Home / Business and Economy / Fast Food Titans Unite in $45B Mega-Corporation
Fast Food Titans Unite in $45B Mega-Corporation
8 Sep
Summary
- Restaurant Brands International oversees 32,000+ restaurants worldwide
- Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs are all part of RBI
- RBI formed in 2014 through the merger of Burger King and Tim Hortons
As of September 2025, a little-known fast food conglomerate called Restaurant Brands International (RBI) has quietly amassed control over some of the world's most iconic quick-service restaurant chains. RBI, formed in 2014 through the merger of Burger King and Tim Hortons, now oversees a global empire of over 32,000 locations across 120 countries, generating nearly $45 billion in annual sales.
The company's portfolio includes the legendary Burger King brand, which traces its roots back to 1954 and currently operates nearly 20,000 restaurants worldwide. RBI also owns the beloved Canadian chain Tim Hortons, which has grown to over 6,000 locations since its founding in 1964. In 2017, RBI expanded its reach by acquiring the popular fried chicken chain Popeyes, adding nearly 5,000 restaurants to its stable. Most recently, in 2021, the company acquired the highly successful Firehouse Subs, which had recently expanded to around 1,200 locations.
Despite their apparent competition, these four fast food giants are now all part of the RBI juggernaut, which focuses on developing the brands and improving overall operations, while allowing individual franchisees to manage day-to-day business decisions. This consolidation has created a true titan in the fast food industry, one that continues to shape the landscape of convenient and craveable dining options worldwide.
