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The History of Fast Food: Statistics & Numbers

Who dominates the fast food industry? How large is the fast food industry? We've traced the growth of 16 leading fast-food chains.

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Years 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s Current
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1. McDonald’s

  • The first McDonald’s restaurant was founded in San Bernardino, California on May 15, 1940. 
  • It took the founders, Richard and Maurice McDonald, 19 years to open the 100th store.
  • In 1963, the chain opened 500 stores. Since 1961, the company no longer belonged to McDonald’s brothers; the new owner is Ray Kroc.
  • 28 years after its opening (in 1968), McDonald’s opened its 1,000th store. One year earlier, in 1967, the first McDonald’s restaurant outside the U.S. opened in Richmond, British Columbia.
  • It took the company two years to open 1000 more restaurants (2000 locations).
  • In 1974, McDonald’s opened its 3,000th store and launched its first UK location. After facing an initial lack of visitors, the company started to target children through TV ads.
  • By 1978, the fast-food chain reached another milestone by opening its 5,000th restaurant in Kanagawa, Japan.
  • 1988 marked the opening of the 10,000th McDonald’s, highlighting its status as a major fast-food chain worldwide.
  • As of July 2023, there are over 40,275 McDonald’s restaurants with over 14,000 locations in the US.

2. KFC

  • 1930: The first KFC, originally known as Sanders Court & Café, opened on March 20, in Corbin, Kentucky by Colonel Harland Sanders.
  • KFC reached its 100th store milestone in the late 1950s.
  • In 1963, KFC opened its 500th store and soon after, the 600th, showing fast growth since starting to franchise in 1952. That same year, McDonald’s also opened its 500th store, marking a big year for growth in the fast-food industry.
  • By 1970, the chain had expanded to 3,000 locations across 48 countries.
  • In 1983, KFC celebrated the opening of its 5,800th store. Additionally, KFC was sold to PepsiCo for $850 million, and the chain was made part of PepsiCo’s restaurant division alongside Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, marking a new chapter in its corporate history.
  • In 1995, KFC reached the milestone of opening its 10,000th store. In the same year, KFC started its business in India by opening its first restaurant in Bangalore in June.
  • Nowadays, KFC operates in over 30,000 locations worldwide in more than 150 countries, continuing to be a major player in the international fast-food industry.

3. Burger King

  • In 1953, the first Burger King store opened.
  • There isn’t a specific record of when Burger King opened its 100th store. The company started growing steadily after it was founded in 1953. By 1970, Burger King had grown to 350 locations.
  • In 1977, Burger King reached a significant milestone: 2,000 stores worldwide. The company released its first Magic Burger King TV commercial.
  • Burger King reached its 3,000th store milestone in 1982, and around the same time, the chain also introduced late-night drive-thru service.
  • Burger King opened its 5,500th store in 1989. At the same time, Grand Metropolitan acquired Pillsbury along with Burger King for $5.7 billion.
  • In 1998, when Burger King opened its 10,000th store, they also ran a funny April Fool’s joke with an ad for a “Left-Handed Whopper.” The ad claimed all condiments were rotated 180 degrees to help left-handed Americans avoid “toppings from spilling out the right side of the burger.” The next day, thousands of customers came to restaurants to request the new sandwich.
  • Today, Burger King operates over 20,000 locations globally, maintaining its status as a major player in the fast-food industry.

4. Dunkin Donuts

    • The first Dunkin’ Donuts store opened in 1948 and was called “Open Kettle”. The first Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant is still in operation and was restored to its 1950s glory with a retro design.
    • By 1965, Dunkin’ Donuts reached its 100th location milestone.
    • Dunkin’ Donuts celebrated the opening of its 1,000th franchise in 1979.
    • 1990 marked the opening of 2,000 Dunkin’ locations.
    • Two years later, in 1992, Dunkin’ Donuts hit the 3,000-store milestone. Two years earlier, the British corporate Allied-Lyons plc acquired Dunkin’ Donuts from William Rosenberg (owner) for £196 million.
    • Dunkin’ Donuts doubled its number of stores to 5,000 by 2002.
    • By 2011, Dunkin’ Donuts had expanded to 10,000 locations worldwide.
    • Currently, Dunkin’ Donuts operates over 13,200 stores in 46 countries, demonstrating its significant impact in the quick-service restaurant industry.

