Fast food consumption has been quickly increasing around the world. The fact that the global fast food industry has grown to be a billion-dollar industry is therefore not surprising. Fast-food restaurants are currently the most popular and frequently visited eateries worldwide as a result. One typical practice is eating fast food. It’s frequently the preferred choice whether you’re traveling by car or need a quick meal for supper because the day slipped away from you. The top ten largest fast-food chains in the world 2023 are listed below. The ranking is based on the number of locations (franchises) that each brand has globally.
10. Baskin-Robbins
- Locations Worldwide: ~ over 8,000
- Founded In: 1945
- Founded By: Burt Baskin, Irv Robbins
- Owner: Dunkin’ Brands, Inc.
- Headquarters: Massachusetts, USA
- Main Product: Ice cream
- Number Of Employees: ~ 21,00
The ice cream and cake specialty store Baskin-Robbins was established in Glendale, California, in 1945. it is tenth among the top ten largest fast-food chains in the world 2023. The company initially supplied a new flavor for every day of the month, hence the reason for its “31 flavors” motto. More than 8,000 Baskin-Robbins outlets may be found in more than 50 countries. The ice cream flavors available at Baskin-Robbins include Mint Chocolate Chip, Pralines ‘n Cream, and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. The business also sells ice cream cakes, frozen drinks, and gourmet sundaes.
Baskin-Robbins has developed a reputation for its alliances and partnerships, including those with the NBA and the “Stranger Things” film series. Additionally, the business has added additional menu items, such as non-dairy ice cream alternatives and seasonally available flavors. Baskin-Robbins has put a recent emphasis on technology and convenience, providing online ordering and delivery alternatives as well as putting in place digital reward programs. The business also made an attempt to be more environmentally responsible, employing sustainable materials to make its cups and spoons, for example.
9. Hunt Brothers Pizza
- Locations Worldwide: ~ over 8,000
- Founded In: 1991
- Founded By: Lonnie, Jim, Charlie, and Don
- Owner: Pizza Wholesale of Lexington, Inc.
- Headquarters: Tennessee, USA
- Main Product: Pizza
- Number Of Employees: ~ 500-1,000
Pizza chain Hunt Brothers Pizza is known for its made-to-order pizzas, sandwiches, and sides. Nashville, Tennessee serves as the company’s headquarters. It was established in 1991. In the United States, Hunt Brothers Pizza mostly operates in convenience stores, petrol stations, and other uncommon venues. In addition to standard pizzas like pepperoni, sausage, and chicken, Hunt Brothers Pizza also offers specialty pizzas including buffalo chicken and veggie. Additionally, the business sells sandwiches, wings, and extras like breadsticks and cheese sticks.
Hunt Brothers Pizza has developed a reputation for its community involvement and affiliations with numerous organizations, including NASCAR. “Hometown Stores,” a company initiative that helps regional small stores and business owners. Hunt Brothers Pizza has concentrated on enhancing its technology in recent years, including implementing online ordering and digital menu boards, as well as extending its menu. The business also makes an attempt to be more environmentally friendly, as evidenced by the recyclable materials it uses for its pizza boxes.
8. Dunkin’ Donuts
- Locations Worldwide: ~ over 12,000
- Founded In: 1950
- Founded By: William Rosenberg
- Owner: Dunkin’ Brands, Inc.
- Headquarters: Massachusetts, USA
- Main Product: Donuts
- Number Of Employees: ~ 270,000
A coffee and baked goods business chain called Dunkin’ Donuts was established in Quincy, Massachusetts, in 1950 and is eighth among the top ten largest fast-food chains in the world 2023. The business is well-known for its coffee, special doughnuts, breakfast sandwiches, and other baked items. More than 12,000 Dunkin’ Donuts stores can be found in more than 30 countries. The menu at Dunkin’ Donuts offers a selection of coffee drinks, including its famous hot and iced coffee, in addition to espresso drinks, frozen drinks, and teas. Along with breakfast sandwiches, bagels, muffins, donuts in a variety of flavors, and other baked goods are also available on the menu.
Additionally, Dunkin’ Donuts is well renowned for its alliances and partnerships, including those with the NFL and the Girl Scouts of the USA. The business has also added fresh menu options, like the plant-based Beyond Sausage Breakfast Sandwich. Dunkin’ Donuts has recently placed a strong emphasis on technology and convenience, introducing smartphone ordering and delivery alternatives as well as putting in place digital reward programs. The business also makes an attempt to be more environmentally friendly, employing sustainable materials for its straws and mugs. Dunkin’ Donuts changed its name to “Dunkin'” in 2020 to better reflect its focus on convenience and beverages outside of Donuts.
7. Domino’s
- Locations Worldwide: ~ over 17,000
- Founded In: 1960
- Founded By: Tom Monaghan, James Monaghan
- Owner: Domino’s Pizza, Inc.
