brands
Dunkin vs McDonald's 2026: Franchise, Menu & Revenue
Dunkin' specializes in coffee and donuts with 9,000+ US locations focused on quick breakfast, while McDonald's is a global fast-food giant with 13,000+ US locations offering full meal service across breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dunkin' generates higher per-unit revenue ($1.4M annually) but McDonald's has broader menu appeal and international reach.
Dunkin'
American quick-service chain specializing in donuts, coffee, and bagels with 9,500 locations.
Breakfast-focused franchisees, urban commuters, coffee enthusiasts, quick-service operators prioritizing speed and morning traffic
Score63%
VS
McDonald's
Global fast-food chain specializing in burgers, fries, and quick service with 40,575 locations worldwide.
Franchisees seeking global expansion, investors wanting diversified revenue streams, customers needing all-day meal solutions, international markets
Score63%
Quick Answer
AI SummaryDunkin' specializes in coffee and donuts with 9,000+ US locations focused on quick breakfast, while McDonald's is a global fast-food giant with 13,000+ US locations offering full meal service across breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dunkin' generates higher per-unit revenue ($1.4M annually) but McDonald's has broader menu appeal and international reach.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose Dunkin' if you prioritize quick breakfast, superior coffee quality, and fast service with higher per-unit profitability and breakfast specialization. Choose McDonald's if you need all-day meal options, global consistency, higher overall revenue potential, and broader customer appeal across all dayparts.
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Dunkin'
6.3/10
McDonald's
8.7/10
Choose Dunkin' if
Breakfast-focused franchisees, urban commuters, coffee enthusiasts, quick-service operators prioritizing speed and morning traffic
Choose McDonald's if
Best pickFranchisees seeking global expansion, investors wanting diversified revenue streams, customers needing all-day meal solutions, international markets
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Primary Focus:✓ McDonald's wins(Full Fast-Food Menu vs Coffee & Donuts)
- US Locations:✓ McDonald's wins(13,000+ vs 9,500+)
- Average Unit Volume (Annual):✓ McDonald's wins($2.7M vs $1.4M)
Key Facts & Figures
92 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Dunkin' | McDonald's | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Locations(number of restaurants) | 12,500+ | 40,275 locations | |
| Annual Revenue(USD Billions) | $1.3B | $23.2B (2024) | |
| Average Drink Price(USD) | ~$3 | — | — |
| Total Locations Worldwide(locations) | 12,900+ | — | — |
| United States Locations(locations) | 9,660 | — | — |
| Canada Locations(locations) | 1,100 | — | — |
| Menu Items(items) | 170+ | — | — |
| Medium Coffee Price (USD)(USD) | $2.69 | — | — |
| Customer Satisfaction (ACSI 2023)(score out of 100) | 76 | — | — |
| Parent Company Annual Revenue(USD billions) | $1.49 billion | — | — |
| Year Founded | 1950 | — | — |
| US Restaurant Locations(count) | 9,500+ | 13,000+ | |
| Average Unit Volume(USD millions per year) | $1.4M | $2.8 million | |
| Global Market Presence(countries) | 12 | 100+ | |
| Average Service Time(minutes) | 2-3 min | 3-4 minutes | |
| Breakfast Revenue Contribution(percent of annual revenue) | 85% | 35% | |
| Mobile Loyalty Program Users(millions active users) | 15M+ | 50M+ | |
| Brand Unaided Awareness (US)(percent) | 58% | 69% | |
| Total Global Locations(stores) | 9,500 | 40,575 | |
| Countries of Operation(countries) | 12 | 100+ | |
| Average Beverage Customization Options(drink variations) | 30+ | 12 | |
| Average Transaction Time(minutes) | 3-4 | 4-5 | |
| Breakfast Menu Items(items) | 8 | 15+ | |
