | Number of Locations: 20,591 | Global Sales: $12.9 billion | Country of Origin: United States |
| Company: Burger King | Number of Locations: 19,384 | Global Sales: $23.4 billion | Country of Origin: United States |
| Company: Pizza Hut | Number of Locations: 18,866 | Global Sales: $17.7 billion | Country of Origin: United States |
| Company: Dunkin' Donuts | Number of Locations: 14,000 | Global Sales: $1.37 billion | Country of Origin: United States |
| Company: Taco Bell | Number of Locations: 8,218 | Global Sales: $13.2 billion | Country of Origin: United States |
| Company: Hunt Brothers Pizza | Number of Locations: 8000 | Global Sales: $0.17 billion | Country of Origin: United States |
| Company: Wendy's | Number of Locations: 7,166 | Global Sales: $12.5 billion | Country of Origin: United States |
| Company: Dairy Queen | Number of Locations: 6,800 | Global Sales: $5.0 billion | Country of Origin: United States |
| Company: Papa John's | Number of Locations: 5,650 | Global Sales: $2.0 billion | Country of Origin: United States |
Who’s Winning the Fast Food Race? The Leaders by Number of Stores
This chart compares the top 15 largest fast food chains worldwide based on the number of global store locations.
Mixue Ice Cream & Tea leads with 45,000 stores, followed closely by McDonald’s and Starbucks. The graph highlights the massive scale of these brands and shows how chains from different regions dominate the global food service landscape.
Serving More, Earning More? Fast Food Chains by Revenue
This chart ranks the world’s leading fast food chains by their annual revenue.
Starbucks leads the pack with $32.3 billion, followed by McDonald’s and KFC. While some brands like Mixue Ice Cream & Tea have high store counts, their revenue trails significantly behind, revealing that more stores doesn’t always mean more earnings.
The graph highlights the financial powerhouses dominating the fast food industry across the globe.
Ever wondered what makes the world’s biggest fast food chains so successful? In this section, we dive deep into each of the top brands – exploring where they started, what they’re best known for, and how they’ve expanded globally.
For each brand, we break down key insights including:
- Country of origin
- Top 3 best-selling menu items
- Total global store count
- Annual revenue
- Overseas vs. domestic store locations
- Franchise vs. company-owned store mix
- Total number of employees
This comprehensive overview reveals how these fast food giants operate, what fuels their growth, and how they compare in scale and strategy across different regions.
1. Mixue Ice Cream & Tea
- China
Mixue Ice Cream & Tea, a Chinese fast-food chain specializing in affordable ice cream and tea-based beverages, has rapidly expanded to over 45,302 locations worldwide, surpassing industry giants like McDonald’s and Starbucks to become the world’s largest fast-food chain by store count.
Signature items
- Lucky Sundaes
- Mi-shakes
- Mango Pomelo Taro
- Number of Locations: 45302
- Annual Revenue: $1.89 billion
- Overseas Locations: 4,800
- Domestic Locations: 40502
- Franchise: 44848
- Company-Owned Mix: 454
- Employee Count: 500,000
Mixue Ice Cream & Tea was founded in 1997 by Zhang Hongchao as a humble street stall in Zhengzhou, selling shaved ice and cold drinks.
In 2003, he opened a new location in an abandoned aluminum factory near a school, where the affordable prices and student-friendly vibe helped build a loyal customer base.
As the business gained momentum, Mixue began franchising in 2007—laying the foundation for what would become one of the world’s largest fast-food chains by number of locations.
2. McDonald's
- United States
McDonald’s is the second-largest fast food chain in the world by number of locations, with a strong presence in over 100 countries. Despite that, it remains the number one fast food chain in the United States, known for its iconic burgers, fries, and golden arches.
Signature items
- Big Mac
- French Fries
- McNuggets
- Number of Locations: 41,822
- Annual Revenue: $23.2 billion
- Overseas Locations: 28,365
- Domestic Locations: 13,457
- Franchise: 38894
- Company-Owned Mix: 2928
- Employee Count: 2,000,000
The story of McDonald’s begins in 1940, when brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald opened a small drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino, California.
Originally a humble hamburger stand, their business model emphasized speed, efficiency, and simplicity—principles that would become the cornerstone of fast food as we know it today.
