Mixue Bingcheng, a Chinese bubble tea and ice cream chain, has surpassed McDonald’s as the world’s largest fast-food brand by store count. According to CNN and Statista, Mixue had over 45,000 outlets globally as of September 2024, compared to McDonald’s 41,800 locations in 2023.

The brand, meaning “Honey Snow Ice City” in Chinese, has grown rapidly across Asia, capitalizing on affordable ice cream, coffee, and bubble tea. Its franchise-based model has fueled expansion, with 99 percent of its stores run by franchisees. The company generates revenue by selling food materials, equipment, and packaging to its franchise owners.

Despite its massive store count, Mixue Bingcheng’s revenue remains behind major Western brands like Starbucks and Tim Hortons. Over 90 percent of its stores are in China, with additional locations in Indonesia, Vietnam, and even South Korea.

Mixue founder Zhang Hongchao’s strategy is to offer high-quality food and drinks for just $2, reinforcing the chain’s appeal in price-sensitive markets.

Luis Apolo
Staff Reporter
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