- Headquarters: Ypsilanti, Michigan
- Main Product: Pizza
- Number Of Employees: ~ 13,500
In Ypsilanti, Michigan, a pizza delivery and takeaway business chain called Domino’s were established in 1960. The business is renowned for its quick deliveries and flexible pizza options. Over 17,000 Domino’s outlets may be found in more than 90 different countries. Pizza options available at Domino’s include their popular Hand Tossed Pizza, Thin Crust Pizza, and Brooklyn Style Pizza. Additionally, the menu offers desserts such as chocolate lava crunch cake as well as sides like breadsticks, chicken wings, and cheesy bread.
Additionally, Domino’s has a reputation for taking on novel projects, such as the “Pizza Tracker” which enables consumers to check the status of their orders online. Additionally, the business has added new menu items such as the “Specialty Chicken” and the “Brookie” dessert.
Domino’s has put a recent emphasis on technology and convenience, including the use of voice assistants and social media for ordering, as well as the provision of carryout insurance that ensures the caliber of the food. The business has also taken attempts to be more environmentally friendly, such as by introducing sustainable packaging and using electric delivery cars.
6. Burger King
- Locations Worldwide: ~ over 18,000
- Founded In: 1954
- Founded By: James McLamore, David Edgerton
- Owner: Restaurant Brands International, Inc.
- Headquarters: Miami, Florida
- Main Product: Hamburgers
- Number Of Employees: ~ 34,248
A fast-food restaurant franchise called Burger King was established in 1954 in Miami, Florida. The business offers a wide variety of sandwiches, sides, and desserts in addition to its flame-grilled burgers. In more than 100 countries, Burger King has more than 18,000 restaurants. The menu of Burger King offers a selection of burgers, such as the Whopper, as well as vegetarian and vegan options as well as chicken and fish sandwiches. Along with these main dishes, the menu also offers sweets like apple pie and ice cream, as well as sides like French fries, onion rings, and mozzarella sticks. Among the top ten largest fast-food chains in the world 2023, it comes in at number six.
The “Have it Your Way” motto, which emphasizes the opportunity for consumers to customize their orders, is one of Burger King’s most well-known marketing strategies. For its advertising efforts, the firm has also collaborated with a variety of celebrities and figures from popular culture. The Impossible Whopper, a plant-based burger alternative, and the BK Mobile App, which enables customers to order and pay for their meals using their cellphones, are two new ventures Burger King has launched in recent years. The business has also committed to taking steps to lessen its impact on the environment, such as eliminating plastic straws and using sustainable sourcing methods for its ingredients.
5. Pizza Hut
- Locations Worldwide: ~ over 18,000
- Founded In: 1958
- Founded By: Frank CarneyDan Carney
- Owner: Yum! Brands, Inc.
- Headquarters: Texas, USA
- Main Product: Pizza
- Number Of Employees: ~ 350,000
Based on the number of locations, Pizza Hut is the fifth-largest fast-food chain. In 1958, American brothers Dan and Frank Darney opened a pizzeria in Wichita, Kansas. In a short period of time, Pizza Hut was able to grow significantly. In the years following the 1977 sale of the company to PepsiCo by the Darney brothers, Pizza Hut grew in new foreign markets. The corporate headquarters for the business and fast food sectors are currently located in Plano, Texas. It is a subsidiary of “Yum! Brands,” which split off PepsiCo in 1997, just like KFC is. With over 18,000 franchise locations now, Pizza Hut is the largest pizza manufacturer and distributor in the world. It is a subsidiary of “Yum! Brands,” which split off PepsiCo in 1997, just like KFC is.
The chain’s well-known Pan Pizza, Stuffed Crust Pizza, and Thin ‘N Crispy Pizza are all available as pizza options at Pizza Hut. There are also starters like breadsticks and wings, salads, and pasta dishes available. Pizza Hut is well-known for its promos, limited-time menu items, and culinary selection. The business has also taken part in a number of charitable initiatives, forming alliances with groups like the World Food Program. The Hut Rewards program, which enables consumers to earn points towards free pizza and other benefits, as well as contactless delivery and carryout choices, are recent efforts that Pizza Hut has launched. The company’s expanded menu now features plant-based meat replacements for pizza and other foods.
4. KFC
- Locations Worldwide: ~ over 24,000
- Founded In: 1930
- Founded By: Pete Harman, Harland Sanders
- Owner: Yum! Brands, Inc.
- Headquarters: Kentucky, USA
- Main Product: Fried chicken
- Number Of Employees: ~ 820,000
The fourth-biggest fast food chain among the top ten largest fast-food chains in the world 2023 is one of the oldest continuously running restaurant operations. KFC stands for Kentucky Fried Chicken. Naturally, American Harland Sanders started KFC in Kentucky in 1930. Specifically, in North Corbin, a tiny town in Kentucky. Sanders previously served in the American Army. Although he wasn’t a colonel, the moniker “Colonel Sanders” stuck and it helped him become well-known all over the world. The creator of the corporation appears in the KFC logo, which might be the only one in existence. The most significant and effective representation of Sanders’ chicken restaurant empire ultimately turned out to be him. The KFC brand survived and expanded well beyond Kentucky and the United States even after Sanders’ death in 1980. It is currently owned by Yum! Brands is a fast food chain with its corporate headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky.
