Published
- 3 min read
who is more popular, mcdonald's or burger king?
McDonald’s Vs. Burger King: Who’s the King of Fast Food?
Fast food and America have a long-standing relationship, with icons such as McDonald’s, Burger King, and KFC being household names not only in the U.S. but across the globe. Fast food is often a go-to solution for those seeking a quick, convenient, and tasty meal, albeit not always the healthiest one. Today, we are going to compare two of the most popular names in the industry: McDonald’s and Burger King. We’ll delve into their histories, their offerings, and most importantly, determine which of these fast food giants is more popular.
The History and Evolution
McDonald’s
The golden arches of McDonald’s are a symbol recognized worldwide. The company was founded in 1940 by two brothers, Richard and Maurice McDonald, in San Bernardino, California. Their innovative “Speedee Service System,” now known as the “fast food” concept, revolutionized the restaurant industry. In 1955, a man named Ray Kroc joined the company as a franchise agent and subsequently purchased the chain, leading to the McDonald’s Corporation we know today1.
Today, McDonald’s boasts over 39,000 locations worldwide, serving over 69 million people daily across more than 100 countries2. Its menu includes classics like the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, and their world-famous fries, alongside newer additions like salads and smoothies, appealing to a wide range of taste preferences.
Burger King
Burger King, home of the Whopper, was founded a little later, in 1953, in Jacksonville, Florida, as Insta-Burger King. In 1954, two franchisees, James McLamore and David Edgerton, purchased the company and renamed it Burger King3. Since then, Burger King has grown to become a significant player in the fast food industry, with over 18,800 outlets in over 100 countries, serving approximately 11 million people daily4.
Burger King’s menu includes its iconic flame-grilled Whopper, the Bacon King, and their chicken fries, along with a variety of other burgers, chicken sandwiches, and sides.
McDonald’s Vs. Burger King: Who’s More Popular?
Now, let’s tackle the main question: who is more popular, McDonald’s or Burger King?
Based on the number of global outlets and the number of customers served daily, McDonald’s clearly takes the lead. In addition to its sheer size, McDonald’s also has a stronger brand presence. According to BrandZ’s report, McDonald’s ranked as the most valuable fast food brand in 2020, with a brand value of $129.32 billion. In contrast, Burger King did not even make the top 10 list5.
Moreover, according to a survey by Morning Consult, McDonald’s was the most loved fast food brand among American consumers in 20196. This could be attributed to various factors, including McDonald’s more extensive menu, lower prices, and more significant global presence.
It’s also worth mentioning that McDonald’s consistently outperforms Burger King in terms of revenue. In 2020, McDonald’s generated around $19.21 billion in revenue, while Burger King’s revenue was approximately $1.6 billion78.
However, popularity can be subjective and can vary based on individual preferences. Some consumers prefer Burger King’s flame-grilled burgers and claim they offer a more “authentic” taste compared to McDonald’s. Burger King also tends to offer larger portion sizes, which could be a deciding factor for some.
In conclusion, while both McDonald’s and Burger King have their strengths and unique offerings, in terms of popularity, McDonald’s seems to wear the crown. However, the “king” of fast food ultimately depends on personal preference.