What fast food chain has the most locations globally?

The story behind the answer

Subway is correct because, for many years, it has operated more individual outlets worldwide than other major chains. Its small-footprint stores, simpler equipment, and comparatively lower startup costs make it easy to open in places like malls, campuses, gas stations, and small street corners, fueling rapid franchise expansion across 100+ countries.

Context tip: “Most locations” doesn’t mean “most revenue.” McDonald’s typically leads in sales, but Subway’s format favors quantity of sites over size. Memory hook: think “Subway stops are everywhere”—just like train stations, Subway sandwich shops pop up in many small spaces, helping it outnumber rivals such as McDonald’s, Starbucks, and KFC in total locations.