Starbucks Surpasses Subway as World’s Second-Largest Restaurant Chain

In a shift in the fast-food landscape, Starbucks has surged past Subway to claim the title of the world’s second-largest restaurant chain. According to data from Technomic, Starbucks outpaced Subway last year, boasting an impressive 38,587 locations globally, while Subway trailed behind with a total of 36,516 outlets.

Subway, once the undisputed leader in global locations, faced a downturn, culminating in the closure of 6,000 U.S. stores between 2015 and 2021. Meanwhile, Starbucks embarked on an aggressive expansion spree, adding nearly 3,000 new stores during the same period.

However, there is still one more company that surpasses both Starbucks and Subway. Standing tall as the current restaurant leader of the fast-food industry is none other than McDonald’s, reigning supreme with a staggering 41,822 locations worldwide, with a significant proportion situated in the U.S. Fortune’s reports indicate that McDonald’s amassed a jaw-dropping $120 billion in sales in 2022, compared to $15.6 billion for Subway and $28.1 billion for Starbucks.

Despite Subway’s recent dip in the global rankings, the chain still maintains its stronghold in the U.S. market. According to Quartz, in 2022, Starbucks and McDonald’s trailed behind with approximately 15,000 and 13,000 locations nationwide, respectively, whereas Subway boasted an impressive 20,000 restaurants.

However, mere numerical superiority does not necessarily translate to financial success. Starbucks has consistently outperformed Subway in terms of annual sales by several billion dollars, despite Subway’s larger footprint in the U.S. market. This remarkable achievement underscores Starbucks’ unparalleled profitability and highlights the complexities of success in the fiercely competitive fast-food industry.

As Starbucks continues its meteoric rise, it serves as a potent reminder that adaptability, innovation, and consumer demand are the key drivers of success in the ever-evolving realm of fast food. The stage is set for an exciting new chapter in the global culinary landscape, with Starbucks leading the charge into uncharted territories of growth and prosperity.