By 1948, the brothers had revolutionized their kitchen with what they called the “Speedee Service System,” introducing an assembly-line approach to food preparation.
This innovation allowed them to deliver consistent, affordable meals faster than any of their competitors, drawing long lines of hungry customers.
In 1954, a milkshake machine salesman named Ray Kroc visited the McDonald brothers’ restaurant and saw massive potential. Impressed by their concept, Kroc joined the business and opened the first McDonald’s franchise in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1955.
Just a few years later, he bought exclusive rights to the McDonald’s name and expanded the chain aggressively across the United States and then the globe.
Today, McDonald’s operates over 41,822 restaurants in more than 100 countries, serving over 69 million customers every single day. While it’s best known for iconic menu items like the Big Mac and French fries, its influence runs far deeper than burgers and shakes.
In fact, McDonald’s is also one of the world’s largest real estate companies. The corporation owns about 70% of the buildings its restaurants occupy and nearly 45% of the land beneath them, leasing these assets to its franchisees. This strategic model generates stable income through rent while reducing direct operational risk—a big reason for its sustained financial strength.
What started as a single roadside stand in California has evolved into a symbol of American business ingenuity and global fast food culture. McDonald’s remains not just a restaurant chain, but a powerhouse in retail, real estate, franchising, and branding.
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3. Starbucks
- United States
Starbucks stands as the third-largest fast food chain globally by number of locations, operating 40,199 stores across 80+ countries. In the United States, it holds the second position, just behind McDonald’s, with approximately 17,000 outlets nationwide
Signature items
- Caramel Macchiato
- Espresso
- Caramel Drizzle
- Number of Locations: 40,199
- Annual Revenue: $32.3 billion
- Overseas Locations: 21,655
- Domestic Locations: 18,544
- Company-Operated: 17,684
- licensed : 22511
- Employee Count: 381,000
Starbucks began its journey in 1971 as a single store in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, founded by three partners-Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker.
Originally, the company didn’t even sell brewed coffee. It specialized in selling high-quality coffee beans, equipment, and accessories for brewing at home.
The name “Starbucks” was inspired by the classic novel Moby-Dick, evoking the seafaring tradition of coffee trading.
The turning point came in 1982, when Howard Schultz joined the company.
After a trip to Italy, Schultz was inspired by the café culture he experienced there and envisioned Starbucks as more than a retail bean store – he saw it as a place where people could gather, relax, and enjoy premium coffee.
Though his idea initially faced resistance, Schultz eventually bought the company in 1987 and began transforming it into the espresso bar concept we know today.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Starbucks expanded rapidly across the United States and internationally.
It became synonymous with a modern, urban coffeehouse experience. Offering everything from lattes to frappuccinos, Starbucks cultivated a lifestyle brand around quality, community, and comfort. Its green siren logo became iconic, representing not just coffee, but a global café culture.
Today, Starbucks is the third-largest fast food chain in the world by number of stores, with over 40,199 stores across 80+ countries.
New Starbucks menu Photographer: Leslie Patton/Bloomberg
4. Subway
- United States
Subway, one of the largest fast food chains in the world, operates over 37,000 stores across more than 100 countries. Famous for its made-to-order submarine sandwiches, Subway built its global success on offering fresh, customizable meals at affordable prices. Its massive footprint and health-conscious appeal continue to make it a go-to choice for quick, satisfying food.
Signature items
- Turkey Breast sandwich
- Italian B.M.T.
- Tuna Sandwich
- Number of Locations: 37,000
- Annual Revenue: $16.1 billion
- Overseas Locations: 16,544
- Domestic Locations: 20,456
- Franchise: 37,000
- Employee Count: 410,000
Subway began its journey in 1965, when 17-year-old Fred DeLuca borrowed $1,000 from a family friend, Dr. Peter Buck, to open a small sandwich shop in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The goal? Help Fred pay for medical school.
What started as a single shop called “Pete’s Super Submarines” quickly gained popularity for its freshly made, affordable subs. A few years later, it was rebranded as Subway, and the founders decided to scale using the franchise model.
Fast forward to today, Subway has grown into one of the world’s largest restaurant chains, with over 37,000 locations across more than 100 countries.