    5. Starbucks

      • Starbucks was founded on March 30, 1971, in Seattle, Washington. Initially, the store sold only high-quality coffee beans, tea, and spices. Instead of selling brewed coffee drinks, the original location offered only free samples of brewed coffee to showcase the flavors of their beans.
      • Beginning in the 1990s, Starbucks emphasized outstanding customer service and used informal feedback from interactions to enhance its brand and help it grow. By 1991, they had opened 100 stores.
      • In 1995, Starbucks introduced Frappuccino drinks and music CDs to its offerings. That same year, it also celebrated the opening of its 500th store.
      • In 1996, Starbucks opened its 1000th store. That same year, they expanded internationally by opening their first coffee shop outside North America in Tokyo, Japan.
      • In 1999, Starbucks reached 2,000 locations globally. This expansion included opening stores in China, Kuwait, South Korea, and Lebanon, marking a significant step in their international growth.
      • In 2000, Starbucks achieved a milestone of 3,000 store locations worldwide. That year was particularly successful for the company, with record revenues reaching $2.2 billion.
      • In 2002, Starbucks reached a significant milestone with 5,000 stores worldwide. That year, they also introduced the Peppermint Mocha, which quickly became the most popular holiday drink in Starbucks’ history and remains a favorite on the holiday menu.
      • In 2005, Starbucks opened its 10,000th store and acquired Ethos Water, highlighting its commitment to addressing global water issues.
      • As of 2023, Starbucks operates around 38,000 stores globally and reported a net revenue of $29.46 billion for the year.

      6. Pizza Hut

        • Pizza Hut was founded on May 31, 1958, starting its journey in the restaurant industry.
        • In 1968, Pizza Hut entered the international market by opening its first restaurant in Canada. By this time, the chain was serving a million people weekly across its 310 locations.
        • In 1972, Pizza Hut celebrated reaching 1,000 restaurants and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange under PIZ.
        • In 1976, Pizza Hut opened its 100th international restaurant in Australia and reached 2,000 locations worldwide.
        • In 1977, Pizza Hut expanded quickly, opening 1,000 locations in just one year to reach 3,000 outlets globally.
        • In 1986, Pizza Hut reached 5,000 locations and introduced a delivery service. That year also saw the fastest construction of a Pizza Hut in Wichita, KS, completed in just 39 days—less than half the national average time of 85 days.
        • In 1994, Pizza Hut celebrated its 10,000th store, becoming the largest U.S. retailer of basketballs with a 3.7 million ball sale during an NCAA promotion.
        • Nowadays, Pizza Hut operates nearly 19,900 restaurants globally and is recognized as one of the top 10 brands for customer satisfaction in the United States in 2023.

        7. Taco Bell

          • Glen Bell founded Taco Bell in Downey, California, in 1962. Bell was inspired by the long lines at the Mitla Cafe, known for its hard-shelled tacos, across from one of his stands. After reverse-engineering their recipe with permission, he used his newfound knowledge to establish a new business. Each item cost just 19 cents.
          • The 100th Taco Bell opened in Anaheim, California.
          • By 1970, Taco Bell had expanded to 325 locations.
          • In 1985, Taco Bell reached 2,000 locations. That same year, they successfully launched the Mexican Pizza nationwide after initial tests in 1984 proved popular.
          • In 1990, Taco Bell expanded to 3,000 stores. That same year, they acquired the Hot ‘n Now chain, which was later sold to a Connecticut company in 1997.
          • In 2010, Taco Bell reached 5,000 locations globally. That same year, founder Glen Bell passed away at age 86, and the brand entered the Indian market with its first restaurant opening in Bangalore.
          • As of 2023, Taco Bell operates 8,564 locations across 32 countries worldwide. In 2022, the company reported revenues of $14.653 billion.

