Fast Food

PHOTO: FOOD & WINE

Think you know America’s favorite fast food joint? Think again. 🤯
We’ve mapped out the top 30 biggest U.S. fast food chains based on their store count, and the results may shock you! 📊

Let’s break it down — chain by chain — from the nationwide giants to your regional faves. Ready for the surprise? 👀👇


🥖 1. Subway23,494 Locations

The sandwich king dominates with more stores than any other chain in the U.S. 🥪💪

2. Starbucks15,350 Locations

Caffeine is clearly a national obsession. ☕🚀

🍔 3. McDonald’s13,651 Locations

The Golden Arches still reign… just not at #1! 🍟👑

🍩 4. Dunkin’9,563 Locations

America really does run on Dunkin’. ☕🍩

🌮 5. Taco Bell7,118 Locations

Late-night tacos? Say less. 🌮🌙

👑 6. Burger King7,114 Locations

The battle of the burgers is close! 🍔⚔️

🍕 7. Pizza Hut6,873 Locations

The Hut is holding strong with pan pizza pride. 🧀🏠

🍕 8. Domino’s6,218 Locations

Pizza + fast delivery = winning combo. ⏱️🍕

🍔 9. Wendy’s5,868 Locations

Fresh, never frozen — and everywhere. ❄️➡️🔥

🍦 10. Dairy Queen4,437 Locations

Blizzards, burgers, and that iconic swirl. 🍦✨


🧀 The Mid-Tier Giants

  1. 🍕 Little Caesars – 4,203

  2. 🍗 KFC – 4,001

  3. 🚗 Sonic Drive-In – 3,496

  4. 🥩 Arby’s – 3,407

  5. 🍕 Papa John’s – 3,009

  6. 🥪 Jimmy John’s – 2,763

  7. 🌯 Chipotle – 2,643

  8. 🐔 Chick-fil-A – 2,613

  9. 🍗 Popeyes – 2,485

  10. 🐓 Jack in the Box – 2,244


🥡 The Smaller But Mighty Players

  1. 🐼 Panda Express – 2,195

  2. 🥖 Panera Bread – 2,138

  3. 🍔 Hardee’s – 1,798

  4. 🍔 Five Guys – 1,350

  5. 🍗 Wingstop – 1,299

  6. 🍔 Carl’s Jr. – 1,087

  7. 🍗 Zaxby’s – 912

  8. 🍔 Whataburger – 833

  9. 🍦 Culver’s – 785

  10. 🍗 Bojangles’ – 749


📍What This Map Tells Us

From subs to lattes, pizza to fried chicken, the fast food landscape in the U.S. is more diverse and competitive than ever.

And if you thought McDonald’s had the most stores? Surprise!
👑 Subway takes the crown — by a long shot.

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