Sometimes, a small idea can grow into something massive, reaching every corner of the world. That’s exactly what happened with these beloved restaurants. They started out as local spots, capturing hearts with unique flavors, clever concepts, or just unbeatable food. Over time, they didn’t just gain loyal fans—they became global icons. Let’s take a closer look at some cult-favorite restaurants that made the leap to international fame.
Contents
- 1 McDonald’s
- 2 Wendy’s
- 3 White Castle
- 4 Jollibee
- 5 In-N-Out Burger
- 6 Shake Shack
- 7 Popeyes
- 8 Chick-fil-A
- 9 Dave’s Hot Chicken
- 10 The Boiling Crab
- 11 Smoke’s Poutinerie
- 12 Tim Hortons
- 13 Pizza Hut
- 14 Taco Bell
- 15 Five Guys
- 16 Krispy Kreme
- 17 More From RetailShout
- 18 10 Historic Breweries That Closed Their Doors for Good
- 19 The 6 Best and 5 Worst Kirkland Frozen Meals at Costco
McDonald’s
Founded in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald in San Bernardino, California, McDonald’s introduced the “Speedee Service System” in 1948, revolutionizing fast food. Ray Kroc joined the company in 1955, purchasing it in 1961 and propelling its global expansion. Today, McDonald’s operates over 38,000 locations worldwide, serving millions daily. Its iconic Golden Arches and menu items like the Big Mac have become symbols of American culture.
Wendy’s
Established by Dave Thomas in 1969 in Columbus, Ohio, Wendy’s is known for its square hamburger patties and the Frosty dessert. The chain expanded internationally, opening its first Canadian restaurant in 1976 and its 1,000th restaurant in 1978. Wendy’s has recently re-entered markets like Australia, with plans to open 200 restaurants by 2034. The brand emphasizes fresh ingredients and has a strong social media presence.
White Castle
Founded in 1921 in Wichita, Kansas, White Castle is credited as the world’s first fast-food hamburger chain. Known for its small, square sliders, the chain developed a cult following, especially in regions without its restaurants. To cater to distant fans, White Castle began offering frozen sliders in supermarkets across the U.S. and Canada. Despite its limited locations, the brand has a significant cultural impact, notably featured in the film “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle.”
Jollibee
Originating in the Philippines in 1978, Jollibee started as an ice cream parlor before transitioning to hot meals and sandwiches. It successfully competed with major American chains in the Philippines and opened its first overseas location in 1986. By 1998, Jollibee had entered the U.S. market, catering to both Filipino expatriates and locals. The chain is renowned for its unique menu items, such as Chickenjoy and Jolly Spaghetti, blending Western fast-food with Filipino flavors.
In-N-Out Burger
Established in 1948 in Baldwin Park, California, In-N-Out Burger gained a cult following for its fresh ingredients and not-so-secret menu. The chain maintains a relatively limited geographic presence, primarily on the West Coast, to ensure quality control. Despite this, its reputation has garnered international attention, with enthusiasts traveling to experience its offerings. In-N-Out’s commitment to simplicity and quality has solidified its status as a beloved American fast-food icon.
Shake Shack
What began as a hot dog cart in New York City’s Madison Square Park in 2001 evolved into a global burger chain by 2004. Shake Shack is celebrated for its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and frozen custard. The brand emphasizes sustainable sourcing and community engagement. With locations worldwide, including recent expansions in the UK, Shake Shack continues to attract a devoted following.
Popeyes
Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes is renowned for its spicy fried chicken and Louisiana-style menu. The chain has experienced significant growth, with over 3,000 restaurants globally. Its 2019 chicken sandwich launch sparked a viral sensation, leading to widespread popularity. Popeyes has since expanded into international markets, including the UK in 2021, continuing to share its unique flavors worldwide.