          8. Subway

            • Subway was founded on August 20, 1965. The company started as a small sandwich shop.
            • In 1978 Subway reached its 100th location, marking its initial steps toward becoming a national chain.
            • By 1985, Subway expanded to 500 locations, signaling significant growth.
            • In 1987, Subway opened its 1,000th store. Just a year before that, in 1986, Canada welcomed its first Subway in St. John’s.
            • In 1988, Subway reached 2,000 stores. That same year, Entrepreneur Magazine ranked it as the number one franchise opportunity for the first time in their annual Franchise 500 list.
            • In 1990, Subway achieved a significant milestone by opening its 5,000th restaurant in Texas. That same year Subway opened its first location in Mexico.
            • In 1998, Subway opened its 10,000th location and expanded into Italy, Norway, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates. That year, a report from Convenience Store News named Subway the most preferred fast-food partner among convenience store executives.
            • Currently, Subway operates 37,000 locations globally and is one of the most valuable restaurant brands worldwide, with a brand value of nearly $14.7 billion as of 2021. Additionally, each Subway store uses enough lettuce annually to cover 16 acres of land.

            9. Domino’s 

              • Domino’s began as a single store in Ypsilanti, Michigan, in 1960.
              • In 1978 Domino’s opened its 200th location, indicating steady expansion.
              • In 1983, Domino’s celebrated a big milestone by opening its 1,000th store. That same year, they opened their first store outside the U.S., in Winnipeg, Canada.
              • In 1985, Domino’s reached a significant growth milestone with 2,000 locations. That same year, they expanded to the UK, opening their first store in Luton, Bedfordshire. The unusual aero car delivers pizza.
              • In 1989, Domino’s reached 5,000 locations and introduced its first new product, the Handmade Pan Pizza.
              • In 2012, Domino’s celebrated the opening of its 10,000th location. They introduced a fresh logo and a new “pizza theater” store design, which aimed to showcase the pizza-making process as entertainment.
              • As of now, Domino’s operates 20,591 locations worldwide. The company introduced an Emergency Pizza program, offering a free medium two-topping pizza to customers in need. In 2023, Domino’s generated revenue of $4.48 billion globally.

              10. Hunt Brothers Pizza

              • 1991 marked the beginning of Hunt Brothers Pizza with a unique model of partnering with convenience stores.
              • In 1994 the company celebrated opening its 750th store.
              • By 2015, Hunt Brothers Pizza had opened five stores on U.S. military bases in Germany through a partnership with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service. It now features 7,300 spots in 28 states
              • By 2021, Hunt Brothers Pizza had expanded to 8,000 locations across 30 states, showing significant growth nationwide.
              • Currently, Hunt Brothers Pizza operates 9,703 locations and reached its peak revenue of $3.3 million in 2023, highlighting its success in the pizza industry.

              11. Dairy Queen

                • First Store: 1940 in Joliet, Illinois, began as a soft-serve ice cream shop.
                • In 1947, the company opened its 100th store, showcasing rapid growth fueled by the popularity of its unique soft-serve formula.
                • By 1950, Dairy Queen had expanded to 1,446 locations and added banana splits to their menu.
                • In 1955, Dairy Queen reached 2,600 stores. That year also marked the debut of the Dilly Bar, which quickly became a top favorite. Until the 1950s, Dairy Queen was one of the largest and most popular fast-food chains, known for its unique ice cream treats.
                • In 1996, Dairy Queen reached a milestone of 5,000 stores. That same year, the company became a privately held Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. subsidiary, marking a new chapter in its corporate history.
                • Currently, Dairy Queen operates around 7,000 locations across the U.S., Canada, and 22 other countries, maintaining its reputation as a beloved destination for frozen treats and fast food.

