Some businesses truly are ubiquitous. Fast-food chains, hotel groups and major coffee brands have built immense physical footprints, producing some of the most recognizable products and storefronts worldwide. Many of these long-established companies have maintained their core brands and traditions for decades while expanding through franchising or company ownership.
Franchises make up a large share of these widespread brands. In the United States alone, more than 900,000 franchise businesses operate across many industries, generating billions in output and creating millions of private-sector jobs. This list includes well-known franchise operations as well as large company-owned networks that expanded while retaining more direct control.
To identify the brands with the largest number of physical locations, we used data from Franchise Direct’s Top 100 Global Franchises and supplemented it with company-reported figures, industry reporting and other sources. Many of these counts change frequently due to openings and closings, so the figures represent the best available totals at the time of publication. Financial institutions and gas stations were excluded from consideration.
43. Tim Hortons
A Tim Hortons coffee shop inside New York’s Penn Station, shown in 2009. Mary Altaffer / AP Photo
Locations/units: 4,750
Founded: 1964
What it does: Headquartered in Toronto, this Canadian chain is best known for coffee and donuts and is one of Canada’s largest quick-service restaurant brands.
42. Hilton Hotels & Resorts
A Hilton hotel in Cartagena, Colombia, shown in 2016. Getty Images
Locations/units: 4,925
Founded: 1962
What it does: Conrad Hilton bought his first hotel in Texas and built a global hospitality company that now operates in around 85 countries and territories across six continents.
41. The UPS Store
A UPS Store in Pasadena, California, shown in 2014. Getty Images
Locations/units: 4,980
Founded: 1980
What it does: Known for logistics and parcel services, this company runs shipping centers and a cargo airline to support delivery and supply-chain operations.
40. Papa John’s Pizza
A Papa John’s Pizza in Hickory, North Carolina, shown in 2018. Getty Images
Locations/units: 5,055
Founded: 1984
What it does: A large pizza delivery and dine-in franchise in the U.S., Papa John’s began when the founder started selling pies from his father’s tavern in the 1980s.
39. Ace Hardware
An Ace Hardware location in Fort Collins, Colorado, shown in 2013. Getty Images
Locations/units: 5,070
Founded: 1928
What it does: Founded in Illinois, Ace Hardware stocks supplies for the home, construction projects and offices, supported by a network of distribution centers across the U.S.
38. O’Reilly Auto Parts
A O’Reilly Auto Parts store in Irving, Texas, shown in 2018. Getty Images
Locations/units: 5,267
Founded: 1957
What it does: An American auto parts retailer that grew from one store in Springfield, Missouri to thousands of locations across nearly every state.
37. NAPA Auto Parts
A NAPA Auto Parts store in Sacramento, California, shown in 2011. Getty Images
Locations: 6,000
Founded: 1925
What it does: Owned by Genuine Parts Company and headquartered in Atlanta, NAPA is a widely recognized U.S. auto parts retailer.
36. AutoZone
An AutoZone location in Franklin, Tennessee, shown in 2015. Getty Images
Locations/units: 6,202
Founded: 1979
What it does: This automotive parts retailer began in Arkansas and now operates across the United States and in parts of Mexico and Brazil.
35. Choice Hotels
A Choice Hotels brand hotel, Comfort Suites, in Brunswick, Georgia, shown in 2016. Getty Images
Locations/units: 6,400
Founded: 1963
What it does: Based in Maryland, Choice Hotels operates a wide range of hotel brands across economy to upscale segments in about 40 countries.
34. Marriott International
A Marriott hotel in Indianapolis, shown in 2016. Getty Images
Locations/units: 6,520
Founded: 1967
What it does: Operating in more than 120 countries, Marriott is a global hotel and resort operator and an early adopter of online reservation systems.
33. GNC
A GNC store in San Francisco, shown in 2013. Getty Images
Locations/units: 6,590
Founded: 1935
What it does: GNC specializes in nutrition supplements, dietary products and fitness-related items, originating as a small health-food shop in Pittsburgh.
32. Wendy’s
A Wendy’s location in San Jose, California, shown in 2017. Getty Images
Locations/units: 6,635
Founded: 1969
What it does: Famous for its square hamburgers, Wendy’s was named after founder Dave Thomas’s daughter, Wendy, and remains a major fast-food chain.