This tremendous global presence places it among the biggest restaurant chains ever built—thanks largely to its franchise-first business model, allowing thousands of local entrepreneurs to run Subway outlets under a globally recognized brand.
Subway’s menu is centered on fresh, customizable meals, and its best-selling item worldwide is the Turkey Breast sandwich, followed by the Italian B.M.T. and the Tuna sub.
The Business Model Behind Subway’s Global Dominance:
🏪 Franchise-Driven: Over 99% of locations are franchise-operated, enabling rapid and cost-effective expansion.
🌍 Localized Flexibility: While it retains core items, Subway tailors its offerings to local tastes in international markets.
🍽 Customization at Scale: Its assembly-line setup empowers customers to build their sandwiches exactly how they want—perfect for modern dining preferences.
📊 Efficient Store Design: Smaller footprint stores and simplified operations help keep costs low and consistency high across global markets.
From a modest sandwich counter to one of the world’s biggest restaurant chains, Subway’s journey is proof that simple ideas, when backed by smart execution and a customer-first approach, can truly go global.
5. KFC
- United States
KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) is one of the largest fast food chains in the world, with over 30,000+ stores globally. Known for its signature 11 herbs and spices, KFC’s crispy fried chicken has become a global favorite and a staple in quick-service dining.
Signature items
- Original Recipe Fried Chicken
- Zinger Burger
- Popcorn Chicken
- Number of Locations: 30000+
- Annual Revenue: $31.3 billion
- Overseas Locations: 25,853
- Domestic Locations: 4,147
- Franchise: 29,400
- Company-Owned Mix: 600
- Employee Count: 800,000
In the midst of the Great Depression, Harland Sanders began serving meals to travelers at his gas station in Corbin, Kentucky.
By 1936, his establishment had gained such popularity that he was honored with the title of “Colonel” by the governor of Kentucky. In 1940, Sanders finalized his “Original Recipe” of 11 herbs and spices, a secret blend that would become the cornerstone of his brand.
Recognizing the potential of franchising, Sanders opened the first KFC franchise in 1952 in Salt Lake City, Utah. By 1963, KFC had expanded to 600 locations, making it the largest fast-food operation in the United States at the time.
KFC’s unique selling proposition lies in its secret recipe, which offers a distinctive and delicious taste that keeps customers coming back.
The combination of herbs and spices used in the recipe creates a flavor that is bold and unforgettable. Additionally, KFC emphasizes the use of quality ingredients and cooking techniques, such as pressure frying, to ensure that its chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Today, KFC operates over 30,000 restaurants in more than 150 countries, with a significant presence in markets like China, where it boasts over 10,000 outlets.
Its success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its unique product offering, consistent quality, and strategic global expansion.
6. Luckin Coffee
- China
Luckin Coffee is one of China’s fastest-growing coffee chains, known for its tech-driven approach and affordable, high-quality beverages. Founded in 2017, it has quickly become a major competitor in China’s coffee market, operating thousands of stores nationwide and challenging global giants like Starbucks.
Signature items
- Raw Coconut Latte
- Velvet Latte
- Big Cheesy Latte
- Number of Locations: 22,340
- Annual Revenue: $1.85 billion
- Overseas Locations: 2,340
- Domestic Locations: 20,000
- Partnership: 8,499
- Company-Owned Mix: 15,598
- Employee Count: 84,191
Luckin Coffee, founded in 2017 in Beijing, quickly grew to become China’s second-largest coffee chain by leveraging a tech-driven, app-first model focused on convenience, affordability, and rapid expansion through small, pickup-oriented stores.
By offering high-quality coffee at lower prices than Starbucks, combined with a seamless mobile ordering and delivery experience, Luckin tapped into China’s digitally savvy, fast-paced urban consumers.
Their success comes from heavy use of data analytics, aggressive promotions, and localizing products to fit Chinese tastes, making specialty coffee accessible and popular among millennials and Gen Z.
This innovative approach disrupted Starbucks’ dominance, meeting evolving consumer preferences and pandemic-driven demand for contactless service, which fueled Luckin’s explosive growth and strong brand loyalty across China.
