Is Taco Bell bigger than McDonald's?

Taco Bell: Size Comparison to McDonald’s

Taco Bell, a popular fast-food chain known for its Mexican-inspired menu, has a global presence but faces a significant size disparity when compared to the fast-food giant, McDonald’s.

Global Footprint

In terms of global reach, Taco Bell has approximately 7,893 restaurants worldwide, while McDonald’s boasts a staggering 38,695 locations. This wide gap indicates that McDonald’s has an extensive presence in more countries and regions compared to Taco Bell.

Revenue Performance

When it comes to revenue generation, McDonald’s outperforms Taco Bell. The average annual revenue per location for McDonald’s is significantly higher, standing at USD 2.8 million. In contrast, Taco Bell’s average revenue per location is estimated to be around USD 1.7 million. This difference reflects the larger customer base and higher sales volume at McDonald’s restaurants.

Comparison to Popeyes

Taco Bell’s size and revenue performance are closer to another fast-food chain, Popeyes. Popeyes has approximately 3,900 restaurants globally, and its average annual revenue per location is estimated to be around USD 1.5 million. To reach parity with McDonald’s, Taco Bell would need to achieve a substantial increase in sales that would bring its average revenue per location close to that of Popeyes.

Conclusion

While Taco Bell has a sizable global footprint and a loyal customer base, it trails McDonald’s significantly in terms of both the number of restaurants and average revenue per location. The gap between the two chains is amplified by McDonald’s long-standing dominance in the fast-food industry. To close the size and revenue disparity, Taco Bell would need to strategically expand its presence while simultaneously enhancing its brand appeal and increasing its average sales per restaurant.