31. Taco Bell
A Taco Bell restaurant inside Miami International Airport in 2017. Wilfredo Lee / AP Photo
Locations/units: 6,685
Founded: 1962
What it does: A leading fast-food chain offering Mexican-inspired menu items including tacos, nachos and other signature items.
30. Dairy Queen
A Dairy Queen restaurant in downtown Moorhead, Minnesota, in 2013. Dave Kolpack / AP Photo
Locations/units: 6,755
Founded: 1940
What it does: Known for soft-serve ice cream and classic dessert treats, Dairy Queen has been a popular frozen-treat destination since the 1940s.
29. Verizon Wireless
People wait outside to buy iPhones at a Verizon Wireless store in Beachwood, Ohio on Feb. 10, 2011. Amy Sancetta / AP Photo
Locations/units: 6,839
Founded: 2000
What it does: The largest wireless telecommunications provider in the U.S., formed as a joint venture between Vodafone and Bell Atlantic.
28. Tesco
A Tesco shop in London, in April 2014. Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP Photo
Locations/units: 6,966
Founded: 1919
What it does: A British grocery retailer that has operated for over a century and today serves customers in multiple countries worldwide.
27. RE/MAX
RE/MAX supports thousands of agents and nearly 8,000 offices. Seth Perlman / AP Photo
Locations/units: 7,930
Founded: 1973
What it does: A global real estate franchisor known for its distinctive hot-air-balloon branding and a large network of agents and offices.
26. Baskin-Robbins
President Barack Obama once worked in this Baskin-Robbins shop in Honolulu. Marco Garcia / AP Photo
Locations/units: 7,985
Founded: 1946
What it does: Known for a wide variety of ice cream flavors and desserts, Baskin-Robbins claims to have introduced more than 1,000 flavors since its founding.
25. Century 21
Century 21’s New Jersey-based franchise network includes many sales agents worldwide.
Locations/units: 8,000
Founded: 1971
What it does: A global real estate franchise with tens of thousands of sales professionals operating in more than 80 countries.
24. Circle K
A Circle K in Hong Kong is one of thousands of international locations.
Locations/units: 8,280
Founded: 1951
What it does: An international convenience-store chain with a presence across Asia, Latin America and the U.S., offering typical convenience items and, in some locations, fuel.
23. Wyndham Hotels and Resorts
Pittsburgh’s Wyndham Grand Hotel, shown here in 2017. Keith Srakocic / AP Photo
Locations/units: 8,425
Founded: 1990
What it does: Wyndham grew rapidly through acquisitions and now operates multiple hotel brands around the world.
22. Aldi
Andrew Weber / AP Images for ALDI U.S.
Locations/units: 8,500
Founded: 1946
What it does: The German grocery chain operates as two separate groups (Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd) and is known for discount grocery retailing worldwide.
21. Jazzercise
Getty Images
Founded: 1969
Locations/units: 8,932
What it does: A fitness-franchise business credited with popularizing jazz-inspired exercise classes, Jazzercise has appeared in television and pop culture over the years.
20. Walgreens
A Walgreens store in Brookline, Massachusetts, shown in 2010. Steven Senne / AP Photo
Locations/units: 9,560
Founded: 1901
What it does: One of the largest pharmacy chains in the U.S., Walgreens traces its roots to a small Chicago store and now operates nationwide.
19. CVS
A CVS location in Providence, Rhode Island, shown in 2009. Steven Senne / AP Photo
Locations/units: 9,800
Founded: 1963
What it does: Originally named Consumer Value Store, CVS is the largest U.S. pharmacy retailer and also operates in-store medical clinics and specialty services.
18. Lidl
A Lidl supermarket in Chambourcy, France, shown in 2011. Michel Euler / AP Photo
Locations/units: 10,000
Founded: 1930
What it does: A German discount supermarket chain that has expanded across Europe and into the U.S. market.
17. Hertz
A Hertz facility at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, shown in December 2018. Jeff Martin / AP Photo
Locations/units: 10,200
Founded: 1925
What it does: Hertz provides car rentals and sales across more than 150 countries and also offers travel-related services.
16. H&R Block
An H&R Block store in New York City, shown in March 2011. Mark Lennihan / AP Photo
Locations/units: 10,680
Founded: 1955
What it does: A tax-preparation and financial services company co-founded by the Bloch brothers to serve individuals and small businesses.
