As we cover fast food weekly in our news coverage, we thought it would be interesting to rank the best-selling chains in the world. After digging into countless sources, this is how they rank:
1. McDonald’s ($130 billion)
The undisputed and unsurprising number one on this ranking. McDonald’s posted more than $130 billion in annual sales in recent years, and with 41,822 locations worldwide, it’s the behemoth of fast food. Amazingly, each McDonald’s location in the United States earns about $3.96 million each year.
2. Starbucks ($90 billion)
Another brand that won’t surprise anyone at the top of these rankings is Starbucks. Earning a massive $90 billion in global revenue yearly in recent years, and with 40,199 locations worldwide as of 2024, it remains a giant. With U.S. roots, its loyalty program is the alleged driving force of repeat visits.
3. KFC ($31.3 billion)
KFC hitting such highs in these rankings was a surprise to me. It’s a major brand internationally, earning $31.3 billion yearly, and with 30,000 locations as of 2024. Originating in the United States, the Original Recipe fried chicken is famous worldwide. Amazingly, there are more locations in China than in the U.S.
4. Burger King ($23.4 billion)
Burger King really surprised me in this ranking. I saw it as a lower top-10 pick, maybe even outside of the top 10. However, with $23.4 billion in global revenue yearly and 19,384 locations as of 2023, it ranks in the top five with ease. An interesting point is that Subway has 17k more locations than Burger King, but doesn’t make it into the top five.
5. Chick-fil-A ($22.7 billion)
Another top five surprise is Chick-fil-A. The restaurant that’s closed on Sundays still manages to earn $22.7 billion in total sales across its 3,109 locations as of 2024. Its Original Chicken Sandwich remains its signature offering. What’s mind-blowing is that each of its locations across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico earns around $7.5 million annually on average. That’s almost double the amount of McDonald’s, which is number 1 on this list.
6. Subway ($18 billion)
Before looking at sources, Subway was an easy top three in my mind. However, it doesn’t even make it into the top five. The fast food brand earns around $18 billion in global revenue yearly from roughly 37,000 locations worldwide as of 2022. The company began in the United States, and the Italian BMT Sub is the signature item.
7. Taco Bell ($16.2 billion)
In my younger days, Taco Bell was my go-to after a night out with friends. Data shows that the company earns $16.2 billion yearly from its 8,218 locations as of 2022. The company has U.S. origins, and each U.S. location clears about $2 million in revenue yearly, largely from late-night traffic.
8. Pizza Hut ($13.1 billion)
Who would have thought Pizza Hut beats Domino’s? I didn’t. Pizza Hut earns about $13.1 billion in global revenue yearly from its 19,000-plus locations worldwide as of 2025. The company started in the United States, and despite softening sales, it remains the largest pizza player in the fast food industry.
9. Domino’s ($12.9 billion)
Domino’s leaned into tech early, serving up order tracking, live updates, and more to its customers. In recent years, the company has been earning $12.9 billion in global revenue from its 20,591 locations worldwide (as of 2024). Like the rest on this list, it originated in the United States.
10. Wendy’s ($12.5 billion)
We all know that Wendy’s is an institution here in the United States. However, not for one second did I think it would be a top 10 fast food chain. Yet its $12.5 billion in yearly sales across 5,933 locations puts it just behind Domino’s and ahead of many other major chains, including Chipotle and Dunkin’, among others.
What I’ve learned from putting this together is that the United States is the birthplace of the best fast food chains in the world.