Chinese Food Chain Mixue Now Bigger Than McDonald's

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Mixue, a Chinese ice cream and tea chain founded in 1997, has surpassed McDonald's as the largest global food service chain with over 45,000 stores worldwide. The company is now making inroads into the U.S. market, with a small number of locations in New York and Los Angeles, drawing attention with its bright red storefronts and friendly Snow King mascot. While Mixue offers a wide menu of drinks and ice cream items at low prices, some reviews have criticized the products as being too sugar-heavy.

Why it matters

Mixue's meteoric rise and global expansion represents a significant shift in the food service industry, with a Chinese brand overtaking the iconic American fast-food giant McDonald's as the world's largest chain. This highlights the growing influence of Chinese companies on the global stage and the increasing competition faced by established Western brands, especially in emerging markets.

The details

Launched in 1997 in Zhengzhou, China, Mixue has grown to over 45,000 stores worldwide, surpassing McDonald's, which has more than 44,000 locations globally. Mixue is now making inroads into the U.S. market, with a small number of locations in New York and Los Angeles. The company's bright red storefronts and friendly Snow King mascot, holding an ice cream cone, have helped draw attention to the brand. Mixue offers a wide menu of drinks and ice cream items, all priced under $5, though some reviews have criticized the products as being too sugar-heavy.

• Mixue was launched in 1997 in Zhengzhou, China.
• In December 2025, Mixue surpassed McDonald's as the largest global food service chain.

What’s next

Mixue is expected to continue its rapid global expansion, with plans to open more locations in the United States and other international markets in the coming years.