Bubble tea chain dethrones McDonald’s as world’s biggest fast food brand

It’s been announced that a fast food restaurant you might not be familiar with has taken over the position of being the world’s leading fast food chain from McDonald’s.

Over many years, McDonald’s has reigned supreme in the realm of fast food, delighting customers from all corners with their irresistible burgers, french fries, McMuffins, and, when functioning properly, their scrumptious milkshakes.

McDonald’s, with more than 40,000 outlets worldwide, holds a dominant position. Some of these restaurants boast quite distinctive interior designs.

Sadly, Ronald won’t be grinning much these days, as the iconic restaurant that once held the title of the world’s largest fast food chain is no longer in that position. However, it wasn’t outcompeted by traditional rivals such as Burger King, Starbucks, Taco Bell or KFC. Instead, an unexpected competitor dealt McDonald’s a blow.

Unexpected fast food chain dethrones McDonald’s

According to Newsweek, Mixue Bingcheng, a Chinese bubble tea and ice cream chain, has surpassed McDonald’s in terms of market value.

If you’re not familiar with them, it’s likely due to their extensive presence. However, it’s important to note that a vast majority (around 90%) of their locations can be found in China, as they run approximately 45,000 stores worldwide.

The rest are in nearby Asian locations such as Vietnam and Indonesia.

One delightful aspect about Mixue Bingcheng is its affordability. This ice cream chain surprises many with their budget-friendly pricing – you can get a soft serve ice cream cone for just 1 yuan, which equals approximately 15 cents in US dollars.

The prices for their drinks are quite reasonable, ranging between $0.30 and $1.20, which is significantly lower compared to what consumers typically pay in other regions globally.

Although Mixue Bingcheng boasts a larger number of outlets compared to McDonald’s, its relatively higher prices place it at a disadvantage when comparing sales volumes against competitors like Tim Hortons.

According to a report from The Sun, there’s speculation that Mixue Bingcheng might expand its operations to the U.S., potentially finding success in this market, as suggested by industry analysts.

In the meantime, McDonald’s loyalists can look forward to an upgraded menu experience. The company has introduced a fresh signature burger, aiming to complement its renowned Big Mac.

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2025-03-12 01:48