The franchise industry is estimated to be worth around $834 billion in 2025, a number that is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. While many franchises are relatively small operations, a few have pushed the limits. In fact, some of the largest franchises in the world have thousands of locations and rake in billions of dollars in annual revenue.
In this article, I will highlight the 20 largest franchises in the world and will give you some insight into how these major players became so successful.
Largest Franchises In The World In 2025
There are more than 800,000 franchises in the USA alone. However, only a few are considered “giants” in the industry. Let’s take a look at some of the largest franchises in the world ranked by number of locations.
1. 7-11
Number of locations: 84,000
Number of workers: 138,808
Initial franchise fee: Varies by store ($50,000 to $750,000)
Global sales: $97 billion
7-11 has been awarded the title of the “world’s first convenience store”. The corner store chain takes the top spot for the largest franchise in the world, with more than 84,000 locations in 2023. Founded in 1927 in Dallas, Texas, by Joe C. Thompson Jr., the company has seen an unbelievable amount of growth over the past century and now operates in more than 20 countries.
7-11 is a truly global brand. Despite being created in Texas, 7-11 has become a part of the culture in Japan due to its popularity. The franchise introduced convenience to the world. In some countries, you can find a 7-11 on essentially every street corner, and most stores are open 24/7.
The convenience store’s success as a franchise can partially be credited to the fact that opening a 7-11 is relatively simple compared to food service or restaurant franchises. Additionally, the business model of 7-11 allows multiple locations to thrive even when situated near each other, as they tend to be located in areas with high foot traffic.
2. McDonald’s
Number of locations: 41,000
Number of workers: 2,000,000
Initial franchise fee: $45,000
Global sales: $25 billion
McDonald’s is likely the first company you think of when you imagine a franchise. This global giant in the fast-food restaurant chain helped shape the fast-food restaurant industry and popularized the franchise business model.
Founded in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald, McDonald’s has since evolved into one of the largest and most successful fast food franchises in the world. Now, McDonald’s has over 41,000 locations across the world and plans to add 50,000 more to that within the next 4 years.
A key aspect that sets McDonald’s apart from other food chains is its emphasis on speed and efficiency. To keep up with its reputation, McDonald’s has incorporated technology like self-order kiosks and mobile ordering to enhance the customer experience.
3. Subway
Number of locations: 37,000
Number of workers: 410,000
Initial franchise fee: $15,000
Global sales: $10 billion
Subway is a renowned fast food restaurant chain that has become a hit around the globe for its customizable sandwiches. Founded in 1965 by Fred DeLuca and Peter Buck, Subway differs from other fast food chains because of its goal to provide fresh and healthy food at a low cost.
Note: This doesn’t necessarily mean Subway is a super healthy diet-friendly food. In fact, I do NOT recommend eating Subway when on a diet. But it certainly provides healthier options than McDonald’s, KFC, or Domino’s.
It’s no surprise that as a (relatively) healthy alternative to other popular fast food restaurants, Subway has climbed the ranks to become one of the largest franchises in the world, with more than 37,000 locations in more than 100 countries. Something that attracts many franchisors is the company’s relatively low initial franchise fee and the simplicity of the business model. The simplicity means you’ll need less equipment and fewer employees. For example, Subway franchises only have around 11 employees per location, compared to 48 at McDonald’s.
4. Mixue Ice Cream & Tea
Number of locations: 36,000
Number of workers: Unknown
Initial franchise fee: Varies by location; for example, 40 million IDR (roughly $2,500 USD) in Indonesia
Global sales: 15.3 billion yuan
Mixue Ice Cream & Tea is a China-based franchise that started selling affordable beverages and desserts in 1997. The menu features a variety of ice creams, milk teas, fruit teas, and other popular Chinese desserts.
The company’s successful marketing and affordable pricing have helped it grow to astronomical heights and dominate its market. In 2024, there were over 36,000 Mixue Ice Cream & Tea worldwide, with a majority of them in Asia.
