The 50 Most Popular Chain Restaurants Loved Around the World

Chain restaurants are a staple of American culture, offering the comfort of familiarity and the convenience of quick service, no matter where you are in the country. From small towns to big cities, these eateries serve up everything from burgers and fries to pizza, pasta, and coffee—always ready to satisfy your hunger at a moment’s notice. For many, these restaurants are more than just a place to grab a bite—they’re tied to fond memories of road trips, family gatherings, and late-night snack runs. Whether it’s grabbing a Big Mac on the way to work, sharing a pizza during game night, or sipping a latte while catching up with friends, these places hold a special spot in our hearts.

Over the years, some of these chains have grown into mega-brands recognized around the world, while others have stayed more regional, but with just as devoted a following. They each have their own charm and a loyal customer base, often built on iconic menu items like McDonald’s fries, Chick-fil-A’s chicken sandwich, or Starbucks’ frappuccinos. Some focus on speed and affordability, while others aim to offer a slightly more upscale dining experience—but all have one thing in common: consistency. No matter where you go, the food tastes the same, which is comforting when you’re far from home or just craving that familiar favorite.

In this list, we’re diving into the 50 most popular chain restaurants across America. These are the places that millions of Americans turn to when they want a reliable meal. From fast food giants to family-friendly diners and trendy fast-casual spots, this rundown captures the variety of dining options that have become woven into the fabric of everyday American life. So, whether you’re a burger aficionado, a pizza lover, or a fan of chicken wings, there’s likely a favorite spot or two on this list that feels like home. Let’s take a look at the biggest names in the business, and maybe even find a few surprises along the way.

1. McDonald’s

• Type: Fast Food (Burgers)
• Famous For: Big Mac, Fries, McNuggets
• Founded: 1940
• Locations: 13,500+ in the U.S.
• Overview: McDonald’s is the largest fast-food chain in the world, known for its quick service, iconic menu items, and affordability.

2. Starbucks

• Type: Coffeehouse
• Famous For: Coffee, Lattes, Frappuccinos
• Founded: 1971
• Locations: 15,000+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Starbucks revolutionized the coffee industry with its vast selection of beverages, premium coffee blends, and cozy atmosphere.

3. Chick-fil-A

• Type: Fast Food (Chicken)
• Famous For: Chicken Sandwich, Waffle Fries
• Founded: 1946
• Locations: 2,800+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Chick-fil-A is beloved for its focus on chicken sandwiches and customer service, with a business model that closes its doors on Sundays.

4. Subway

• Type: Fast Food (Subs)
• Famous For: Customizable Sub Sandwiches
• Founded: 1965
• Locations: 21,000+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Subway offers a variety of freshly made sandwiches and salads, with a focus on healthier, made-to-order options.

5. Taco Bell

• Type: Fast Food (Mexican)
• Famous For: Crunchwrap Supreme, Tacos
• Founded: 1962
• Locations: 7,000+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Taco Bell specializes in American-style Mexican food, with an innovative and budget-friendly menu.

6. Wendy’s

• Type: Fast Food (Burgers)
• Famous For: Frosty, Dave’s Single
• Founded: 1969
• Locations: 6,500+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Known for its fresh, never frozen beef and square burgers, Wendy’s has maintained a strong presence in the fast-food industry.

7. Burger King

• Type: Fast Food (Burgers)
• Famous For: Whopper, Chicken Fries
• Founded: 1954
• Locations: 7,200+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Burger King is known for its flame-grilled burgers and has built a reputation with its popular Whopper sandwich.

8. Domino’s Pizza

• Type: Fast Food (Pizza)
• Famous For: Pizza, Cheesy Bread
• Founded: 1960
• Locations: 6,500+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Domino’s has become a leader in the pizza delivery business, known for its fast service and customizable pizzas.

9. Dunkin’

• Type: Coffeehouse
• Famous For: Donuts, Coffee, Breakfast Sandwiches
• Founded: 1950
• Locations: 9,000+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Dunkin’ has carved out a niche as a coffee and donut chain, evolving its menu over the years to include sandwiches and beverages.