15. Walmart
A Walmart store in Dallas, shown in 2016. Tony Gutierrez / AP Photo
Locations/units: 11,695
Founded: 1962
What it does: The world’s largest retailer by revenue, Walmart offers a vast range of products at competitive prices and operates Sam’s Club warehouse stores as part of its portfolio.
14. Carrefour
A Carrefour supermarket in Anglet, France, shown in January 2018. Bob Edme / AP Photo
Locations/units: 12,000
Founded: 1958
What it does: A French retail group operating supermarkets and hypermarkets in more than 30 countries, selling groceries, household goods and general merchandise.
13. Dunkin’
A Dunkin’ store in Atlanta, shown in 2011. John Bazemore / AP Photo
Locations/units: 12,540
Founded: 1954
What it does: Originally Dunkin’ Donuts, the chain emphasizes coffee and beverage expansion alongside its classic donuts and breakfast offerings.
12. Groupe Casino
Groupe Casino operates numerous grocery and convenience formats across several countries.
Locations/units: 14,000
Founded: 1898
What it does: A French grocery retailer that expanded internationally in the 1990s and today runs multiple store formats under the Casino brand.
11. Domino’s
A Domino’s Pizza location in Sandy, Utah, shown on Feb. 21, 2007. Douglas C. Pizac / AP Photo
Locations/units: 14,855
Founded: 1963
What it does: A global leader in pizza delivery and carryout, Domino’s rose from a small regional restaurant to one of the largest pizza chains worldwide.
10. Pizza Hut
A Pizza Hut restaurant in New Orleans, shown in December 2016. Gerald Herbert / AP Photo
Locations/units: 15,000
Founded: 1958
What it does: Founded by two college students, Pizza Hut grew rapidly through franchising and became known for its dine-in restaurants and iconic roof design; it is now part of YUM! Brands.
9. Dollar Tree
A Dollar Tree store in Encinitas, California, shown in May 2016. Lenny Ignelzi / AP Photo
Founded: 1953
Locations/units: 15,000
What it does: A discount retail chain selling items at a fixed low price point, including groceries, household goods and seasonal items.
8. Dollar General
A Dollar General store in Luther, Oklahoma, shown in August 2017. Sue Ogrocki / AP Photo
Locations/units: 15,000
Founded: 1939
What it does: A major discount retailer popular in rural and suburban markets, offering everyday low-cost household items and groceries.
7. Burger King
A Burger King restaurant in Detroit, shown on Dec. 10, 2010. David Runk / AP Photo
Locations/units: 16,770
Founded: 1956
What it does: Originally launched as Insta-Burger King, the chain is known for its burger-focused menu and the Whopper, its signature sandwich.
6. KFC
A KFC restaurant in Los Angeles, shown in October 2010. Reed Saxon / AP Photo
Locations/units: 20,825
Founded: 1939
What it does: Founded by Colonel Sanders, KFC specializes in fried chicken and has expanded into sandwiches, sides and desserts as part of YUM! Brands’ portfolio.
5. Kumon
Kumon
Locations/units: 25,860
Founded: 1958
What it does: An education franchise founded by Toru Kumon, this program helps students develop math and reading skills using the Kumon method.
4. Starbucks
A Starbucks coffee shop in Arlington, Massachusetts, shown in November 2009. Elise Amendola / AP Photo
Locations/units: 29,324
Founded: 1971
What it does: A global coffeehouse brand originating in Seattle, Starbucks popularized specialty coffee drinks and built an extensive worldwide retail presence.
3. McDonald’s
A McDonald’s restaurant in Tonawanda, New York, shown in July 2010. David Duprey / AP Photo
Locations/units: 37,240
Founded: 1955
What it does: From a California burger stand to a global franchise system, McDonald’s is synonymous with fast food and the Golden Arches brand.
2. Subway
A Subway restaurant in St. Louis, Missouri, shown in July 2015. Jeff Roberson / AP Photo
Locations/units: 44,610
Founded: 1965
What it does: Originally Pete’s Super Submarines, Subway built a global footprint by promoting customizable submarine sandwiches with a perceived healthier positioning than some competitors.
1. 7-Eleven
A 7-Eleven in Palo Alto, California, shown in July 2008. Paul Sakuma / AP Photo
Locations/units: 62,105
Founded: 1927
What it does: Starting as an ice-and-grocery business, 7-Eleven evolved into a global convenience-store giant. The company later transferred control to a Japanese affiliate during financial restructuring in the 1980s.