5. KFC
Number of locations: 30,000
Number of workers: 800,000
Initial franchise fee: $45,000
Global sales: $33 billion
Kentucky Fried Chicken is easily the most popular fried chicken restaurant in the world. Colonel Harland Sanders began selling fried chicken from his local restaurant in Kentucky in the 1930s. Sanders is said to have perfected his secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices by 1940. KFC was franchised in 1952, and the first official KFC was opened in Utah, not Kentucky! Just ten years after franchising, there were more than 600 Kentucky Fried Chicken locations.
In the same decade that McDonald’s was beginning to dominate the fast food market, KFC began stirring things up, adding a new option to the mix. In fact, in some countries, KFC is considered more popular than McDonald’s! This is evidenced by the fact that there are over 30,000 KFC franchises worldwide in more than 145 countries.
6. Burger King
Number of locations: 19,000
Number of workers: 250,000
Initial franchise fee: $50,000
Global sales: $27 billion
You’re probably already familiar with Burger King’s flame-grilled burgers and iconic slogan, “Have it your way”. With some genius marketing and delicious burgers to back their claims, Burger King is now one of the largest franchises in the world. The burger company, which today is McDonald’s largest competitor, got its start with a small operation selling quick and tasty burgers in 1954. In 1959, Burger King sold their first franchise agreement, and the company now boasts over 19,000 locations worldwide, 99.7% of which are owned by franchisees.
Over the years, Burger King has expanded its menu and was one of the first fast food chains to introduce vegetarian and plant-based options like the Impossible Whopper.
7. Pizza Hut
Number of locations: 19,000
Number of workers: 350,000
Initial franchise fee: $25,000
Global sales: $13 billion
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the largest pizza franchise in the world is none other than Pizza Hut. This pizza chain has a pretty impressive history and saw must more rapid growth than most of the other franchises on this list. The company was started in 1958 by brothers Dan and Frank Carney, who borrowed $600 from their mother to get started. The company quickly became successful and started franchising as early as 1959. Only 7 years after opening the first location’s doors, there were more than 140 Pizza Hut franchises.
There are now more than 19,000 Pizza Hut locations around the world in more than 105 countries.
Fun fact: Pizza Hut uses more than 300 million pounds of cheese each year.
8. Domino’s
Number of locations: 20,000
Number of workers: 350,000
Initial franchise fee: $10,000
Global sales: $18.9 billion
While Pizza Hut is the most successful pizza franchise in the world, Domino’s doesn’t lag too far behind. The Monaghan brothers founded the brand in 1960 when they bought a small and humble pizza store called DomiNick’s in Ypsilanti, Michigan, with a borrowed $900.
Today, Domino’s has far outgrown its humble origins, with over 18,000 stores across more than 90 countries. The success of Domino’s can be credited to its low prices, fast service, effective marketing, and consistent product.
9. Circle K
Number of locations: 14,800
Number of workers: 124,000
Initial franchise fee: Ranges from $0 – $25,000
Global sales: $17 billion
Circle K is the second most popular convenience store chain in the world and can be found in more than 26 countries around the world. Interestingly, this major 7-11 competitor also originated in Texas, getting its start in El Paso in 1951. Today, Circle K has over 14,000 locations across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Almost all Circle K locations are 24/7, a defining factor in the franchise’s success. Another reason that Circle K rose in the ranks to become one of the biggest franchises in the world is that it consistently acquires smaller convenience stores.
10. HR Block
Number of locations: 12,000
Number of workers: 70,000
Initial franchise fee: $2,500
Global sales: $3.6 billion
H&R Block is an American tax preparation franchise that serves individuals and businesses in over 12,000 locations across the world. The company started small in 1955 with brothers Henry W. Bloch and Richard Bloch in Kansas City, Missouri. But H&R Block grew quickly, with the first franchise opening in New York City just a year later. The company went public in 1962, less than 10 years after opening its doors.
The company has grown to become a trusted name in the tax industry and is one of the largest tax-filing companies in the world. Since the company’s founding, they have prepared more than 800 million tax returns.
Want Franchising Insights Straight To Your Inbox?
Sign up for our free email newsletter. It’s a 5-minute read once a week to help you level up on the franchising industry.
