11 Biggest Fast Food Franchises In The World In 2017

The 11 biggest fast food franchises in the world in 2017 are known not only for serving delicious and super yummy affordable food to its customers but are also being innovative in the food they serve and the way they serve. These companies have a huge geographical footprint, competitive food menus, and leading brand names. You can probably guess that companies like McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD), Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG), The Wendy’s Company (NASDAQ:WEN), Yum! Brands, Inc.(NYSE:YUM), and Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR) are in this list, but can you guess the three biggest fast food franchises in the World in correct order? I bet you can’t.

Fast food literally means quickly serving food that is produced on a large scale. Fast food franchise business is the fastest growing segment of the restaurant industry and is largely stealing market share from the traditional restaurants.

The fast food market can be segmented into chicken, burger/sandwich, Asian/Latin American food, pizza/pasta, seafood, and others. The U.S. QSR pizza category is large and fragmented. From 2006 through 2016, the U.S. QSR pizza category has grown from $33.1 billion to $35.8 billion and is the second-largest category.

You might also want to check out our list of 11 Most Successful Fast Food Chains In The World.

Growing health awareness amongst people could be a possible cause of concern for the fast food industry. However, people have increasingly resorted to fast food as it appears to be the most convenient option in today’s fast-paced world. Growing urbanization has immensely fascinated consumers towards fast food especially for young adults, working professionals, and families. Moreover, technology is set to pave the way how fast food industry will function in an app- and the tech-driven world. Veg-centric food, hybrid food, healthy fast food, “brunchfast” could be the upcoming trends in the fast food industry to watch for.

The 11 biggest fast food franchises in the world in 2017 have evolved over time both in terms of restaurant concepts and menu choices. Though taste, price, and quality are the primary drivers of the fast food market, today customers are also fretting about an experience. Many leading fast food joints like Starbucks are focusing on this area and are trying to create unique experiences for its customer.

According to Franchisehelp.com, the U.S. is the largest fast food market with more than 200,000 fast food restaurants and 50 million Americans eating at one of them every single day. The global fast food market is expected to reach above $690 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at more than 4% CAGR between 2017 and 2022.

Over the next few pages, you can read about 11 biggest fast food franchises in the world in 2017, based on the common choices of at least four of these websites – Forbes, WorldAtlas and Food and Wine. We have ranked the food chains based on their number of locations worldwide.

Head to the next page to begin the list!

11. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG)

No.of locations – 2,227 

In its 23- year old history, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) has become one of the leading Mexican food franchises in the world. The food company serves burritos, tacos, burrito bowls, and salads, made using fresh ingredients. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) is considered a fast-casual restaurant meaning it offers the convenience of a fast food chain in a casual sit-down restaurant.

You can sign up below to get the latest news about Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. directly to your inbox.

10. Papa John’s Int’l, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA)

No.of locations – 5,101 in 43 countries

Papa John’s Int’l, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA) operates and franchises pizza delivery and carryout, dine-in and delivery restaurants. The company began operations in 1984 and today there are 5,101 Papa John’s restaurants operating in all 50 states and in 43 international markets. Papa John’s Int’l, Inc.(NASDAQ:PZZA) offers pizza along with side items, including breadsticks, cheese sticks, chicken poppers and wings, dessert items and beverages. During 2016 the food company had removed an additional fourteen unwanted ingredients from its food menu.

9. Dairy Queen

No.of locations – 6,000 in 20 countries

Dairy Queen is best known for its ice creams though it sells other fast food items like hot-dogs, burgers, salads etc. as well. Starting out with 100 stores in 1947, today the company has expanded to more than 6,000 restaurants in the United States, Canada, and 18 other countries. American Dairy Queen Corporation is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.

8. The Wendy’s Company (NASDAQ:WEN)

No.of locations – 6,537 in 30 countries

The Wendy’s Company (NASDAQ:WEN) operates, develops and franchises a system of distinctive quick-service restaurants and is the world’s third largest quick-service restaurant company in the hamburger sandwich segment. Out of the 6,537 restaurants, there are 439 franchised Wendy’s restaurants in 29 countries and territories other than North America. The Wendy’s Company (NASDAQ:WEN) follows the farm-to-table model which focuses on serving local and fresh produce direct procured from the producers, at the restaurants.