10. Panera Bread

• Type: Fast Casual (Bakery-Café)
• Famous For: Soups, Salads, Sandwiches
• Founded: 1987
• Locations: 2,200+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Panera Bread is a leader in the fast-casual space, offering freshly baked goods alongside nutritious salads, soups, and sandwiches.

11. Pizza Hut

• Type: Fast Food (Pizza)
• Famous For: Pan Pizza, Breadsticks
• Founded: 1958
• Locations: 6,000+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Pizza Hut pioneered the pan pizza and remains a dominant player in the American pizza industry.

12. Sonic Drive-In

• Type: Fast Food (Drive-In)
• Famous For: Slushes, Hot Dogs, Burgers
• Founded: 1953
• Locations: 3,500+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Sonic offers a classic drive-in experience with a wide variety of menu items, including customizable drinks and shakes.

13. Chipotle

• Type: Fast Casual (Mexican)
• Famous For: Burritos, Bowls
• Founded: 1993
• Locations: 3,000+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Chipotle has gained popularity with its focus on sustainably sourced ingredients and customizable Mexican-inspired dishes.

14. KFC

• Type: Fast Food (Chicken)
• Famous For: Original Recipe Chicken, Biscuits
• Founded: 1952
• Locations: 4,000+ in the U.S.
• Overview: KFC is synonymous with fried chicken, offering a secret blend of spices and classic comfort food sides.

15. Applebee’s

• Type: Casual Dining
• Famous For: Riblets, 2-for-$20 Meals
• Founded: 1980
• Locations: 1,600+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Applebee’s is a well-established casual dining chain, offering American classics in a neighborhood grill setting.

16. Olive Garden

• Type: Casual Dining (Italian)
• Famous For: Breadsticks, Pasta
• Founded: 1982
• Locations: 850+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Olive Garden is known for its Italian-inspired dishes, particularly its never-ending pasta bowls and salads.

17. Buffalo Wild Wings

• Type: Casual Dining (Sports Bar)
• Famous For: Wings, Beer
• Founded: 1982
• Locations: 1,200+ in the U.S.
• Overview: A popular sports bar, Buffalo Wild Wings is the go-to spot for wings and watching live games.

18. Arby’s

• Type: Fast Food (Sandwiches)
• Famous For: Roast Beef Sandwiches, Curly Fries
• Founded: 1964
• Locations: 3,400+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Arby’s is known for its slow-cooked roast beef sandwiches and unique menu offerings, such as curly fries and shakes.

19. Five Guys

• Type: Fast Casual (Burgers)
• Famous For: Burgers, Fries, Milkshakes
• Founded: 1986
• Locations: 1,600+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Five Guys is revered for its high-quality, customizable burgers and generous portions of fries.

20. Popeyes

• Type: Fast Food (Chicken)
• Famous For: Chicken Sandwich, Cajun Fries
• Founded: 1972
• Locations: 3,100+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Famous for its Southern-style fried chicken and bold flavors, Popeyes has gained a devoted fanbase.

21. Raising Cane’s

• Type: Fast Food (Chicken)
• Famous For: Chicken Fingers, Cane’s Sauce
• Founded: 1996
• Locations: 750+ in the U.S.
• Overview: With a laser focus on chicken tenders, Raising Cane’s has built a strong following for its simple menu and special sauce.

22. Jack in the Box

• Type: Fast Food (Burgers, Tacos)
• Famous For: Jumbo Jack, Tacos
• Founded: 1951
• Locations: 2,200+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Jack in the Box offers an eclectic menu of burgers, tacos, and breakfast options, catering to both traditional and late-night crowds.

23. Red Lobster

• Type: Casual Dining (Seafood)
• Famous For: Cheddar Bay Biscuits, Lobster
• Founded: 1968
• Locations: 700+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Red Lobster is the go-to chain for seafood lovers, known for its endless shrimp promotions and signature biscuits.

