The 25 most valuable restaurant brands are...
U.S. chains dominate an annual ranking of the world’s most valuable restaurant brands.
With its brand value up 5% to $42.6 billion, McDonald’s has reclaimed the top spot in Brand Finance’s annual report of the 25 most valuable and strongest restaurant brands in the world. Together, the brands had a combined value of $190.1 billion. Only five international companies cracked the list. (The 25 brands are listed at end of article.)
McDonald’s rising valuation was driven by its large global footprint and steady franchise income, despite growing concerns around affordability in some markets, the report said.
Starbucks fell to second place from the top spot last year. Its brand value fell 4% to $37 billion as tougher competition in key markets, including China, limits the impact of its improving store performance.
Rounding out the top five were KFC (brand value up 8% to %16.5 billion, Subway (brand value up 18% to $9.5 billion) and Chick-fil-A (brand value up a whopping 44% to $8.1 billion.)
Chick-fil-A delivered one of the strongest brand value gains, driven by record revenues, expansion and strong customer loyalty, said Brand Finance.
Brand Finance said the 2026 rankings indicates a high level of stability at the top of the sector, with the composition largely unchanged from 2025. Movement was driven more by differences in brand value growth rates than fundamental shifts in competitive position.
“Small changes in rank reflect how effectively individual brands have navigated pricing pressure, market-specific demand, and international expansion, while scale, franchising strength, and geographic diversification continue to act as the key stabilising forces for leading restaurant brands,” the report said.
Here are the top 10 brands in Brand Finance's 2026 Restaurants ranking.
- McDonald’s (brand value: $42.6 billion)
- Starbucks ($37 billion)
- KFC ($16.5 billion)
- Subway ($9.5 billion)
- Chick-fil-A ($8.1 billion)
- Tim Horton’s ($7.4 billion)
- Domino’s Pizza ($7.1 billon)
- Taco Bell ($6.9 billion)
- Wendy’s ($4.9 billion)
- Pizza Hut ($4.9 billion)
The remaining 25 brands are listed below.
11. Dunkin’
12. Mixue (China)
13. Haidilao. (China)
14. Burger King
15. Chipotle
16. Olive Garden
17. Texas Roadhouse
18. Jollibee (Philippines)
19. Luckin Coffee (China)
20. Popeyes
21. Greene King (U.K.)
22. Chili’s
23. Greggs
24. Longhorn Steakhouse
25. Dutch Bros