11. Dunkin Donuts
Number of locations: 20,000
Number of workers: 250,000
Initial franchise fee: Ranges from $40,000 – $90,000
Global sales: $12.4 billion
Dunkin’, formerly known as Dunkin’ Donuts until a rebranding in 2019, is a beloved coffee and donut company, especially on the East Coast of the USA.
The company took a simple breakfast of coffee and donuts and transformed it into an extremely profitable and successful business model. Dunkin’ originated in 1950 in Quincy, Massachusetts, and opened its first franchise in 1955. Just 10 years later, Dunkin’ Donuts had more than 100 locations, an extremely impressive feat if you ask me!
Fun fact: The original Dunkin’ Donuts in Quincy, Massachusetts, is still open and has been continuously making tasty donuts and coffee for more than 70 years.
12. Taco Bell
Number of locations: 7,000
Number of workers: 210,000
Initial franchise fee: Ranges from $25,000 – $45,000
Global sales: $15 billion
While certainly not the most authentic Mexican food in the world, Taco Bell is credited as the most successful “Mexican-inspired” fast food chain.
Today, Taco Bell has grown to over 7,000 locations and serves more than 2 billion customers each year. The company continuously innovates its menu to keep customers coming back and focuses heavily on marketing. Some of Taco Bell’s most popular menu items have been the Crunchwrap Supreme, Doritos Locos Tacos, the 60’s Tostada, and the Luxe Cravings Box.
Additionally, Taco Bell is one of the most affordable fast food franchises, with an extensive value menu.
13. Hunt Brothers Pizza
Number of locations: 10,000
Number of workers: Unknown
Initial franchise fee: No franchise fee
Global sales: $30 million
Hunt Brothers Pizza is one of the largest pizza franchises in the United States. Founded in 1991 in Nashville, Tennessee, the brand primarily operates within convenience stores, gas stations, and high-traffic locations and has a strong presence in the NASCAR community.
One thing that makes Hunt Brothers Pizza so successful is that it is primarily found in convenience stores. So, franchisees have a much easier time getting the business set up and running. Hunt Brothers also offers a unique franchise model with revenue-sharing rather than the standard franchise fee and royalties. This makes Hunt Brothers Pizza a great option for prospective franchisees who have less money to invest in a franchise.
14. Baskin Robbins
Number of locations: 7,800
Number of workers: Unknown
Initial franchise fee: $25,000
Global sales: $2 billion
The most popular ice cream parlor in the United States and one of the most famous worldwide is Baskin Robbins.
This ice cream franchise was founded in 1945 by two ice cream enthusiasts, Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins. Just three years later, in 1948, the company sold its first franchise agreement and began expanding rapidly. Today, Baskin Robbins has grown from a humble storefront in Glendale, California, to a major franchise with more than 7,500 locations worldwide.
The founders have stated that “every day should have a new ice cream flavor”, which is why Baskin Robbins offers 31 different types of ice cream—one for each day of the month!
15. Dairy Queen
Number of locations: 7,500
Number of workers: 28,000
Initial franchise fee: $45,000
Global sales: $6 billion
While Baskin Robbins takes the cake as the largest ice cream franchise in the USA, Dairy Queen is not too far behind. In fact, Dairy Queen actually makes significantly more sales than Baskin Robbins, despite having fewer locations.
In 1938, John Fremont McCullough and his son Alex McCullough developed the original formula for soft serve ice cream, which quickly became a sensation.
This creation led the father-son duo to open the first Dairy Queen in Joliet, Illinois, in 1940. Dairy Queen began franchising in 1944. And by 1947, the ice cream parlor had already grown to more than 100 locations.
While the company’s original menu only included a few dessert items, Dairy Queen now offers an extensive menu that goes beyond soft-serve ice cream, such as their iconic blizzards, ice cream cakes, and even hot savory items like burgers, fries, and chicken.
16. Wendy’s
Number of locations: 7,000
Number of workers: 239,500
Initial franchise fee: $50,000
Global sales: $2 billion
While not as big of a player as McDonald’s and Burger King, Wendy’s is still a majorly popular fast food franchise that has become one of the biggest franchises in the world. Wendy’s was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas, who named the restaurant after his daughter. The company is famous for its “fresh, never frozen” beef and unique square-shaped burger patties.
