Chinese Bubble Tea Chain Surpasses McDonald’s in Global Locations

SHANGHAI, China — As of September 2024, Mixue Bingcheng, a Chinese bubble tea and ice cream chain, has officially surpassed McDonald’s in the number of restaurants globally, boasting over 45,000 locations compared to McDonald’s approximately 41,800 outlets. This milestone highlights a significant shift in the fast-food landscape.

Founded in 1997 by Zhang Hongchao, Mixue Bingcheng started as a modest store specializing in shaved ice and cold drinks. Today, the chain is primarily franchised, with more than 99 percent of its outlets operated by franchisees. The revenue model predominantly relies on the sale of food materials, equipment, and packaging to these franchisees.

According to CNN, Mixue Bingcheng’s extensive reach is primarily concentrated in China, where 90 percent of its locations reside. The chain has also expanded to the Asia Pacific region, with outlets in countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. However, it does not currently operate any locations in the United States.

“Let people around the world eat well and drink well for just two American dollars,” Hongchao stated in a previous interview with Chinese state media, reflecting the brand’s commitment to affordability. Menu items are priced extraordinarily low, with drinks costing between 2 to 8 yuan (approximately $0.30 to $1.20) and small food items priced at just one yuan (about $0.15).

Despite its staggering number of locations, Mixue Bingcheng’s revenue lags behind other major drink chains in the U.S., such as Starbucks and Tim Hortons, which continue to dominate the market in terms of sales and brand recognition.

This news arrives shortly after a promotional event by McDonald’s, which recently released a YouTube video showcasing celebrity orders from actors Colman Domingo, Julia Fox, and Teyana Taylor among others. The video featured a timeline of their specific breakfast choices, illustrating a continued interest in the traditional fast-food experience.

As the global market evolves, it remains crucial to monitor how these trends affect consumer preferences and industry competition.