
In an electrifying turn of events that has the culinary world buzzing, Starbucks has surged ahead of Subway to claim the title of the world’s second-largest restaurant chain, igniting speculation that it could soon challenge McDonald’s for the top spot. This huge shift in the global restaurant hierarchy underscores Starbucks’ relentless march towards global dominance, with its ubiquitous green mermaid emblem set to become an even more common sight in cities and towns across the globe.
As of the end of last year, Starbucks’ global empire boasts a staggering 38,587 locations, outshining Subway’s tally of 36,516 and setting the stage for an epic showdown with McDonald’s, which still holds the golden arches high with 41,822 outlets. This incredible growth spurt by Starbucks, which added nearly 3,000 stores last year alone, signals a caffeinated charge in its expansion strategy, leaving competitors and the once-dominant Subway in its aromatic wake.
Subway, which once reigned supreme with the highest number of global locations, has found itself on a downward trajectory, closing 6,000 U.S. stores between 2015 and 2021. In contrast, Starbucks’ aggressive expansion strategy, particularly outside of the United States, showcases the company’s ambitious vision to weave its brand into the fabric of international markets. Starbucks has announced jaw-dropping plans to open just under 15,000 new locations outside of the U.S. by 2030, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to becoming increasingly global.
While Starbucks’ ascent to the number two spot is a testament to its sprawling global network, the battle for sales supremacy paints a different picture. In 2022, Subway reported $15.6 billion in global sales, with Starbucks steaming ahead at $28.1 billion. However, McDonald’s remains the undisputed king of the hill with astronomical sales of roughly $120 billion, a figure that underscores the colossal scale of the fast-food titan’s global reach and consumer appeal.
Despite its unrivaled position in terms of sales, McDonald’s has not been immune to consumer pushback against rising prices, prompting the chain to reintroduce “affordability” into its menu. Additionally, the launch of CosMc’s, McDonald’s Starbucks-rivaling venture, has generated significant buzz, with people waiting in lines for hours to get a taste of what could be the next big thing in the fast-food industry.
As Starbucks continues its ambitious global expansion, the question on everyone’s lips is whether it can close the gap with McDonald’s not just in terms of locations, but more crucially, in sales. With the coffee giant’s strategy of opening three out of every four new stores outside the U.S., the race for global restaurant supremacy is heating up, promising a battle royale that will keep industry watchers on the edge of their seats.