By the time Wendy’s came to the fast food burger scene, McDonald’s and Burger King were already dominating. But the restaurant’s focus on high-quality, fresh ingredients has always set it apart from its competitors. Wendy’s also heavily invests in marketing and, in recent years, has leveraged memes and comedic social media posts to target younger generations.
17. Papa John’s
Number of locations: 5,000
Number of workers: 16,000
Initial franchise fee: $25,000
Global sales: $2 billion
Papa John’s is another popular fast-food pizza franchise. A relatively late-comer to the pizza restaurant industry, Papa John’s was created in 1984 by John Schnatter. Since then, the company has grown to have over 5,000 locations in over 45 countries.
To separate from the competition, Schnatter focused on creating pizzas with high-quality ingredients. Everything from the sauce to the dough, cheese, and toppings is high quality. For example, they use 100% mozzarella cheese on all pizzas.
Fun fact: Shaquille O’Neal is a Papa John’s franchisee, owning several locations.
18. Ace Hardware
Number of locations: 5,900
Number of workers: Unknown
Initial franchise fee: $10,000
Global sales: $23 billion
The first entry on this list that is not a restaurant franchise, Ace Hardware is a hardware retail store that serves customers in over 5,000 locations across the world. Ace Hardware was formed in 1924 by a group of independent store owners in Chicago. The company expanded throughout the Midwest in the 1930s and had spread to all 50 states by 1975.
Ace Hardware is a one-stop shop for all hardware products like tools, paint, electrical and plumbing supplies, outdoor equipment, and much more. Interestingly, while often considered a franchise, Ace Hardware is more appropriately referred to as a cooperative, as each Ace Hardware store owner is a shareholder in the company and helps with decision-making.
19. The UPS Store
Number of locations: 5,200
Number of workers: Unknown
Initial franchise fee: $29,950
Global sales: $3 billion
Did you know UPS started with a loan of $100 in 1907? Despite its humble origins, UPS has since grown into the world’s largest package delivery service. But they didn’t stop with just delivering. Enter the UPS Store. This store was introduced in the 1980s as an alternative to the post office. Now, there are more than 5,000 UPS Stores around the world across the United States and Canada. With that impressive number under its belt, the UPS Store is the largest postal and business center franchisor in the world. The company boasts plenty of accolades to back up its claim as one of the best franchises.
Franchising with The UPS Store comes with a number of perks that contribute to its ongoing success. First of all, the brand name. UPS is a trusted household name across the continent. Additionally,, the UPS Store offers a wide range of services, including shipping, faxing, copying, shredding, mailboxes, and even notarizing, amongst other small business services.
20. Little Caesars
Number of locations: 5,300
Number of workers: Unknown
Initial franchise fee: $20,000
Global sales: $4 billion
One final pizza chain to round up the 20 largest franchises in the world is Little Caesars. This American pizza chain began with a blind date that set up the two founders, Mike Ilitch and Marian Bayoff. The two eventually married and founded a pizza restaurant in Garden City, Michigan, in 1959. Just three years later, they opened their first franchise in Warren, Michigan, and their growth was exponential, with Little Caesars celebrating the opening of their 50th restaurant in 1969, just 10 years after Mike and Marian opened their first pizza shop. Now, you can find a total of 5,300+ Little Caesars in all 50 states and 28 countries.
Little Caesars has gained popularity thanks to their genius marketing efforts and delicious, hot, and convenient pizzas. Their famous phrase Pizza-Pizza was coined in 1979 to illustrate that you can get 2-for-1 pizzas. This same strategy was used to market Pan-Pan, where you can get the unique 2-for-1 deep dish square pizzas.
Fun fact: To give back, the company also opened The Little Caesars Love Kitchen, which travels all around the USA, bringing pizza to the hungry and homeless. The Love Kitchen has since won two President’s Volunteer Action Awards.
Ready to Join the Ranks of the Biggest Global Franchises?
Investing in a franchise can be a life-changing decision, but it takes a lot of dedication and discipline to become a successful franchise owner. That said, you don’t have to take on franchising alone. Franzy is the best tool out there to help you find the top franchises in the world in the biggest industries and connect with franchisors to turn your dream into a reality.