| Average Transaction Cost(USD) | $6-8 | $10-14 | |
| Mobile App Order Penetration(percent of orders) | 22% | 29% | |
| Global Restaurant Count(locations) | 40,000+ | 40,000+ | |
| 2026 Revenue Growth(percentage) | +3% | +3% | |
| Average Burger Price(USD) | $5-7 | $5-7 | |
| Number of Global Locations(restaurants) | 40,000+ | 40,000+ | |
| Average Chicken Sandwich Price(USD) | $6.99 | $6.99 | |
| Operating Days Per Year(days) | 365 days | 365 days | |
| Menu Item Count(items) | 80+ items | 80+ items | |
| 2026 New Location Growth Target(locations) | 8,000 | 8,000 | |
| Value Meal Price(GBP) | £3.89 | £3.89 | |
| Average Customer Transaction Time(minutes) | 3.8 minutes | 3.8 minutes | |
| New Menu Items Per Year(items) | 2-3 items | 2-3 items | |
| New Location Expansion (2026)(locations) | 8,000 new locations planned | 8,000 new locations planned | |
| Price Advantage for Value Seekers(percent cheaper) | 105% cheaper than Wendy's | 105% cheaper than Wendy's | |
| Global Store Locations(stores) | 3,000+ | 3,000+ | |
| Annual Operating Days(days) | 340 days | 340 days | |
| Price Premium vs. Competitor(percent) | baseline | baseline | |
| International Presence(countries) | U.S. only | U.S. only | |
| Annual Corporate Revenue(USD billions) | $23.2B | $23.2B | |
| Franchisee Average Unit Volume(USD thousands) | $2,900 | $2,900 | |
| Initial Franchise Investment(USD millions) | $1.3 - $2.2 million | $1.3 - $2.2 million | |
| Big Mac / Whopper Calories(calories) | 563 cal (Big Mac) | 563 cal (Big Mac) | |
| Global Brand Awareness(percent) | 97% | 97% | |
| Loyalty Program Members(millions) | 40M+ (McDonald's Rewards) | 40M+ (McDonald's Rewards) | |
| Average Customer Service Time(minutes) | 3-5 | 3-5 | |
| Average Burger Price(USD) | $8.50-10.50 | $8.50-10.50 | |
| Menu Customization Level(scale 1-10) | 5/10 | 5/10 | |
| Countries with Presence(countries) | 100+ countries | 100+ countries | |
| Digital Ordering Availability(percentage of locations) | 80% | 80% | |
| Annual System-Wide Revenue(USD billions) | $23.2 billion | $23.2 billion | |
| Average Check Size(USD) | $9.42 | $9.42 | |
| US Brand Awareness (Unaided)(percent) | 93% of US consumers | 93% of US consumers | |
| Gen Z Customer Preference(percent of under-25 customers) | 28% of customer base | 28% of customer base | |
| Total Global Restaurants(locations) | 40,575 | 40,575 | |
| Average Unit Volume (AUV)(USD millions) | $2,700 | $2,700 | |
| Signature Burger Price (USD)(USD) | $5.99 (Big Mac) | $5.99 (Big Mac) | |
| Franchise Startup Cost(USD thousands) | $1,000-$2,300 | $1,000-$2,300 | |
| Annual Global Revenue(USD billions) | $23.2 billion | $23.2 billion | |
| Total Global Restaurant Count(locations) | 40,275 | 40,275 | |
| Mobile App Daily Active Users(millions) | 28M DAU | 28M DAU | |
| Breakfast Menu Item Count(items) | 12+ items | 12+ items | |
| Global Brand Awareness (Unaided)(percent) | 97% | 97% | |
| Number of Locations Worldwide(restaurants) | 40,576 | 40,576 | |
| Annual Revenue (2024)(USD billions) | $23.2B | $23.2B | |
| Average Menu Item Price(USD) | $9.75 | $9.75 | |
| Average Google Review Rating(stars out of 5) | 3.8 | 3.8 | |
| Locations Open Past Midnight(percentage) | 62% | 62% | |
| Mobile App Loyalty Members(millions) | 40+ (McDonald's Rewards) | 40+ (McDonald's Rewards) | |
| Global Restaurant Locations(count) | 40,575 | 40,575 | |
| Average Unit Volume Per Location(USD millions) | $2.7M | $2.7M | |
| Market Capitalization(USD Billions) | $195B | $195B | |
| Brand Recognition (Global)(percent) | 68% | 68% | |
| Breakfast Availability Hours(hours per day) | 24 hours (all-day breakfast) | 24 hours (all-day breakfast) | |
| Social Media Followers (Twitter/X)(millions) | 26.3M | 26.3M | |
| US Location Count(locations) | 13,573 | 13,573 | |
| Customer Satisfaction (ACSI)(score/100) | 74 | 74 | |