                12. Wendy’s

                • First Store: In 1969, Dave Thomas founded a store in Columbus, Ohio, where the old-fashioned hamburger was introduced.
                • 100th Store was opened in 1975, expanding rapidly across the United States.
                • In 1976, Wendy’s expanded internationally by opening its first restaurant in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Later that year in December, Wendy’s celebrated another milestone by opening its 500th restaurant.
                • In 1978, Wendy’s reached a significant milestone with the opening of its 1,000th location. That same year, the company founded the fried chicken chain Sisters Chicken & Biscuits and sold it nine years afterward.
                • By 1980, Wendy’s had expanded to 2,000 locations. A year earlier, in 1979, they had opened their first European restaurant in Munich, West Germany.
                • Wendy’s continued its expansion and reached 3,000 locations by 1985.
                • In 1997, Wendy’s opened its 5,000th store and introduced the slogan “You can eat great, even late,” which is still used nowadays.
                • As of 2023, Wendy’s operates 7,240 locations worldwide and reported a revenue of $2.18 billion, maintaining its status as a major player in the global fast-food industry.

                13. Baskin Robbins

                • First Store: 1945 in Glendale, California, founded by Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins, known for its 31 flavors—one for each day of the month.
                • 100th Store was opened in 1960, demonstrating rapid expansion and popularity across the United States.
                • In 1967, Baskin-Robbins reached a significant milestone with 500 locations.
                • In 1979, Baskin-Robbins celebrated opening its 1,000th store and introduced Gold Medal Ribbon® ice cream. This new flavor, featuring vanilla and chocolate ice creams swirled with caramel, was created to celebrate the spirit of being a champion with every scoop.
                • In 2000, Baskin-Robbins reached 5,000 locations. That same year, on May 18, they set a Guinness World Record for the “World’s Largest Ice Cream Scoop Pyramid,” using 3,100 scoops of ice cream.
                • Nowadays, Baskin-Robbins operates 8,000 locations worldwide and offers a diverse range of over 1,400 flavors, continuing to be a leader in ice cream variety and innovation.

                14. Hardee’s

                • On September 3, 1960, Wilber Hardee opened the first Hardee’s restaurant in Greenville, North Carolina. The restaurant featured a unique menu with 15-cent hamburgers, 10-cent fries, and 20-cent milkshakes.
                • In the early 1980s, Hardee’s grew to 2,000 restaurants. During this time, a Canadian company bought Hardee’s and acquired Burger Chef. Many Burger Chef locations turned into Hardee’s. The new managers changed some recipes, including removing a popular burger called the Big Twin.
                • In April 1997, CKE Restaurants bought Hardee’s for $327 million. After the purchase, there were 3,828 locations, spread across 40 states and 10 other countries.
                • As of 2022, Hardee’s operates 5,800 restaurants. About 15% of restaurant chain customers in the United States choose Hardee’s. In 2023, Hardee’s generated revenues of $395.5 million, showing its strong presence in the fast-food industry.

                15. Papa John’s Pizza

                • Papa John’s Pizza began in 1984 when John Schnatter, known as “Papa” John, started making pizzas in a broom closet in his father’s tavern in Jeffersonville, Indiana.
                • By 1994, ten years after starting in a broom closet, Papa John’s Pizza had expanded to 500 restaurants. The company also went public in 1993, meaning people could buy shares and invest in its growth.
                • In 1996, Papa John’s reached 1,000 restaurants. Founder John Schnatter worried they were expanding too fast to keep up with the company’s “Better Ingredients. Better Pizza” promise. It took until 2001 for the company to develop a system to ensure they were consistently making and delivering quality pizzas.
                • By 1999, Papa John’s had expanded to 2,000 locations. That year, it received the highest customer satisfaction ratings among all national fast food chains in The American Customer Satisfaction Index survey.
                • By 2001, Papa John’s had grown to 3,000 locations. A year later, in January 2002, it became the first national pizza chain to offer online ordering for all its U.S. customers.
                • By 2017, Papa John’s had expanded to 5,000 locations. About 25% of Turkey’s pepperoncini crop, which the chain uses for its pizzas, was supplied to Papa John’s stores.
                • As of now, Papa John’s operates over 5,700 stores. In 2022, the company achieved a record global revenue of $2.1 billion, showing significant growth from 2019 to 2022 despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