7. Domino's Pizza
- United States
Domino’s Pizza is the world’s largest pizza chain, known for its fast delivery and tech-driven ordering system. As of 2025, it operates over 20,591 stores across more than 90 countries. The brand leads the global pizza market with a strong focus on convenience and innovation.
Signature items
- Pepperoni Pizza
- Margherita Pizza
- Supreme Pizza
- Number of Locations: 20,591
- Annual Revenue: $12.9 billion
- Overseas Locations: 13,000
- Domestic Locations: 7,591
- Franchise: 20,301
- Company-Owned Mix: 290
- Employee Count: 45,700
In 1960, two brothers, Tom and James Monaghan, bought a small pizza store in Ypsilanti, Michigan, for just $900. Soon after, Tom took over the business alone and renamed it Domino’s Pizza.
His vision was simple but bold: deliver hot, delicious pizza faster than anyone else. With a focus on speed, consistency, and a strong delivery system, Domino’s quickly gained popularity — and by the 1980s, it was expanding across the U.S. and beyond.
Today, Domino’s is the biggest pizza chain in the world, with over 21,000 stores in more than 90 countries.
Its success comes from a smart franchise-driven model – over 97% of its stores are run by local entrepreneurs – combined with cutting-edge technology that makes ordering and delivery fast, easy, and reliable.
Domino’s didn’t just build a pizza brand; it built a delivery-first empire that redefined how people eat pizza globally.
From a single store to a global powerhouse, Domino’s story is one of innovation, speed, and relentless focus on customer convenience.
8. Burger King
- United States
Burger King is the second-largest burger chain in the world, known for its flame-grilled Whoppers and global presence. As of 2025, it operates over 19,384 restaurants across more than 100 countries, serving millions daily.
Signature items
- Whopper
- French Fries
- Whopper Jr.
- Number of Locations: 19,384
- Annual Revenue: $23.4 billion
- Overseas Locations: 12,357
- Domestic Locations: 7,027
- Franchise: 19,234
- Company-Owned Mix: 150
- Employee Count: 110,000
Burger King’s story began in 1954 in Miami, Florida, when James McLamore and David Edgerton opened the first restaurant with a vision to serve high-quality, affordable burgers quickly.
Just a year later, they introduced the Whopper, which became their signature product and a bold challenger to McDonald’s classic offerings. As the brand expanded, Burger King adopted a flame-grilling method that set it apart in both flavor and marketing.
Today, Burger King is the second-largest burger chain in the world, with over 19,384 restaurants in more than 100 countries.
Its business model is built on a franchise-heavy strategy, with over 99% of its stores operated by local franchisees, enabling rapid global growth with localized appeal.
Burger King has embraced bold, edgy marketing and menu innovation to stand out – from plant-based Whoppers to creative ad campaigns targeting McDonald’s directly.
In its fierce rivalry with McDonald’s, Burger King positions itself as the rebel brand – emphasizing taste, flame-grilling, and value – while staying agile and culturally relevant.
Its success comes from blending iconic branding with flexible franchise growth and a willingness to challenge the norm.
9. Pizza Hut
- United States
Pizza Hut is a global pizza chain with over 18,866 restaurants in more than 110 countries, making it one of the second largest pizza chains worldwide. While Domino’s Pizza holds the title of the world’s largest pizza chain by revenue and number of stores.
Signature items
- Pepperoni Lover's Pizza
- Cheesy Bites Pizza
- Traditional Wings
- Number of Locations: 18,866
- Annual Revenue: $17.7 billion
- Overseas Locations: 12,127
- Domestic Locations: 6,739
- Franchise: 18,677
- Company-Owned Mix: 189
- Employee Count: 350,000
Pizza Hut, founded in 1958 by brothers Dan and Frank Carney in Wichita, Kansas, began with a $600 loan from their mother and a vision to bring pizza to the American mainstream.
Their first restaurant quickly gained popularity, leading to the opening of six outlets within a year. By 1959, they started franchising, and the brand expanded rapidly, becoming a household name.
Over the decades, Pizza Hut introduced several innovations that set it apart. Notably, in 1995, they launched the Stuffed Crust Pizza, which became a significant hit and influenced pizza offerings industry-wide.
The brand also embraced technology early on, introducing online ordering in the 1990s.