24. Cracker Barrel

• Type: Casual Dining (Southern)
• Famous For: Southern Comfort Food, Country Store
• Founded: 1969
• Locations: 660+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Cracker Barrel offers a homey dining experience with Southern-style comfort food, paired with its signature country store.

25. IHOP

• Type: Casual Dining (Breakfast)
• Famous For: Pancakes, Breakfast Combos
• Founded: 1958
• Locations: 1,650+ in the U.S.
• Overview: IHOP is a beloved breakfast chain, famous for its pancakes, but also offers lunch and dinner menus.

26. Denny’s

• Type: Casual Dining (Diner)
• Famous For: Grand Slam Breakfast, 24/7 Service
• Founded: 1953
• Locations: 1,500+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Denny’s is synonymous with diner-style comfort food, known for its 24/7 service and all-day breakfast menu.

27. Wingstop

• Type: Fast Casual (Chicken Wings)
• Famous For: Chicken Wings, Fries
• Founded: 1994
• Locations: 1,400+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Wingstop specializes in wings with a variety of bold flavors, complemented by its crispy fries and dips.

28. The Cheesecake Factory

• Type: Casual Dining
• Famous For: Cheesecake, Large Portions
• Founded: 1978
• Locations: 200+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Known for its extensive menu and oversized portions, The Cheesecake Factory also serves its namesake desserts in a variety of flavors.

29. Little Caesars

• Type: Fast Food (Pizza)
• Famous For: Hot-N-Ready Pizza, Crazy Bread
• Founded: 1959
• Locations: 4,000+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Little Caesars offers inexpensive, ready-made pizza and is known for its “Hot-N-Ready” concept, providing convenience for customers.

30. Outback Steakhouse

• Type: Casual Dining (Steakhouse)
• Famous For: Bloomin’ Onion, Steaks
• Founded: 1988
• Locations: 700+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Outback Steakhouse is a popular choice for steak lovers, combining Australian-themed decor with a variety of grilled dishes.

31. LongHorn Steakhouse

• Type: Casual Dining (Steakhouse)
• Famous For: Steaks, Parmesan Crusted Chicken
• Founded: 1981
• Locations: 500+ in the U.S.
• Overview: LongHorn specializes in steaks, providing a Western-inspired dining atmosphere with high-quality cuts of meat.

32. Golden Corral

• Type: Buffet
• Famous For: Buffet, Comfort Food
• Founded: 1973
• Locations: 400+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Golden Corral offers an all-you-can-eat buffet with a wide range of dishes, including carved meats, salads, and desserts.

33. Qdoba

• Type: Fast Casual (Mexican)
• Famous For: Burritos, Queso
• Founded: 1995
• Locations: 700+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Qdoba offers customizable Mexican-inspired dishes, with a focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

34. Culver’s

• Type: Fast Casual (Burgers)
• Famous For: ButterBurgers, Frozen Custard
• Founded: 1984
• Locations: 850+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Known for its ButterBurgers and rich frozen custard, Culver’s offers a Midwest-inspired take on fast-casual dining.

35. TGI Fridays

• Type: Casual Dining
• Famous For: Jack Daniel’s Glaze, Appetizers
• Founded: 1965
• Locations: 300+ in the U.S.
• Overview: TGI Fridays is recognized for its fun, casual dining atmosphere and extensive appetizer menu, often associated with happy hours.

36. Zaxby’s

• Type: Fast Casual (Chicken)
• Famous For: Chicken Fingers, Zax Sauce
• Founded: 1990
• Locations: 900+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Zaxby’s specializes in chicken tenders, wings, and sandwiches, with a signature sauce that keeps customers coming back.

37. El Pollo Loco

• Type: Fast Casual (Mexican)
• Famous For: Flame-Grilled Chicken, Tacos
• Founded: 1975
• Locations: 500+ in the U.S.
• Overview: El Pollo Loco is famous for its flame-grilled chicken and Mexican-inspired dishes, offering healthier alternatives to traditional fast food.

