Top Food Chains Started by One Person: KFC, Al Baik & More

Top Food Chains Founded by One Person That Went Global.

Discover world famous food chains like KFC, Al Baik, and McDonald’s, started by one visionary and now global. Explore their origins and expansion in this unique list!

Many globally recognized top food chains began with a single visionary who turned a simple concept into a worldwide phenomenon. These founders blended innovation with persistence, adapting their offerings to diverse markets while preserving their core identity. Below are some standout examples, including Al Baik from Saudi Arabia, showcasing how individual ambition can fuel a culinary empire.

KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken)

Colonel Harland Sanders launched KFC in 1930 in Corbin, Kentucky, from a roadside eatery where he honed his secret 11-herb-and-spice recipe. Franchising began in 1952, and today, KFC boasts over 24,000 outlets across 145 countries, offering localized options like rice bowls in Asia while staying true to its fried chicken roots.

McDonald’s

Ray Kroc, a milkshake machine salesman, took the McDonald brothers’ 1940s California burger stand and scaled it globally after buying it out in 1961. Now with over 38,000 locations in 100+ countries, McDonald’s adapts with items like the McAloo Tikki in India, all thanks to Kroc’s relentless expansion vision.

Subway

Fred DeLuca, just 17, opened Subway in 1965 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with a $1,000 loan from Peter Buck. His focus on fresh, customizable subs drove franchising success. Today, Subway operates over 37,000 stores in more than 100 countries, featuring regional flavors like the Chicken Tikka sub in the UK.

Domino’s Pizza

Tom Monaghan started Domino’s in 1960 by buying a small Michigan pizza shop with his brother for $900. After rebranding in 1965, he revolutionized pizza delivery. Domino’s now has over 17,000 locations in 90+ countries, serving unique options like Japan’s Mayo Jaga pizza.

Wendy’s Menu

Dave Thomas founded Wendy’s in 1969 in Columbus, Ohio, emphasizing fresh, square burgers and a welcoming vibe. His personal touch propelled growth, and Wendy’s now spans over 6,500 outlets in 30+ countries, tailoring menus with items like spicy burgers in Asia.

Al Baik - Saudi Arabia

Shakour Abu Ghazalah, a Palestinian-Saudi entrepreneur, launched Al Baik in 1974 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, introducing "broasted" (pressure-fried) chicken with a unique 18-spice blend. Starting as a modest diner, it grew through quality and affordability, expanding to over 120 branches across Saudi Arabia and, since 2020, into Bahrain, with plans for Pakistan and beyond. Al Baik’s halal focus and Middle Eastern flair—like its signature garlic sauce—have made it a Gulf favorite, rivaling global giants like KFC locally.

Jollibee - Philippines

Tony Tan Caktiong launched Jollibee in 1978 in Quezon City, Philippines, as an ice cream parlor that pivoted to fast food. Known for its sweet-style spaghetti and Chickenjoy, it now has over 1,500 locations in 17 countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Vietnam, blending Filipino flavors with global appeal.

Nando’s - South Africa

Fernando Duarte, inspired by a meal in Johannesburg, co-founded Nando’s in 1987 with Robert Brozin, but Duarte’s vision drove its early growth. Famous for peri-peri chicken, Nando’s operates over 1,200 outlets in 30+ countries, from Australia to the UK, maintaining its spicy South African roots.

Tim Hortons - Canada

Tim Horton, a hockey legend, opened his first coffee and donut shop in 1964 in Hamilton, Ontario. Now with over 5,000 locations in 15 countries, including the U.S. and UAE, it offers classics like Timbits and adapts with local flavors like maple-dipped donuts.

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea - China

Zhang Hongchao started Mixue in 1997 in Zhengzhou, China, with a shaved ice shop. Specializing in affordable bubble tea and ice cream, it exploded to over 45,000 outlets by 2024, mostly in Asia (China, Vietnam, Indonesia), surpassing McDonald’s in store count and planning European expansion.

Conclusion:

From Sanders’ spiced chicken to Abu Ghazalah’s broasted perfection, these food chains—KFC, McDonald’s, Subway, Domino’s, Wendy’s, and Al Baik—demonstrate how one person’s idea can conquer taste buds worldwide. Each founder’s commitment to a distinct product, paired with strategic growth and local adaptation, turned small ventures into global icons. Al Baik’s inclusion highlights that this phenomenon isn’t limited to Western origins; a Saudi success story can thrive just as boldly on the international stage.