Today, Pizza Hut operates over 18,866 restaurants across more than 110 countries, making it one of the largest pizza chains globally.
Its business model primarily relies on franchising, with approximately 99% of its outlets operated by franchisees.
This approach has facilitated rapid international expansion and localized menu adaptations to cater to diverse tastes.
In the competitive landscape, Pizza Hut differentiates itself from rivals like Domino’s through its diverse menu offerings, including pasta, wings, and desserts, and a focus on dine-in experiences in many markets.
While Domino’s emphasizes delivery efficiency, Pizza Hut leverages its broad menu and restaurant ambiance to attract a varied customer base.
Pizza Hut’s commitment to innovation, franchising, and customer experience has solidified its position as a leader in the global pizza industry.
10. Dunkin' Donuts
- United States
Dunkin’ Donuts – now simply known as Dunkin’ has grown into one of the world’s largest coffee and donut chains. As of 2024, the brand boasts over 14,000 locations across 39 countries, offering a wide array of coffee beverages, donuts, bagels, and breakfast sandwiches.
Signature items
- Iced Coffee
- Boston Kreme Donut
- Sourdough Breakfast Sandwich
- Number of Locations: 14,000+
- Annual Revenue: $1.37 billion
- Overseas Locations: 4,170
- Domestic Locations: 9,830
- Franchise: 14,000
- Employee Count: 250,000
Dunkin’ began its journey in 1948 when founder Bill Rosenberg opened a small coffee and donut shop called “Open Kettle” in Quincy, Massachusetts.
Recognizing that customers loved to dunk their donuts into coffee, he rebranded the shop as Dunkin’ Donuts in 1950. By 1955, the company began franchising, setting the stage for rapid expansion.
Today, Dunkin’ stands as one of the largest fast food chains in the world, boasting over 14,000 restaurants across nearly 40 global markets . The brand’s growth has been fueled by its commitment to quality, affordability, and innovation.
A significant driver of Dunkin’s success has been its focus on beverages. While donuts remain iconic, coffee has become the key growth engine, with the company selling billions of cups annually.
Innovations like the introduction of Munchkins® in 1972, Coolatta® frozen beverages in the late 1990s, and a variety of breakfast sandwiches have diversified the menu and attracted a broader customer base.
In 2018, Dunkin’ underwent a significant rebranding, dropping “Donuts” from its name to emphasize its beverage offerings and modernize its image.
This move signaled the company’s evolution from a traditional donut shop to a contemporary, beverage-led brand.
Through strategic franchising, menu innovation, and cultural adaptability, Dunkin’ has transformed from a single shop in Massachusetts to a global powerhouse, solidifying its position among the world’s leading fast food chains.
11. Taco Bell
- United States
Taco Bell is one of the biggest fast food chains for tacos in the world, with over 8,218 store across more than 30 countries. Known for its bold flavors, affordable menu, and unique Tex-Mex creations, it’s a must-try for taco lovers seeking quick, craveable meals with a twist.
Signature items
- Crunchy Taco
- Crunchwrap Supreme
- Cheesy Gordita Crunch
- Number of Locations: 8,218
- Annual Revenue: $13.2 billion
- Overseas Locations: 1,246
- Domestic Locations: 6,972
- Franchise: 7,730
- Company-Owned Mix: 488
- Employee Count: 260,000
Taco Bell began its journey in 1962 when Glen Bell opened the first location in Downey, California, inspired by the popularity of Mexican-style food.
What started as a single taco stand evolved into one of the biggest fast food chains in the world specializing in Mexican-inspired cuisine.
The turning point came in the 1980s and 1990s when Taco Bell focused on value-driven innovations like the “value menu” and introduced now-iconic items such as the Crunchwrap Supreme, Doritos Locos Tacos, and the Quesarito – all of which became best-sellers and propelled massive growth.
As of 2025, Taco Bell operates over 8,218 stores globally, including more than 1,246 outlets outside the United States.
Their global expansion strategy, bold marketing, and inventive menu combinations make them a leader in the fast-food taco category.
What truly sets Taco Bell apart is its commitment to innovation, limited-time offers, and menu mashups that keep fans coming back.
