When you think of the world’s biggest fast food chain, your mind probably goes straight to McDonald’s or maybe even Burger King. But the real winner might surprise you. The global leader today is not serving burgers and fries at all. Instead, it is serving bubble tea and ice cream—and it comes from China.
What is the world’s biggest fast food chain
The chain is called Mixue Bingcheng, which translates to “Honey Snow Ice City.” It has now become the largest fast food chain in the world by number of locations.
- Mixue has more than 45,000 stores worldwide.
- McDonald’s, by comparison, has just over 44,000 locations.
- Starbucks sits in third place with more than 40,000 global stores.
That means the crown no longer belongs to the Golden Arches. Instead, this Chinese bubble tea and ice cream brand has taken the top spot.
Where is mixue bingcheng popular
You may not have heard of Mixue if you live in the United States, but across Asia it has become a household name. The chain has rapidly expanded across countries such as:
- China
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
- Malaysia
- Thailand
And now, it is beginning to make its way into other parts of the world, including the U.S.
Why is mixue bingcheng so popular
The secret behind Mixue’s success is not complicated. The brand has built its reputation on affordability. Many of its drinks and desserts cost less than a dollar in local markets.
Menu items include:
- Bubble teas, such as Brown Sugar Boba Tea
- Fruit teas, like Kiwi Jasmine and Peach Mi-Shake
- Coffee drinks and lattes
- Soft-serve ice cream and sundaes, with favorites like the Mango Sundae
Fans often say the low price does not mean low quality. As one Reddit user put it, “Aside from the budget-friendly price, the quality is not compromised. Even the serving of drinks and ice cream is done with care.”
Mixue bingcheng is opening in the united states
For the first time, Americans will be able to experience Mixue without boarding a plane. The company has signed a 10-year lease for its first U.S. store at 266 Canal Street near Manhattan’s Chinatown.
The store will be large, at more than 2,000 square feet, giving New Yorkers plenty of room to try the famous budget-friendly treats.
This comes at a time when New York City is one of the most expensive places in the world to live. For locals used to paying double digits for coffee or boba, Mixue’s prices may feel like a breath of fresh air.
What this means for the fast food industry
The rise of Mixue shows how global tastes are shifting. For decades, burgers and fries dominated the fast food scene. Now, drinks like bubble tea and affordable desserts are taking over.
For you, this means more choices. Whether you are a fan of McDonald’s nuggets, Starbucks lattes, or a brand-new peach tea sundae from Mixue, the fast food world is growing bigger and more diverse than ever.
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