A multitude of chicken options is available on the KFC menu, including its renowned Original Recipe, Extra Crispy, and Kentucky Grilled Chicken. The menu also offers biscuits, mashed potatoes with gravy, and sides including coleslaw. KFC additionally offers salads, sandwiches, and wraps with fried chicken on top. The company has collaborated with organizations like Make-A-Wish and the World Food Programme in a number of humanitarian endeavors. In recent years, KFC has also expanded its menu and made new attempts, such as introducing plant-based chicken replacements and pledging to only use chicken that has been raised without antibiotics.
3. Starbucks
- Locations Worldwide: ~ over 33,000
- Founded In: 1971
- Founded By: Gordon Bowker, Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl
- Owner: Starbucks Corporation
- Headquarters: Washington, U.S.
- Main Product: Coffee
- Number Of Employees: ~ 402,000
Since its founding in 1971, Starbucks has grown to have the third-highest global store count among fast-food chains. In a strict sense, Starbucks does not sell primarily fast food, but coffee drinks. It is still acknowledged by the government as being one of the biggest fast-food restaurant businesses in the world. Starbucks was created by three Americans who were friends: Jerry Baldwin, Gordon Bowker, and Zev Siegl. The three first planned to sell expensive coffee beans but soon started producing and selling their own coffee. Starbucks, which was established and continues to have its main office in Seattle, Washington, soon rose to prominence as a chain of coffee shops on the American West Coast. In 1987, Starbucks’ three original founders sold the business to Howard Schultz, their former CEO. Schultz aggressively pursued both home and international growth for the coffee chain. This is how Starbucks changed the whole coffee industry and drinking culture.
Together with its vast selection of teas, pastries, and sandwiches, Starbucks is well-recognized for its specialty coffee drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso shots. The company is very concerned with the quality of its coffee, and it has a line of expensive, globally sourced fair-trade coffee beans. Along with its coffee alternatives, Starbucks also sells a variety of products, such as coffee mugs, tumblers, and brewing equipment. Customers can order and pay for their drinks using the business’s smartphone mobile app. Additionally, Starbucks has been a leader in CSR initiatives, aiming to decrease its influence on the environment, support sustainable coffee growing practices, and provide healthcare and educational benefits to its workforce.
2. Subway
- Locations Worldwide: ~ over 36,000
- Founded In: 1965
- Founded By: Fred DeLuca, Carmela DeLuca, Peter Buck
- Owner: DeLuca Family
- Headquarters: Milford, U.S.
- Main Product: Sandwiches
- Number Of Employees: ~ 410,000
Subway is the second of the top ten largest fast-food chains in the world 2023. In 1965, friends Fred DeLuca and Peter Buck in Bridgeport, Connecticut, founded the first Subway. Before adopting the moniker Subway in 1968, the restaurant was first known as Pete’s Super Submarines. The sandwich industry quickly extended throughout the East Coast of the United States, and by the late 1970s, Subway had even reached the West Coast. As a result, franchisees were quickly established around the nation. In 1996, as soon as outlets in Canada opened, Subway started expanding outside of North America. At the moment, there are more than 36,000 locations globally. Unexpectedly, a family still controls the multibillion-dollar business with headquarters in Milford, Connecticut. The only owner is the DeLuca family.
In addition to traditional sandwiches like the Italian BMT, Turkey Breast, and Vegetarian Delight, Subway provides several original sandwiches such as the Ultimate Meatball Marinara and the Chipotle Southwest Steak & Cheese. By choosing from a choice of bread, meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sauces, diners can customize their sandwiches. In addition to sandwiches, Subway now offers salads, beverages, and extras like cookies and chips. Many Subway restaurants not only serve morning sandwiches but also offer catering for events and special occasions.
1. McDonald’s
- Locations Worldwide: ~ over 38,000
- Founded In: 1940
- Founded By: Richard McDonald, Maurice McDonald, Ray Kroc
- Owner: McDonald’s Corporation
- Headquarters: Illinois, USA
- Main Product: Hamburgers
- Number Of Employees: ~ 200,000
The most extensive network of fast-food restaurants in the world and one of the most recognizable brand names is McDonald’s. The company has operations in more than 38,000 locations in almost 100 countries. The business, a forerunner in the fast food industry, has maintained stable, moderate growth through fair prices, prompt service, and ongoing menu expansion and upgrading. American brothers Maurice and Richard McDonald founded the first McDonald’s in San Bernardino, California, in 1940. (USA). Businessman Ray Kroc joined the organization in 1948, and it was under his leadership that McDonald’s transformed from a small, regionally oriented hamburger store in California into a contemporary, global corporation. In addition to having the most outlets in the industry, McDonald’s is the largest fast-food company in terms of revenue. The iconic “M” is one of the most recognizable brand logos in human history.
City after city, we occasionally pass the same eateries, but we never know where they stand among the top fast-food franchises globally. Even if the majority of this material is for entertainment purposes, it may be useful if you’re on vacation and yearn for a dish that brings back memories of home. The fast-food restaurants in this list of top ten largest fast-food chains in the world 2023 are the most well-known globally and have locations all over the world. No matter where you are, one of these great establishments is always nearby, giving you a quick taste of home.