                16. Little Caesars

                • Mike and Marian Ilitch founded Little Caesars Pizza on May 8, 1959. Their first pizza shop was in a strip mall in Garden City, Michigan, and it was called “Little Caesar’s Pizza Treat.”
                • By 1984, Little Caesars had grown to 500 locations.
                • By 1986, Little Caesars reached 1,000 locations and invested heavily in its growth, spending about 5% of its annual revenues, or $20 million, on advertising that year.
                • In 1997, Little Caesars grew to 2,000 locations and started using shaker boards to promote their “Hot-N-Ready Pizza,” a large pepperoni pizza sold for $5. It is still a part of their menu.
                • By 2017, Little Caesars had expanded to over 5,000 locations
                • As of now, Little Caesars operates 5,300 locations across 28 countries and territories worldwide, making it the third-largest pizza chain in the world.

                Content

                First Restaurant with Online Ordering System

                The first restaurant to implement online ordering systems is a bit difficult to pinpoint precisely, as the concept gradually evolved with the advent of the internet and e-commerce. However, Pizza Hut is often credited with pioneering online ordering for food delivery. In 1994, Pizza Hut launched its online ordering system, allowing customers to place orders via the internet for delivery or pickup.

                Pizza Hut’s decision to introduce online ordering in the mid-1990s showcased the company’s commitment to embracing emerging technologies. By allowing customers to place orders through the internet, Pizza Hut positioned itself at the forefront of digital innovation in the restaurant industry.

                The online ordering system provided customers with unprecedented convenience and customization options. From the comfort of their homes or offices, customers could browse the menu, customize their orders, and specify delivery or pickup preferences with just a few clicks.

                The platform offered an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy for customers to navigate the menu and place orders efficiently. Features such as saved preferences, order history, and promotional offers further enhanced the user experience, fostering loyalty and repeat business.

                First Restaurant with Website

                The Good Earth Restaurant, located in Silicon Valley, is often cited as one of the first restaurant website, which went online in 1991. While information about the restaurant itself is limited, its significance lies in being an early adopter of internet technology, particularly in the realm of business and hospitality.

                Silicon Valley, known as the epicenter of technological innovation, was a fitting location for such an early foray into the digital realm by a restaurant. The Good Earth Restaurant’s decision to establish an online presence in the early ’90s was a bold and pioneering move, reflecting the growing importance of the internet as a platform for commerce and communication.

                Although details about The Good Earth Restaurant are scarce, its website likely served as a simple informational tool, providing visitors with basic details such as location, menu offerings, and perhaps contact information. The website may have also included rudimentary forms of online interaction, such as email contact options.

                The launch of The Good Earth Restaurant’s website marked the beginning of a new era in the restaurant industry, demonstrating the potential for leveraging the internet to reach a wider audience and enhance customer engagement. It set a precedent for other restaurants to follow suit, ultimately paving the way for the widespread adoption of online platforms for ordering, reservations, and customer service in the years to come.

                First Restaurant with Mobile App

                Domino’s Pizza, a global leader in pizza delivery and takeaway, made significant strides in digital innovation, particularly with the launch of its restaurant mobile app in 2010. This move marked a pivotal moment in the restaurant industry, showcasing Domino’s commitment to leveraging emerging technologies to enhance customer experience and streamline operations.

                The launch of the Domino’s Pizza mobile app revolutionized the way customers interacted with the brand. With the app, users gained the convenience of placing orders, customizing their pizzas, and tracking delivery status directly from their smartphones. This shift towards mobile ordering empowered customers with unprecedented control and flexibility over their dining experience, aligning perfectly with the growing trend of on-the-go lifestyles and digital convenience.