38. In-N-Out Burger

• Type: Fast Food (Burgers)
• Famous For: Double-Double, Animal Style Fries
• Founded: 1948
• Locations: 400+ in the U.S.
• Overview: In-N-Out has a cult following, thanks to its simple, high-quality menu, fresh ingredients, and secret menu options.

39. Papa John’s

• Type: Fast Food (Pizza)
• Famous For: Pizza, Garlic Sauce
• Founded: 1984
• Locations: 3,000+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Papa John’s is known for its slogan, “Better Ingredients, Better Pizza,” and its signature garlic dipping sauce that accompanies every pizza.

40. Checkers & Rally’s

• Type: Fast Food (Burgers)
• Famous For: Burgers, Seasoned Fries
• Founded: 1986
• Locations: 800+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Known for its drive-thru service and affordable menu, Checkers & Rally’s is popular for its seasoned fries and indulgent burger options.

41. Jersey Mike’s Subs

• Type: Fast Casual (Subs)
• Famous For: Fresh-Sliced Subs, Philly Cheesesteak
• Founded: 1956
• Locations: 2,000+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Jersey Mike’s is known for its freshly sliced deli meats and freshly baked bread, offering both cold and hot sub options.

42. Blaze Pizza

• Type: Fast Casual (Pizza)
• Famous For: Customizable Pizzas, Fast Service
• Founded: 2011
• Locations: 300+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Blaze Pizza is a leader in the fast-casual pizza space, offering customizable, fast-fired pizzas in a matter of minutes.

43. Hardee’s

• Type: Fast Food (Burgers)
• Famous For: Thickburgers, Breakfast
• Founded: 1960
• Locations: 1,800+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Hardee’s offers a wide variety of burger options, including its premium “Thickburgers,” and is known for its hearty breakfast menu.

44. Carl’s Jr.

• Type: Fast Food (Burgers)
• Famous For: Western Bacon Cheeseburger, CrissCut Fries
• Founded: 1941
• Locations: 1,000+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Known for its oversized burgers and indulgent flavors, Carl’s Jr. is often associated with its famous commercials and creative menu.

45. Whataburger

• Type: Fast Food (Burgers)
• Famous For: Whataburger, Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit
• Founded: 1950
• Locations: 900+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Whataburger is beloved in the South for its large, customizable burgers and breakfast options, particularly the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit.

46. Noodles & Company

• Type: Fast Casual (Pasta)
• Famous For: Mac & Cheese, Asian Noodles
• Founded: 1995
• Locations: 450+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Noodles & Company offers a globally inspired menu focused on noodle dishes from around the world, including pasta, stir-fries, and soups.

47. Bojangles’

• Type: Fast Food (Chicken & Biscuits)
• Famous For: Cajun Chicken, Biscuits
• Founded: 1977
• Locations: 750+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Bojangles’ offers Southern-inspired dishes, specializing in fried chicken and freshly baked biscuits.

48. Carrabba’s Italian Grill

• Type: Casual Dining (Italian)
• Famous For: Chicken Bryan, Pasta
• Founded: 1986
• Locations: 200+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Carrabba’s is known for its Italian-inspired menu, with a focus on wood-grilled dishes and house-made pastas.

49. Fazoli’s

• Type: Fast Casual (Italian)
• Famous For: Pasta, Breadsticks
• Founded: 1988
• Locations: 200+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Fazoli’s serves quick-service Italian food, including a variety of pasta dishes, pizza, and their famous unlimited breadsticks.

50. Moe’s Southwest Grill

• Type: Fast Casual (Mexican)
• Famous For: Burritos, Queso
• Founded: 2000
• Locations: 700+ in the U.S.
• Overview: Moe’s offers customizable Southwestern-style dishes, from burritos to tacos, and is known for its welcoming “Welcome to Moe’s!” greeting.