Unlike traditional fast food chains, Taco Bell has built a loyal youth culture around creativity, affordability, and crave-worthy flavors-cementing its place as the go-to brand for tacos worldwide.
12. Hunt Brothers Pizza
- United States
Hunt Brothers Pizza is one of the best pizza food chains in the USA, known for its unique convenience store model. The brand rapidly expanded by partnering with convenience stores and gas stations instead of traditional standalone outlets. Today, Hunt Brothers Pizza has over 8,000 locations across the U.S., making it one of the most widespread pizza brands in the country
Signature items
- Original Crust Pepperoni Pizza
- Meat Lover's Pizza
- Loaded Pizza
- Number of Locations: 8,000
- Annual Revenue: $0.17 billion
- Franchise: 8,000
- Employee Count: 30,000
Hunt Brothers Pizza began its journey in 1991 in Nashville, Tennessee, as a family-owned business focused on providing quality, made-to-order pizzas to convenience stores.
Founded by the Hunt family, their vision was to bring fresh, hot pizza into places where customers could easily grab a quick meal on the go-starting with just a handful of locations.
What truly set Hunt Brothers Pizza apart and helped it become the biggest pizza food chain in USA is its innovative business model.
Rather than operating traditional dine-in restaurants, Hunt Brothers partnered directly with convenience stores and other small retailers across the country.
This allowed them to expand rapidly without the massive overhead of standalone restaurants.
The business model works by supplying convenience stores with pizza-making equipment, ingredients, and training, enabling stores to produce fresh, made-to-order pizzas on-site.
This turnkey approach benefits both the stores and Hunt Brothers: convenience stores attract more customers with fresh pizza, while Hunt Brothers gains extensive national reach.
Thanks to this strategy, the company now boasts over 8,000 locations in more than 30 states.
In summary, Hunt Brothers Pizza’s success stems from its ability to deliver quality pizzas through a scalable, partnership-driven model, making it the biggest pizza food chain in USA by location count and a household name in convenience-store pizza.
13. Wendy's
- United States
Wendy’s has become renowned for its fresh, never frozen beef patties and the iconic Frosty dessert. The brand gained widespread attention with its memorable 1984 advertising campaign featuring the catchphrase “Where’s the beef? Wendy’s operates approximately 7,166 locations worldwide, making it the third-largest hamburger fast-food chain globally, following McDonald’s and Burger King
Signature items
- Hot & Crispy Fries
- Baconator
- Chicken Nuggets
- Number of Locations: 7,166
- Annual Revenue: $12.5 billion
- Overseas Locations: 1,156
- Domestic Locations: 6,010
- Franchise: 6,751
- Company-Owned Mix: 415
- Employee Count: 14,500
Wendy’s story began in 1969, when Dave Thomas opened the first restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, with a simple but bold vision: serve fresh, high-quality fast food made with real ingredients.
Unlike many competitors of the time who used frozen patties, Dave insisted on using fresh, never frozen beef, setting Wendy’s apart right from the start.
What really helped Wendy’s explode in popularity was its unique square-shaped hamburger patties – a clever design that ensured every bite had a hearty, meaty texture and made their burgers instantly recognizable.
Coupled with fresh, hand-cut vegetables and their signature Frosty dessert, Wendy’s created a menu that was both comforting and crave-worthy.
But Wendy’s didn’t stop there. They built a brand around quality, honesty, and innovation, which resonated deeply with customers.
Their memorable “Where’s the beef?” advertising campaign in the 1980s put them in the spotlight and reinforced their commitment to big, juicy burgers.
Today, Wendy’s stands proudly as one of the biggest fast food chains in the world, with thousands of locations globally.
What keeps customers coming back is not just the taste, but the experience – the fresh ingredients, friendly service, and consistent quality that feel a little more genuine than your typical fast-food joint.
In short, Wendy’s isn’t just serving food; they’re serving a legacy of quality and trust that has made them a beloved name in the fast food world.
14. Dairy Queen
- United States
Dairy Queen (DQ) is a renowned American fast-food and ice cream chain, celebrated for its signature soft-serve treats and iconic Blizzards. DQ has grown into a global brand with over 6,800 locations across more than 20 countries.
