There are a total of 492 Fast food chains compiled and organized in this comprehensive list. The selection includes major global brands, large regional groups, and verified local chains chosen for public recognition, corporate disclosure, and verifiable location counts.

Fast food chains are restaurants that serve quick, standardized meals at counters, drive-thrus, or via delivery. They range from single-menu burger shops to multi-cuisine brands offering pizza, tacos, fried chicken, coffee, and regional specialties. Many use franchising and strict operational standards to ensure consistent taste and fast service across hundreds or thousands of locations. They matter to consumers, travelers, food writers, and franchise seekers as indicators of taste trends, convenience, and business scale.

Interesting and little-known facts about Fast food chains:
– The largest fast-food brand by locations is Subway, with around 37,000 locations worldwide as of 2023.
– McDonald’s served an estimated 58 million customers daily before 2020, illustrating its operational scale.
– Research shows repeated exposure to high sugar, salt, and fat can shift taste preferences toward stronger flavors.
– Some chains localize menus dramatically; Japan and India often feature items like teriyaki burgers or paneer wraps not found elsewhere.
– Drive-thru innovations, digital ordering, and delivery expanded rapidly in the 2010s and surged after 2020, altering store footprints and labor models.

Below is an alphabetical index linking to individual A–Z lists of fast food chains.
Each letter lists these columns: Name; Country of origin; Year founded; and Number of locations (global or regional). Entries also include Primary cuisine/type; Official website; and Status/notes with estimates and last-checked dates.