| Chicken Sandwich Price(USD) | $6.79 | $6.79 | |
| Drive-Thru Speed(minutes) | 5.8 min | 5.8 min | |
| Menu Items Available(items) | 150+ items | 150+ items | |
| Global Countries Served(countries) | 100+ | 100+ | |
| Average Employee Wage(USD/hour) | $13.50 | $13.50 | |
| Number of Locations(restaurants) | 40,275 | 40,275 | |
| Brand Value Ranking(USD billions) | $196.5 billion | $196.5 billion | |
| Signature Burger Calories(calories) | 550 (Big Mac) | 550 (Big Mac) | |
| Average Order Fulfillment Time(minutes) | 3-4 minutes | 3-4 minutes | |
| Menu Customization Options(count (estimated)) | Limited (15-20 burger variations) | Limited (15-20 burger variations) | |
| International Country Presence(count) | 150+ countries | 150+ countries | |
| Average Burger Calorie Content(calories) | 550 cal (Big Mac) | 550 cal (Big Mac) |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
McDonald's leads
Dunkin'
Attribute
McDonald's
- Coffee & DonutsPrimary FocusFull Fast-Food Menu(winner)
- 9,500+US Locations13,000+(winner)
- $1.4MAverage Unit Volume (Annual)$2.7M(winner)
- Breakfast/Coffee FocusMenu CategoriesAll-Day Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner(winner)
- 12Global Countries100+(winner)
- 2-3 minutes(winner)Average Transaction Time4-5 minutes
- 85%(winner)Breakfast Revenue Share (% of Annual)35%
- Primary Focus
Dunkin'
Coffee & Donuts
McDonald's
Full Fast-Food Menu(winner)
- US Locations
Dunkin'
9,500+
McDonald's
13,000+(winner)
- Average Unit Volume (Annual)
Dunkin'
$1.4M
McDonald's
$2.7M(winner)
- Menu Categories
Dunkin'
Breakfast/Coffee Focus
McDonald's
All-Day Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner(winner)
- Global Countries
Dunkin'
12
McDonald's
100+(winner)
- Average Transaction Time
Dunkin'
2-3 minutes(winner)
McDonald's
4-5 minutes
- Breakfast Revenue Share (% of Annual)
Dunkin'
85%(winner)
McDonald's
35%
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Dunkin' | McDonald's |
|---|---|---|
| Global Locations(number of restaurants) | 12,500+ | 40,275 locations(winner) |
| Global Restaurant Count(locations) | 40,000+ | — |
| Total Global Restaurant Count(locations) | 40,275 | — |
| Number of Locations Worldwide(restaurants) | 40,576 | — |
| Global Restaurant Locations(count) | 40,575 | — |
| Annual Revenue(USD Billions) | $1.3B | $23.2B (2024)(winner) |
| 2026 Revenue Growth(percentage) | +3% | — |
| Annual Corporate Revenue(USD billions) | $23.2B | — |
| Annual System-Wide Revenue(USD billions) | $23.2 billion | — |
| Average Unit Volume (AUV)(USD millions) | $2,700 | — |
Show 3 more attributesAnnual Global Revenue(USD billions) $23.2 billion — Annual Revenue (2024)(USD billions) $23.2B — Market Capitalization(USD Billions) $195B — | ||
| Average Drink Price(USD) | ~$3 | — |
| Medium Coffee Price (USD)(USD) | $2.69 | — |
| Average Transaction Cost(USD) | $6-8(winner) | $10-14 |
| Average Chicken Sandwich Price(USD) | $6.99 | — |
| Value Meal Price(GBP) | £3.89 | — |
Show 4 more attributesPrice Premium vs. Competitor(percent) baseline — Average Burger Price(USD) $8.50-10.50 — Signature Burger Price (USD)(USD) $5.99 (Big Mac) — Average Menu Item Price(USD) $9.75 — | ||
| Total Locations Worldwide(locations) | 12,900+ | — |
| United States Locations(locations) | 9,660 | — |
| Canada Locations(locations) | 1,100 | — |
| Menu Items(items) | 170+ | — |
| Menu Customization Options(count (estimated)) | Limited (15-20 burger variations) | — |
| Customer Satisfaction (ACSI 2023)(score out of 100) | 76 | — |
| Parent Company Annual Revenue(USD billions) | $1.49 billion | — |
| Total Global Locations(stores) | 9,500 | 40,575(winner) |
| Countries of Operation(countries) | 12 | 100+(winner) |
| Year Founded | 1950 | — |
| US Restaurant Locations(count) | 9,500+ | 13,000+(winner) |
| Number of Global Locations(restaurants) | 40,000+ | — |
