In this article we are going to list the 5 largest burger chains in the world. For a detailed coverage of this topic and a more comprehensive list please take a look at the 10 largest burger chains in the world.
5. The Wendy’s Company (NASDAQ:WEN)
Number of locations worldwide: 6,500
The Wendy’s Company (NASDAQ:WEN) is one of the most popular burger chains in the world, and is present in close to 30 countries in addition to the United States. The Wendy’s Company (NASDAQ:WEN) is focusing on international markets as a substantial part of its ability to generate value for its shareholders. In 2020, The Wendy’s Company (NASDAQ:WEN) recorded revenue of around $1.4 billion, in addition to total assets exceeding $5 billion. The Wendy’s Company (NASDAQ:WEN) also employs more than 14,000 people.
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4. Dairy Queen
Number of locations worldwide: 7,000
Dairy Queen is owned by one of the biggest companies in the world in Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-A), and while known primarily for its frozen treats, is also quite famous for its burgers. While the locations are primarily within the United States and Canada, there are over 1,400 locations outside North America, in 27 countries. For anyone interested in franchising a Dairy Queen, according to Franchise Help, you will need $400,o00 in liquid capital and a net worth of at least $750,000.
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3. Burger King
Number of locations worldwide: 18,625
One of the largest burger chains in the world, Burger King is the first in our list to have more than 10,000 locations. Owned by Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR), Burger King’s popularity is primarily derived from its “Whopper” line of burgers. Burger King has franchises in at least 100 countries with more than half of the locations within the United States. 99.7% of the locations are privately owned and operated.
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2. KFC
Number of locations worldwide: 26,934
Owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM), KFC is the company’s biggest brand, both in terms of locations and sales, followed by Pizza Hut and then Taco Bell. Specializing in fried chicken, KFC has continued to dominate the market in this regard, and is considered to be one of the first American fast food restaurants to go international. Famous for its slogans as well as its trademark “Zinger Burger”, made of fried chicken, KFC alone had sales of over $31 billion in 2021. While 99% of its locations are franchised, KFC is unique in that 85% of its total units are international.
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1. McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD)
Number of locations worldwide: 40,031
McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) easily tops the list of the 10 largest burger chains in the world. McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) is present in 119 countries and 93% of its locations are franchised. McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) has more than 200,000 employees of which at least 75% were based internationally. Further, there are over 2 million people working in franchised McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) locations.
Please also see 11 Best Fast Food Stocks To Buy Now and 10 Largest Fast Food Chains In the World.