7. Domino’s Pizza, Inc (NYSE:DPZ)

No.of locations – 13,800 in over 85 countries

Domino’s Pizza, Inc (NYSE:DPZ) is the second largest pizza restaurant chain in the world. With humble beginnings in 1960, today Domino’s Pizza, Inc (NYSE:DPZ) is a highly-recognized global brand, selling more than 2 million pizzas each day through a network of company-owned and franchise-owned stores. Most of its stores offer casual seating and allow customers to watch the preparation of their orders. Other than pizzas, a typical Domino’s Pizza store offers oven-baked sandwiches, pasta, boneless chicken and wings, bread side items, desserts and soft drinks. It also customizes its food toppings for different international markets.

6. Dunkin Brands Group Inc. (NASDAQ:DNKN)

No.of locations – 20,000 in more than 60 countries

Dunkin Brands Group Inc. (NASDAQ:DNKN) is amongst the world’s leading franchisors of quick service restaurants serving coffee, baked goods and ice cream under leading brands like Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins.  The company has 20,000 points of distribution in more than 60 countries worldwide. There are more than 10,000 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants alone in 30 countries worldwide. Dunkin’ Donuts segment accounts for nearly 80% of the company’s total revenues. It sells more than 900 million donuts and 1.5 billion cups of coffee a year globally.

5. Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR)

No.of locations – over 23,000 in more than 100 countries

Ranking fifth on our list of 11 biggest fast food franchises in the world in 2017 is Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR), one of the world’s largest quick service restaurant companies with over 23,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries and U.S. territories. Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR) owns three of the world’s most popular and independently operating brands – Tim Hortons, Burger King and Popeyes. Burger King alone entertains more than 11 million guests daily around the world and has more than 15,700 outlets in 100 countries.

4. Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX)

No.of locations – 27,339 across 75 countries

Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) is one of the world’s leading marketers and retailers of specialty coffee. The company sells a variety of coffee and tea and other beverages as well as fresh food items, and snacks through its stores in 75 countries. Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) is one of the most popular coffee retail stores in the U.S. and has achieved significant scale in the U.S. market. The company is also expanding its global retail business and store base by adding stores in both existing, developed markets such as the U.S., and in newer, higher growth markets such as China. To enhance customer experience, Starbucks continually experiments with new products in different forms, across new categories, diverse channels, and alternative store formats.

3. McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD)

No.of locations – over 36,000 in more than 100 countries.

McDonald’s Corporation is one of the largest global food retailers in the world. The company serves food through more than 36,000 locations worldwide in over 100 countries. More than 80% of McDonald’s restaurants worldwide are owned by independent people. The company has a large and growing presence in the emerging markets which is home to almost 60% of the world’s population. The company smartly adjusts its menu to suit the local tastes and preferences and is, therefore, a popular choice all over.

2. Subway

No.of locations – 44,267 in 112 countries

Subway brand is the largest sandwich chain with more than 44,000 global locations. The food franchise company offers an extensive menu comprising of 38 million options to choose from. The company uses tons of lettuce and Subway sandwiches are considered the healthiest food option in today’s growing fast-food menu. Today’s Subway was started by a 17-year old boy back in 1965.

1. Yum! Brands, Inc.(NYSE:YUM)

 No.of locations – over 44,000 in more than 135 countries

Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM) is probably the youngest member of our list of 11 biggest fast food franchises of the world, incorporated in 1997. It owns leading fast food brands KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. KFC sells a wide range of chicken, sandwiches, burgers, meals in boxes, desserts and drinks. Taco Bell is a fast food chain that sells Tex-Mex foods to more than 2 billion people at its 7,000 restaurants. Pizza Hut has more than 16,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries. Most restaurants offer consumers dining in, carry out food and drive-thru options.

Disclosure: None