| Operating Days Per Year(days) | 365 days | — |
| Annual Operating Days(days) | 340 days | — |
| Locations Open Past Midnight(percentage) | 62% | — |
Show 1 more attributeUS Location Count(locations) 13,573 — | ||
| Average Unit Volume(USD millions per year) | $1.4M | $2.8 million(winner) |
| Global Market Presence(countries) | 12 | 100+(winner) |
| Average Service Time(minutes) | 2-3 min(winner) | 3-4 minutes |
| Breakfast Revenue Contribution(percent of annual revenue) | 85% | 35% |
| Mobile Loyalty Program Users(millions active users) | 15M+ | 50M+(winner) |
| Loyalty Program Members(millions) | 40M+ (McDonald's Rewards) | — |
| Mobile App Loyalty Members(millions) | 40+ (McDonald's Rewards) | — |
| Menu Item Categories(primary daypart focus) | Breakfast/Coffee dominant | All-day breakfast/lunch/dinner |
| Brand Unaided Awareness (US)(percent) | 58% | 69%(winner) |
| US Brand Awareness (Unaided)(percent) | 93% of US consumers | — |
| Global Brand Awareness (Unaided)(percent) | 97% | — |
| Brand Recognition (Global)(percent) | 68% | — |
| Brand Value Ranking(USD billions) | $196.5 billion | — |
| Average Beverage Customization Options(drink variations) | 30+(winner) | 12 |
| Breakfast Menu Items(items) | 8 | 15+(winner) |
| Average Transaction Time(minutes) | 3-4(winner) | 4-5 |
| Mobile App Order Penetration(percent of orders) | 22% | 29%(winner) |
| Beef Freshness | Frozen patties standard | — |
| Beef Quality Grade(text) | Frozen beef patties | — |
| Drive-Thru Technology Level | AI-powered order systems 2026 | — |
| Drive-Thru AI Technology | Voice-activated with AI accuracy scaling | — |
| Average Burger Price(USD) | $5-7 | — |
| Menu Item Customization Options(level) | Standard options | — |
| Menu Customization Level(scale 1-10) | 5/10 | — |
| New Restaurant Openings 2026(planned locations) | Expansion planned | — |
| 2026 New Location Growth Target(locations) | 8,000 | — |
| Chicken Sandwich Quality Focus | Standard offerings | — |
| Beef Freshness Standard | Frozen beef (100% beef) | — |
| Primary Burger Cooking Method | Griddle-cooked (consistent) | — |
| Menu Item Count(items) | 80+ items | — |
| Menu Items Available(items) | 150+ items | — |
| Chicken Preparation Method | Frozen patties + fresh beef option | — |
| Average Customer Transaction Time(minutes) | 3.8 minutes | — |
| New Menu Items Per Year(items) | 2-3 items | — |
| Drive-Thru Technology (2026) | AI voice-activated with accuracy scaling | — |
| New Location Expansion (2026)(locations) | 8,000 new locations planned | — |
| Restaurant Design Innovation | Optimized drive-thru layout | — |
| Price Advantage for Value Seekers(percent cheaper) | 105% cheaper than Wendy's | — |
| Global Store Locations(stores) | 3,000+ | — |
| Quality Ranking (YouGov 2026)(ranking) | #1 fries only | — |
| 2025 Sales Tier(ranking) | Top 3 ($107B trifecta) | — |
| International Presence(countries) | U.S. only | — |
| Countries with Presence(countries) | 100+ countries | — |
| Global Countries Served(countries) | 100+ | — |
| International Country Presence(count) | 150+ countries | — |
| Franchisee Average Unit Volume(USD thousands) | $2,900 | — |
| Initial Franchise Investment(USD millions) | $1.3 - $2.2 million | — |
| Big Mac / Whopper Calories(calories) | 563 cal (Big Mac) | — |
| Signature Burger Calories(calories) | 550 (Big Mac) | — |
| Average Burger Calorie Content(calories) | 550 cal (Big Mac) | — |
| Global Brand Awareness(percent) | 97% | — |
| Customization Options(combinations) | ~200 menu variations | — |
| Average Customer Service Time(minutes) | 3-5 | — |
| Digital Ordering Availability(percentage of locations) | 80% | — |
| Average Check Size(USD) | $9.42 | — |
| Gen Z Customer Preference(percent of under-25 customers) | 28% of customer base | — |
| Total Global Restaurants(locations) | 40,575 | — |
