Parent company of Burger King, other QSR brands to open 1,800 restaurants annually
Restaurant Brands International (RBI) has its sights set on aggressive expansion in North America and beyond in the coming years.
The parent company of Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes and Firehouse Subs outlined plans to open approximately 1,800 net new restaurants per year by 2028. Outside of Burger King China, the company says its net restaurant growth has averaged 4.0% over the past five years.
RBI plans to open between 300 and 400 net new restaurants per year in the United States and Canada per year by 2028. Firehouse Subs is expected to contribute approximately half of the net new units in the U.S. and Canada, with 150 to 200 net new units per year. The remaining 150 to 200 net new units will be roughly split between Tim Hortons and Popeyes, according to RBI.
Tim Hortons Canada’s growth is supported by opportunities in "underpenetrated" regions including Western Canada and Quebec. In the U.S., Tim Hortons is on track to continue accelerating development in both existing and new markets, including Virginia, Florida, Delaware, Tennessee, New York, Michigan, New Jersey and Texas. RBI noted that while Popeyes tempered development in 2025, the team is laying the operational groundwork to position the brand to reaccelerate in the years ahead.
Burger King China's partnership with Asia-based asset manager CPE, which was completed earlier this month, is on track to deliver over 200 net new units by 2028, with continued acceleration after 2028. CPE has committed to double the brand's footprint to 2,500 restaurants within five years as part of a $350 million primary capital investment. Popeyes China and Tim Hortons China are expected to contribute the remaining 100 to 200 combined net new units by 2028.
Outside of China, RBI said its top 10 growth markets, including India, the U.K., Mexico, France and Japan, are expected to deliver approximately 700 units per year by 2028. The remaining international portfolio of around 175 brand-market combinations are expected to contribute approximately 400 new units per year.
[READ MORE: Popeyes to open 300-plus new locations in Mexico]
"Our growth is powered by four iconic brands with deep heritage in their communities and enduring guest loyalty, supported by exceptional franchisees and great talent around the world," said Josh Kobza, CEO of RBI. "As we look toward 2028 and beyond, we see a highly franchised, asset-light business delivering consistent 5%-plus net restaurant growth, predictable earnings growth, and strong double-digit total shareholder returns. The strength of our brands and the quality of our teams position us to compound value for all our stakeholders for many years to come."
Headquartered in Miami, RBI operates more than 33,000 restaurants in more than 120 countries and territories.