Chick-fil-A
Starting as a small diner in Hapeville, Georgia, in 1946, Chick-fil-A introduced its signature chicken sandwich in the early 1960s. The chain is known for its customer service and “closed-on-Sunday” policy. With over 2,600 locations primarily in the U.S., Chick-fil-A has begun international expansion, including plans to open in the UK by 2025. Its focus on quality ingredients and community involvement has garnered a loyal customer base.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Launched as a parking lot pop-up in East Hollywood in 2017, Dave’s Hot Chicken quickly gained popularity for its spicy chicken sliders and tenders. The brand offers varying levels of heat, including the extremely hot ‘reaper’ level. With celebrity investors like Drake, the chain has expanded to over 200 locations in the U.S. Dave’s Hot Chicken plans to open 60 restaurants across the UK and Ireland, with the first UK location set for London in early 2025.
The Boiling Crab
Founded in 2004 in Garden Grove, California, by Vietnamese American couple Dada Ngo and Sinh Nguyen, The Boiling Crab offers a unique blend of Louisiana Cajun seafood boils with Vietnamese flavors. Known for its casual, hands-on dining experience, the chain has expanded to 30 locations worldwide, including in Saudi Arabia and Australia. Its signature seasoning, “The Whole Shebang,” combines various spices, attracting a dedicated following. The Boiling Crab’s success lies in its flavorful offerings and communal dining atmosphere.
Smoke’s Poutinerie
Established in 2008 by Ryan Smolkin in Toronto, Canada, Smoke’s Poutinerie specializes in the Canadian dish poutine. The chain offers a variety of poutine options, featuring toppings like pulled pork, bacon, and chicken. At its peak, Smoke’s Poutinerie had over 150 locations across Canada and the United States. The brand is known for its annual World Poutine Eating Championship, attracting poutine enthusiasts globally.
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons was founded in 1964 by Canadian hockey player Tim Horton and Jim Charade in Hamilton, Ontario. Originally a coffee and doughnut shop, it has since become synonymous with Canadian culture. The chain serves an array of breakfast items, sandwiches, and its signature coffee and Timbits (doughnut holes). With over 5,000 locations worldwide, Tim Hortons has expanded into countries like the U.S., the UK, and China. Its emphasis on affordability and community ties has fostered a loyal global customer base.
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut began in 1958 when brothers Frank and Dan Carney opened their first store in Wichita, Kansas. Known for its iconic red roof design, the chain gained popularity for dine-in experiences and unique pizza offerings like the stuffed crust. Today, Pizza Hut operates over 18,000 locations in more than 100 countries. It continues to innovate with delivery services, digital ordering, and diverse menu items catering to local tastes worldwide. Pizza Hut remains a pioneer in the global pizza industry, balancing tradition with modern convenience.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell was established in 1962 by Glen Bell in Downey, California, with a mission to bring Mexican-inspired fast food to the masses. Known for items like the Crunchwrap Supreme and Doritos Locos Tacos, it quickly gained popularity for its inventive menu. The chain has over 7,000 locations in the U.S. and more than 500 international outlets across 30 countries. Its bold marketing and limited-time menu offerings have helped maintain its cult status. Taco Bell is celebrated for its affordability and ability to adapt flavors to suit global markets.
Five Guys
Five Guys was founded in 1986 by the Murrell family in Arlington, Virginia, as a simple burger and fries joint. Its focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and customizable burgers has earned a devoted fanbase. The chain began franchising in 2003, expanding to over 1,700 locations globally, including in the Middle East and Europe. Known for its generous portions of fries and open kitchen concept, Five Guys continues to prioritize transparency and quality. The brand is widely recognized as one of the top fast-casual burger chains in the world.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme, founded in 1937 by Vernon Rudolph in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is famous for its original glazed doughnuts. The brand’s “Hot Now” sign became a symbol of freshness, drawing customers to its stores. Over the decades, Krispy Kreme expanded to more than 30 countries, including the UK, Australia, and South Korea. Its signature doughnuts and seasonal flavors maintain its appeal to both nostalgic fans and new customers. The company has also embraced digital transformation, offering online orders and delivery options globally.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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