12 Fast Food Chains Expanding Like Crazy In 2025

The fast-food industry is booming in 2025, with top brands aggressively expanding across the globe. Innovation in menus, technology, and customer service fuels this growth. These 12 chains are opening new locations at record speeds, reshaping quick-service dining worldwide. From established giants to rising stars, these brands are set to dominate the international landscape, bringing fast food to more customers than ever while adapting to evolving tastes and digital habits.

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea has rapidly expanded across Asia and globally by offering affordable and fresh treats. The brand specializes in soft-serve ice cream and customizable bubble teas tailored to local markets. Its simple yet effective store model enables quick rollouts, catering especially to value-conscious consumers. With its strong focus on quality and variety, Mixue is setting a new standard for Asian quick-service brands, making tea and ice cream accessible daily indulgences worldwide.

McDonald’s

McDonald’s remains the global leader in fast food with significant expansion efforts in the U.S., Europe, and Asia-Pacific. The brand’s strong menu appeal, coupled with investments in digital ordering and delivery services, continues to attract a wide range of customers. In 2025, McDonald’s is experiencing some of its fastest growth rates in years, driven by operational efficiency, innovative marketing, and value-focused promotions, reinforcing its dominance across all regions.

Starbucks

Starbucks leads global premium coffee with over 40,000 locations worldwide. The company is expanding especially in Asia and North America with modern store formats and beverage innovation. Starbucks focuses on improving the “third place” experience between home and work by renovating stores and enhancing customer loyalty programs. Its expansion strategy reflects a commitment to creating community hubs while growing its substantial and diverse customer base.

Subway

Subway is the largest sandwich chain globally, with nearly 37,000 locations in over 100 countries. Despite recent U.S. store closures, its international presence is growing fast, fueled by over 20 master franchise agreements that add more than 10,000 future restaurant commitments. The brand has modernized stores with its “Fresh Forward” design and plans to roll out the improved “Fresh Forward 2.0” worldwide in 2025. Subway’s flexible “build-your-own” model and local menu adaptations keep it competitive and expanding

KFC

KFC operates over 30,000 restaurants globally and remains a leader in fast food growth, especially in China, Africa, and emerging markets. Known for its signature fried chicken, the brand adapts its menu to local tastes, enhancing appeal worldwide. In 2025, digital ordering and delivery innovations make KFC more accessible, helping the chain maintain strong market share. With new stores opening every few hours, KFC’s protein-rich comfort food continues to attract diverse customers while expanding its global presence rapidly.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell is expanding rapidly, using playful Mexican-inspired items to attract younger consumers. Its U.S. expansion plan targets 10,000 locations by 2030, with international growth supplementing this. Taco Bell’s success comes from frequent limited-time offers, effective digital ordering, and a vibrant brand image. These efforts combine to build a loyal fan base eager for creative, flavorful, and affordable meals, fueling its aggressive presence expansion.

Wendy’s

Wendy’s plans to open hundreds of new stores globally by 2028 with its “Next Gen” store concept. This design emphasizes sustainability and digital technology while refreshing the in-store dining experience. Wendy’s is focusing on popular menu items like its Frosty dessert and premium chicken sandwiches to draw new customers. With a targeted approach to international markets, the brand aims to greatly increase its global footprint in the coming years.

Dunkin’

Dunkin’ continues strong growth, adding around 200 new U.S. stores last year and growing in global markets. The chain’s focus is on coffee innovation, seasonal menu items, and convenient service. Dunkin’s success is supported by an effective digital ordering platform that attracts busy consumers seeking quick, affordable beverages and snacks. This strategy underpins Dunkin’s expansion plans through 2025 and beyond.

Chipotle

Chipotle is in a fast expansion phase, aiming to nearly double its North American locations by 2030. Its “Food with Integrity” philosophy and digital ordering focus attract health-minded customers. A significant part of its growth comes from new drive-thru “Chipotlane” units that boost convenience. Chipotle’s investments in technology and menu innovation continue delivering strong sales growth and successful entry into new markets worldwide.

Domino’s

Domino’s is the world’s largest pizza company with over 21,700 stores across 90+ markets as of 2025. It continues rapid expansion, planning to grow from around 7,100 U.S. stores toward 8,500 while increasing international locations aggressively. Domino’s thrives on technology-driven ordering platforms, innovative menu items like Parmesan Stuffed Crust, and strong delivery partnerships. These strengths drive solid same-store sales growth and franchisee profitability, fueling its leadership in global pizza delivery and takeout convenience.

Panda Express

Panda Express is aggressively expanding in 2025, with plans to open over 130 new locations across the U.S. This fast-casual Asian dining giant combines classic American-Chinese favorites with seasonal menu innovations, appealing broadly to urban and suburban customers. The brand focuses on freestanding drive-thru units, mall food courts, and nontraditional spots like airports. Panda’s vertical integration supports rapid scaling without compromising quality. Its family-focused branding and community engagement fuel strong customer loyalty and widespread growth nationally and beyond.

Jollibee

Jollibee is the fastest-growing Asian multinational fast-food brand, expanding rapidly worldwide. In 2025, it operates over 10,000 stores, a 45.5% increase from last year, with strong sales growth of nearly 20%. The brand’s unique Filipino-inspired menu, including fried chicken and spaghetti, appeals globally across markets in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Jollibee’s success comes from cultural connection, aggressive franchising, digital innovation, and hyper-localized menu adaptations, driving broad international consumer appeal and sustained growth.