                Moreover, Domino’s Pizza’s mobile app wasn’t merely a digital replica of its website but rather a tailored experience optimized for mobile devices. The app leveraged the capabilities of smartphones, such as GPS location services, push notifications, and mobile payments, to offer a seamless and intuitive ordering process. This focus on user experience set a new standard for mobile apps in the restaurant industry and beyond.

                First Restaurant with QR Code Menu

                The first restaurant to implement QR code menus is not definitively documented, as the adoption of QR code menus gained prominence particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic as a measure to reduce physical contact and minimize the spread of the virus. However, QR code menus became increasingly popular around 2020-2021. One of the early adopters of QR code menus was a restaurant called The Barn in Tiffin, Ohio.

                Amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Barn embraced technology to adapt to the new normal. By implementing QR code menus, the restaurant demonstrated a commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its guests and staff. QR code menus enabled diners to access the restaurant’s offerings directly from their smartphones, minimizing physical contact and reducing the risk of virus transmission.

                The decision to adopt QR code menus likely involved careful consideration of various factors, including technological feasibility, customer preferences, and public health guidelines. The Barn’s proactive approach to embracing digital innovation not only showcased its adaptability but also positioned it as a forward-thinking establishment in the hospitality industry.

                Furthermore, The Barn’s implementation of QR code menus may have enhanced the overall dining experience for its guests. By leveraging technology, the restaurant streamlined the ordering process, empowered patrons with interactive menu options, and fostered a sense of safety and convenience.

                1. Wikipedia – History of McDonald’s
                2. Los Angeles Times – McDonald’s French Fries, Now the Real Thing
                3. Feedough – The History of KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken)
                4. PDFCoffee – A Brief History of KFC
                5. Zippia – KFC Careers: Jobs, Application & Employment
                6. Wikipedia – Burger King
                7. Encyclopedia – Burger King Corp
                8. Encyclopedia – Dunkin’ Donuts
                9. Dunkin’ Donuts Newsroom – Dunkin’ Donuts Newsroom
                10. LiveAbout – The History of Dunkin’ Donuts
                11. Pizza Hut Blog – Our Story: The History of Pizza Hut
                12. Pizza Hut Germany – Pizza Hut History
                13. TimeToast – Pizza Hut Founded and History
                14. Starbucks Stories – About Us: Company Timeline
                15. Taco Bell Australia – About Taco Bell
                16. Statista – Number of Taco Bell Restaurants Worldwide
                17. Wikipedia – Taco Bell
                18. Encyclopedia – Taco Bell Corp
                19. Subway – About Us: History
                20. Franchise UK – Who Founded the Subway Sandwich Franchise?
                21. Encyclopedia – Domino’s Pizza, Inc.
                22. Domino’s Pizza Business – Domino’s History
                23. Course Hero – Domino’s History
                24. Hunt Brothers Pizza – About Us
                25. Montgomery Advertiser – Hunt Brothers Pizza Rules Rural South Convenience Stores
                26. Dairy Queen – About Us
                27. Zippia – International Dairy Queen Careers: Jobs, Application & Employment
                28. TimeToast – Dairy Queen
                29. SEC Database – Wendy’s International, Inc.
                30. Reference for Business – Wendy’s International, Inc.
                31. TimeToast – Wendy’s
                32. Baskin Robbins MEA – Know the Brand: The Journey
                33. Los Angeles Times – Irvine Robbins Obituary
                34. Bartleby – Taking a Look at Dunkin’ Brands
                35. Wikipedia – Irv Robbins
                36. NCPedia – Hardee’s Restaurants
                37. Hardee’s – About Us
                38. Zippia – Papa John’s International Careers: Jobs, Application & Employment
                39. Portada – Papa John’s: Daniel Rosas: “Super Bowl is Our #1 Sales and Delivery Day of the Year”
                40. Little Caesars – Our History
                41. Reference for Business – Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc.
                42. Wikipedia – Little Caesars

                Additional references:

                1. Tricon 1999 Annual Report
                2. Domino’s Results for 1999
                3. Number of Hunt Brothers Pizza stores in the United States in 2024
                4. Hardee’s Franchises Make $1.2M Revenue (2023 Stats)
                5. Number of KFC restaurants worldwide 2010-2023
                6. Number of Starbucks Stores Globally, 1992-2021
                7. Burger King 2010 Annual Report
                8. Dunkin’ Donuts adds nearly 600 stores in 2010
                9. Subway Wikipedia
                10. Domino’s Pizza Announces 2010 Financial Results
                11. Wendy’s: Number of Restaurants Globally (2006 – 2021)
                12. Papa John’s Announces Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2010 Results

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                20s

                • 1930 the first restaurant that we now call KFC opened

                30s

                • In 1940 Dairy Queen and McDonald’s open

                40s

                • In 1950 Dairy Queen opened its 1,400-location
                • Sanders Court & Café (KFC) operates in two locations – a restaurant with 140 seats and a motel
                • Dunkin Donuts and Baskin-Robbins start to operate

                50s

                • Dairy Queen has 2,600 locations
                • KFC opened 200 restaurants
                • McDonald’s and Baskin-Robbins opened their 100 location
                • Burger King, Pizza Hut, Little Caesars, Hardee’s, and Domino’s started to operate

                60s

                • KFC – 3,000 restaurants
                • McDonald’s – 1,000 
                • Baskin-Robbins – 500
                • Pizza Hut – 310
                • Burger King – 250
                • Dunkin Donuts – 100
                • Taco Bell started and quickly opened 325 restaurants
                • Subway and Wendy’s started

                70s

                • McDonald’s – 5,000 restaurants 
                • Pizza Hut – 3,000
                • Burger King and Wendy’s – 2,000
                • Dunkin Donuts and Baskin-Robbins – 1,000
                • Domino’s – 200
                • Subway – 100
                • Starbucks starts to operate

                80s

                • McDonald’s – 10,000 restaurants 
                • KFC – 6,000
                • Burger King – 5,500
                • Subway, Domino’s, and Pizza Hut – 5,000
                • Taco Bell and Wendy’s – 3,000
                • Dunkin Donuts and Hardy’s – 2,000
                • Little Caesars – 1,000
                • Papa John’s Pizza starts operating

                90s

                • McDonald’s – 28,707 restaurants
                • Pizza Hut – 12,045
                • KFC – 10,826 
                • Burger King and Subway – 10,000
                • Taco Bell – 7111
                • Domino’s – 6,559
                • Wendy’s, Dairy Queen, and Baskin-Robbins – 5,000
                • Hardee’s – 3800
                • Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks – 3,000
                • Papa John’s Pizza and Little Caesars – 2,000
                • Hunt Brothers Pizza started operating and soon opened around 1,000 locations

                00s

                • At the end of 2010, Subway became the largest fast-food chain worldwide, with 33,749 restaurants – 1,012 more than McDonald’s.
                • McDonalds – 32,737 stores
                • Starbucks – 16,858
                • KFC’s – 16,853
                • Pizza Hut – 13,500
                • Burger King – 12,174
                • Dunkin Donuts – 9,700
                • Domino’s – 9,169
                • Wendy’s – 6,576
                • Taco Bell – 5,000
                • Papa John’s Pizza – 3,646

                2024

                • McDonald’s – 40,000 stores
                • Starbucks – 38,000
                • Subway – 37,000
                • KFC – 30,000
                • Burger King – 20,000
                • Pizza Hut – 19,900
                • Domino’s – 20,591
                • Dunkin’ (Dunkin Donuts) – 13,200
                • Hunt Brothers Pizza – 9,703
                • Taco Bell – 8,564
                • Baskin-Robbins – 8,000
                • Dairy Queen and Wendy’s – 7,000
                • Hardee’s, Papa John’s Pizza, and Little Caesars – above 5,000