McDonald’s reclaims top spot in global restaurant rankings amid Starbucks' struggles
Mar 27, 2025
For the first time in nearly a decade, McDonalds is considered the worlds most valuable restaurant brand, according to a new report by Brand Finance.McDonalds regaining of the No. 1 spot comes as Starbucks has seen its brand val
ue decline, the data shows. According to Brand Finance, McDonalds brand value increased 7% in 2024. In the meantime, Starbucks brand value declined 36%.The data indicates that McDonalds is now worth $40.5 billion, up from $38 billion a year ago. Starbucks saw its brand value decline from $60.7 billion a year ago to $38.8 billion.These declines reflect deeper issues for Starbucks, including a misalignment with customer expectations, wrote Laurence Newell, managing director of Brand Finance Americas. Starbucks' heavy focus on app-based sales has drawn criticism from loyal customers who value the brand's traditional coffeehouse experience. Combined with its high prices, this shift has contributed to a decline in sales and growing dissatisfaction among consumers.KFC, Subway, and Taco Bell maintained their spots in the top 5. Chick-fil-A surged into the top 10 following a 43% increase in its brand value. Wendys also leapt into the top 10 following a 12% increase in value.RELATED STORY | McDonald's most significant menu overhaul in years beginsBurger King and Chipotle dropped out of the top 10.Chick-fil-A's commitment to high-quality ingredients and its simple, chicken-focused menu has not only fueled its success but also pushed competitors to elevate their own chicken-based offerings. Brand Finance data underscores Chick-fil-A's strong brand equity, with top-tier scores across key metrics, including familiarity (9.6/10), meets my needs (9.9 out of 10), and brand I know well (10/10), Brand Finance said in its report.According to Brand Finance, 12 of the worlds 13 most valuable restaurant chains are based in the U.S. No. 6-ranked Tim Hortons, which is based in Canada, is the only non-U.S. company in the top 13. Haidilao, which is based in China, ranks No. 14.RELATED STORY | Colorado teen hospitalized with kidney failure after eating E. coli-infected McDonald's burgers ...read more read less