In this article, we take a look at the 5 most valuable fast food companies in the world. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the fast food industry, you can go to 20 Most Valuable Fast Food Companies in the World.
05. Restaurant Brands International
Market Cap: $30.43 billion
Restaurant Brands International Inc (NYSE:QSR) owns four prominent names in the fast food industry, namely Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs. This expansive portfolio is one of the factors that enables Restaurant Brands International Inc (NYSE:QSR) to be one of the most valuable fast food companies in the world. Despite being on this list, the third quarter revenue report by the company revealed that its revenue fell short of expectations by a slight margin.
04. Yum Brands
Market Cap: $35.40 billion
Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM) owns three major chains in the fast food industry, which are KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut. Each of these chains focuses on a different product specialty, which enables Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM) to penetrate different segments of the fast food industry. The company focuses on franchising as a long-term growth and success strategy, which has worked well for it so far. The average person may not even recognize the name Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM), but everyone recognizes the chains it owns. The corporation boasts more than 43,000 restaurant units worldwide.
03. Chipotle Mexican Grill
Market Cap: $56 billion
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) has gathered a distinguished position in the Mexican fast food industry, even with its limited menu. In many ways, the small menu is the reason behind the company’s success, while also being the element that makes it unique. A small menu reduces the number of ingredients needing to be stocked, which means there will be less food waste and spoilage. The high degree of customization on a small menu offers the consumers control over their meals while also enabling the workers to provide quicker service. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) is considered to be a long-term investment opportunity by many.
02. Starbucks
Market Cap: $117.58 billion
Starbucks Corp (NASDAQ:SBUX) may not be a fast food restaurant in the traditional sense, but in terms of its service model, it falls into this category. The massive market cap commanded by the company makes it impossible to neglect its value in the fast food world. Despite being one of the most valuable fast food chains in the world, Starbucks Corp (NASDAQ:SBUX) has been closing down certain stores since 2022 because of ‘theft and organized retail crime’ that may be endangering the safety of its workers. In any case, Starbucks Corp (NASDAQ:SBUX) is the leading ready-to-drink coffee brand in the US, with a market share of almost 41%.
1. McDonald’s
Market Cap: $195.2 billion
McDonald’s Corp (NYSE:MCD) is the most valuable fast food company in the world, with a market share of 43.8% in the US alone. It is also the top fast food company worldwide, selling the most fast food around the globe. The company’s $23.18 billion revenue from 2022 also makes it the most successful fast food chain in the world. Around the world, almost 123 countries and territories don’t have a McDonald’s Corp (NYSE:MCD) restaurant, yet the company commands such a prestigious position in the industry, much of which can be attributed to its consistent franchising model.
Disclosure: None. Check out 12 Most Expensive Restaurants In the World and Top 20 Countries With the Most McDonald’s Restaurants.