Signature items
- Oreo Blizzard
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Blizzard
- Number of Locations: 6,800
- Annual Revenue: $5.0 billion
- Overseas Locations: 2,531
- Domestic Locations: 4,269
- Franchise: 6,730
- Company-Owned Mix: 70
- Employee Count: 31,000
Founded in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois, DQ has grown into a global brand with over 7,700 locations across more than 20 countries, including a strong presence in the United States and China .
What sets Dairy Queen apart is its commitment to quality and innovation in frozen desserts.
The introduction of the Blizzard in 1985-a thick, blended soft-serve treat with various mix-ins-revolutionized the ice cream industry and remains a fan favorite to this day .
Additionally, DQ’s practice of serving Blizzards upside down to demonstrate their thickness has become a unique trademark.
Beyond desserts, Dairy Queen offers a diverse menu that includes burgers, hot dogs, and chicken strips, catering to a wide range of tastes.
Their ability to blend classic offerings with regional specialties, such as the Texas-exclusive “BeltBuster” burger, showcases their adaptability and appeal to local markets .
As a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, led by Warren Buffett, Dairy Queen continues to thrive as a beloved brand in the fast-food industry, known for its nostalgic charm and commitment to customer satisfaction.
15. Papa John's
- United States
Papa Johns is a leading American pizza chain renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation. With a simple mission: to deliver better pizza by using better ingredients. This philosophy propelled Papa Johns from a modest start in a broom closet to a global presence.
Signature items
- Cheese Pizza
- Pepperoni Pizza
- Pepperoni Thin Crust Pizza
- Number of Locations: 5,650
- Annual Revenue: $2.0 billion
- Overseas Locations: 2,506
- Domestic Locations: 3,144
- Franchise: 5,098
- Company-Owned Mix: 552
- Employee Count: 100,000
Founded in 1984 by John Schnatter in a small broom closet in Indiana, Papa Johns started with a simple idea: Better Ingredients. Better Pizza. That commitment to quality – from fresh, never-frozen dough to premium mozzarella – quickly set it apart.
The real breakthrough came in the late ’90s, as Papa Johns embraced online ordering early and expanded aggressively through franchising. This tech-forward mindset and focus on consistency fueled rapid growth.
Today, Papa Johns operates over 5,650 stores across 50+ countries, with around 2,506 international locations and a global workforce exceeding 100,000 employees (including franchise staff). About 91% of stores are franchised, allowing local entrepreneurs to thrive under its proven model.
In a competitive landscape dominated by Pizza Hut and Domino’s, Papa Johns stands out by sticking to its roots: premium ingredients, innovative offerings, and strong digital infrastructure – making it one of the biggest fast food chains in the world.
Final Thoughts: What the Biggest Fast Food Chains Teach Us
Exploring the top 15 biggest fast food chains in the world reveals more than just impressive store counts or revenue figures – it uncovers a blueprint for sustained success.
Whether it’s McDonald’s with over 40,000 locations or Papa Johns with its quality-first approach, these brands dominate by combining global scale, consistent signature items, smart franchise strategies, and a clear focus on customer experience.
From domestic growth to international expansion, from thousands of employees to billions in revenue, one thing is clear: these brands don’t just sell food – they build systems that scale, adapt, and connect with modern customers.
A major part of that evolution is the adoption of digital menu boards. Brands like Wendy’s, KFC, Subway, and Starbucks use digital displays to:
- Highlight promotions in real-time
- Speed up ordering with clear, dynamic visuals
- Adapt menus per location or time of day
- Reinforce branding and upsell visually appealing items
If you’re a growing or newly launched restaurant chain, there’s no better time to take advantage of this game-changing technology. At DotSignage, we offer a 7-day free trial of our professional digital menu board templates – inspired by the same visual strategies used by top global chains.
✅ Pre-designed layouts
✅ Easy customization
✅ Modern & engaging visuals
✅ Built for QSRs and franchises alike
Start your 7-day free trial today and bring your brand closer to the level of the world’s biggest names.
About Smit
Smit Nebhwani, a tech entrepreneur with over a decade of experience, specializes in building successful SaaS products. An authority in digital signage, he shares valuable industry insights through his content. In his free time, he enjoys music, traveling, and family time.
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