The Largest Franchisees in the US: A Comprehensive Review

The US is home to a staggering number of franchisees, with some of the largest ones dominating the market. According to our research, the top 5 largest franchisees in the US are 7-Eleven, McDonald's, Subway, Dairy Queen, and Burger King.

These giants have a massive presence, with thousands of locations across the country. 7-Eleven, for instance, boasts over 9,500 stores nationwide.

Their sheer size and reach have made them household names. McDonald's, for example, has a staggering 14,000 locations in the US alone.

From convenience stores to fast food chains, these franchisees have revolutionized the way Americans shop and dine.

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The largest franchisees in the US have been making big moves in the fast food industry. Restaurant Brands International is buying Carrols Restaurant Group, the largest Burger King franchisee in the US, for about $1 billion in cash.

Carrols Restaurant Group operates over 1,000 Burger King locations and 60 Popeyes locations. They acquired 19 Burger King units in Indiana and Michigan in early July. The group's chairman and CEO announced his retirement in late September.

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The Dhanani Group operates 503 Burger King units, 284 Popeyes, and 37 La Madeleine locations. Shoukat Dhanani, the founder of the Dhanani Group, started his business journey by buying a gas station in Houston with support from Shell in 1976.

Here's a list of the largest Burger King franchisees in the US:

Carrol's Restaurant Group has been a significant player in the US fast food industry for decades. The company started out in the 60's as Carrol Systems, a division of a larger firm.

Carrol's signed a deal with Burger King in the mid 70's and became its franchisee, converting many of its locations into Burger King restaurants. This move marked a significant shift in the company's strategy.

Today, Carrol's Restaurant Group manages over 1,000 Burger King and Popeyes locations. The group's chairman and CEO, Daniel T. Accordino, announced his retirement in late September after serving the company for over 50 years.

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Carrol's Restaurant Group is one of the largest franchisees in the US, with a significant presence in the fast food industry. The company's history and success are a testament to its ability to adapt and thrive in a competitive market.

Here's a brief overview of Carrol's Restaurant Group's current operations:

Carrol's Restaurant Group's acquisition by Restaurant Brands International is a significant development in the US fast food industry. The deal is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2024.

The Dhanani Group is a significant player in the QSR industry, with a history that dates back to the 1970s. Shoukat Dhanani, the founder, came to the US in 1972 to study at the South Texas Junior College.

Dhanani's first business venture was a gas station in Houston, which he bought with support from Shell in 1976. He later used a failed deal to acquire Burger King locations.

Today, the Dhanani Group operates a substantial number of QSR brands, with 503 Burger King units. This is a remarkable achievement, considering the company's humble beginnings.

The group also owns 284 Popeyes locations and 37 La Madeleine locations. Its affiliates have been steadily expanding across the country, with recent openings in Colorado Springs.

The Dhanani Group's success can be attributed to its strategic business moves, including placing Burger King locations in its gas stations. This innovative approach has paid off, with the company growing significantly over the years.

Muy! Brands has been on a rapid expansion trajectory since its founding in 2003 by James Bodenstedt.

Muy! Brands started with 18 restaurants in 2003 and grew to 635 locations by 2016.

Today, Muy! Brands boasts over 780 locations of Pizza Hut, Wendy's, and Taco Bell.

The company is known for its aggressive expansion, with plans to build a Taco Bell unit in Poughkeepsie where a Carl's Jr. once stood.

Muy! Brands is also developing a Taco Bell location near the border of Hanover Township and Wilkes-Barre.

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Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores is a remarkable company that started small. Tom and Judy Love spent $5,000 to lease an abandoned gas station in 1965.

The company has grown exponentially since then, with Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores now having over 550 locations across the country. They employ more than 32,000 people, a testament to their success.

Love's has a long history of innovation, starting with the addition of convenience stores to their gas stations.

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The Southwest region is home to some of the largest franchisees in the US. Southwest has a significant presence of Pizza Hut, with 185 units in the region.

One of the biggest players in the Southwest is Pizza Hut, with 185 units. Wendy's and Long John Silver's also have a notable presence, with 103 and 42 units respectively.

Burger King and Cicis are also major players in the Southwest, with 196 and 37 units. This gives Burger King a significant edge over its competitors in the region.

Sonic Drive-In is a standalone brand in the Southwest, with a total of 152 units. This number is impressive, showing the brand's strong presence in the region.

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The US franchise market is booming, with a 9.5% increase in new units added in 2024, reaching 11,294 units. This growth is driven by consumer demand for convenience, health, and sustainability.

Fast-casual dining, health and wellness, pet services, and mobile businesses are leading the charge, with franchises like Chick-fil-A and Anytime Fitness aligning with dietary and fitness priorities. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Circle K are also dominating the market, offering 24/7 availability and catering to busy lifestyles.

Some of the largest franchises in the US include convenience stores (e.g., 7-Eleven, Circle K) and tax services (H&R Block), which dominate by scale, while fast-food chains like McDonald's and Subway lead in revenue.

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Angry Chickz is planning to expand from 33 to 50 units by next year, capitalizing on the growing popularity of hot chicken.

This fast-casual chain is looking to ride the tailwind of competitor Dave's Hot Chicken.

At Angry Chickz, the focus is on bowls, which suggests a menu item that's a key differentiator.

Their strategy appears to be one of rapid growth, with a significant increase in locations on the horizon.

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The U.S. franchise market is experiencing robust growth, driven by consumer demand for convenience, health, and sustainability.

Fast-casual dining, health and wellness, pet services, and mobile businesses are leading the growth, with franchises adding 11,294 units in 2024, a 9.5% increase over 2023.

Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Circle K dominate by scale, while fast-food chains like McDonald's and Subway lead in revenue.

Sustainable food, virtual brands, and outdoor living services are gaining traction due to eco-conscious spending and tech-driven models.

Here are some key trends in the U.S. franchise market: