World's Largest Fast Food Chains

Subway

Photo courtesy of Subway

Number of stores: approximately 33,000 worldwide

Subway tops the list with the most stores in the world, including in Singapore (79 stores in a nation with less than 300 square miles) and Germany (778 stores, including one situated inside a windmill, pictured). The most exclusive opened in June solely to New York City's Ground Zero construction workers—it's in a movable pod on top of the rising 1 World Trade Center skyscraper.

Best New Sandwich Recipes

02 of 09

McDonald's

Photo courtesy of McDonald's

Number of stores: approximately 32,000 worldwide

The burger behemoth trails Subway by only about a thousand fewer stores worldwide. While the Big Mac is ubiquitous in the United States, in Germany the double-decker burger is replaced by the Big Rösti—beef patty, hash brown patty, Emmentaler cheese, and bacon on an onion-flavored bun (pictured).

Delicious Chicken Wing Recipes

03 of 09

Starbucks

Photo courtesy of Starbucks

Number of stores: approximately 16,700 worldwide

Yes, coffee is served in every Starbucks, but stores in Japan also serve Coffee Jelly Frappuccinos, which have a texture similar to bubble tea (pictured), and stores in Korea offer lemongrass iced tea and Bulgogi (barbecued beef) sandwiches.

America's Best Coffee Bars

04 of 09

Kentucky Fried Chicken

Photo courtesy of Yum! Brands, Inc.

Number of stores: approximately 16,200 worldwide

The world's sixth-largest fast food chain serves over 12 million customers daily, but its largest store isn't in Kentucky—it's in Qian Men, China, with 300 seats. A fried chicken alternative in Malaysia: Tom Yam Chicken (chicken marinated with lime juice, chilies and lemongrass with a crispy breading); instead of KFC's Apple Pie Minis, stores in Vietnam offer fried taro pies.

Amazing Fried Chicken Recipes

05 of 09

Pizza Hut

Photo courtesy of Yum! Brands, Inc.

Number of stores: approximately 13,300 worldwide

Pizza Hut locations in the U.S. already give a number of crust options, including Thin N' Crispy, Hand-Tossed, Stuffed-Crust, and Stuffed-Crust Pan. Some international spots get more creative: Egyptian stores offer a crust option that mimics a crown (the points can be filled with meatballs or cream cheese or both), and Pakistani stores have a version stuffed with spicy BBQ kebabs.

More Pizza Recipes

06 of 09

Burger King

Photo courtesy of Burger King Corporation

Number of stores: approximately 12,000 worldwide

Burger King sells approximately 2.8 billion burgers globally each year, but the world's third-largest fast food chain also offers some country-specific sandwiches. The Piri Piri Chicken Sandwich, flavored with a tangy tomato and red wine vinegar-based sauce (pictured), is sold only in stores in the United Kingdom.

Great Burger Recipes

07 of 09

Dunkin' Donuts

Photo courtesy of Yum! Brands, Inc.

Number of stores: approximately 9,200 worldwide

Dunkin' Donuts sells 2.5 million doughnuts daily, but flavors vary from country to country. Stores in China and Japan offer green tea-glazed doughnuts and mochi rings (pictured), and in Taiwan, pineapple-glazed doughnuts are served.

Great Doughnut Recipes

08 of 09

Wendy's

Photo courtesy of Wendy's

Number of stores: approximately 6,600 worldwide

Wendy's may be best known in the U.S. for its cheeseburgers, chili and chicken sandwiches, but a number of its international stores make nods to the local culture. In Jamaica, jerk chicken is on the menu, and in Central America, refried beans are the most popular side item for breakfast.

Great Chili Recipes

09 of 09

Taco Bell

Photo courtesy of Yum! Brands, Inc.

Number of stores: approximately 5,800 worldwide

Taco Bell's astounding numbers: two billion tacos and one billion burritos served each year. While most international stores serve a standard menu, stores in India offer potato-filled tacos and burritos stuffed with potato and paneer (an unripened cheese).

Amazing Taco Recipes

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!