| Average Employee Wage(USD/hour) | $13.50 | — |
| Franchise Startup Cost(USD thousands) | $1,000-$2,300 | — |
| Mobile App Daily Active Users(millions) | 28M DAU | — |
| Social Media Followers (Twitter/X)(millions) | 26.3M | — |
| Franchise Startup Investment Range(USD) | $1.6M - $2.3M | — |
| Breakfast Menu Item Count(items) | 12+ items | — |
| Average Google Review Rating(stars out of 5) | 3.8 | — |
| Average Unit Volume Per Location(USD millions) | $2.7M | — |
| Breakfast Availability Hours(hours per day) | 24 hours (all-day breakfast) | — |
| Customer Satisfaction (ACSI)(score/100) | 74 | — |
| Chicken Sandwich Price(USD) | $6.79 | — |
| Drive-Thru Speed(minutes) | 5.8 min | — |
| Number of Locations(restaurants) | 40,275 | — |
| Average Order Fulfillment Time(minutes) | 3-4 minutes | — |
Dunkin'McDonald'sGlobal Locations(number of restaurants)
12,500+
40,275 locations
Global Restaurant Count(locations)
40,000+
—
Total Global Restaurant Count(locations)
40,275
—
Number of Locations Worldwide(restaurants)
40,576
—
Global Restaurant Locations(count)
40,575
—
Annual Revenue(USD Billions)
$1.3B
$23.2B (2024)
2026 Revenue Growth(percentage)
+3%
—
Annual Corporate Revenue(USD billions)
$23.2B
—
Annual System-Wide Revenue(USD billions)
$23.2 billion
—
Average Unit Volume (AUV)(USD millions)
$2,700
—
Show 3 more attributes
Annual Global Revenue(USD billions)
$23.2 billion
—
Annual Revenue (2024)(USD billions)
$23.2B
—
Market Capitalization(USD Billions)
$195B
—
Average Drink Price(USD)
~$3
—
Medium Coffee Price (USD)(USD)
$2.69
—
Average Transaction Cost(USD)
$6-8
$10-14
Average Chicken Sandwich Price(USD)
$6.99
—
Value Meal Price(GBP)
£3.89
—
Show 4 more attributes
Price Premium vs. Competitor(percent)
baseline
—
Average Burger Price(USD)
$8.50-10.50
—
Signature Burger Price (USD)(USD)
$5.99 (Big Mac)
—
Average Menu Item Price(USD)
$9.75
—
Total Locations Worldwide(locations)
12,900+
—
United States Locations(locations)
9,660
—
Canada Locations(locations)
1,100
—
Menu Items(items)
170+
—
Menu Customization Options(count (estimated))
Limited (15-20 burger variations)
—
Customer Satisfaction (ACSI 2023)(score out of 100)
76
—
Parent Company Annual Revenue(USD billions)
$1.49 billion
—
Total Global Locations(stores)
9,500
40,575
Countries of Operation(countries)
12
100+
Year Founded
1950
—
US Restaurant Locations(count)
9,500+
13,000+
Number of Global Locations(restaurants)
40,000+
—
Operating Days Per Year(days)
365 days
—
Annual Operating Days(days)
340 days
—
Locations Open Past Midnight(percentage)
62%
—
Show 1 more attribute
US Location Count(locations)
13,573
—
Average Unit Volume(USD millions per year)
$1.4M
$2.8 million
Global Market Presence(countries)
12
100+
Average Service Time(minutes)
2-3 min
3-4 minutes
Breakfast Revenue Contribution(percent of annual revenue)
85%
35%
Mobile Loyalty Program Users(millions active users)
15M+
50M+
Loyalty Program Members(millions)
40M+ (McDonald's Rewards)
—
Mobile App Loyalty Members(millions)
40+ (McDonald's Rewards)
—
Menu Item Categories(primary daypart focus)
Breakfast/Coffee dominant
All-day breakfast/lunch/dinner
Brand Unaided Awareness (US)(percent)
58%
69%
US Brand Awareness (Unaided)(percent)
93% of US consumers
—
Global Brand Awareness (Unaided)(percent)
97%
—
Brand Recognition (Global)(percent)
68%
—
Brand Value Ranking(USD billions)
$196.5 billion
—
Average Beverage Customization Options(drink variations)
30+
12
Breakfast Menu Items(items)
8
15+
Average Transaction Time(minutes)
3-4
4-5
Mobile App Order Penetration(percent of orders)
22%
29%
Beef Freshness
Frozen patties standard
—
Beef Quality Grade(text)
Frozen beef patties
—
Drive-Thru Technology Level
AI-powered order systems 2026
—
Drive-Thru AI Technology
Voice-activated with AI accuracy scaling
—
Average Burger Price(USD)
$5-7
—
Menu Item Customization Options(level)
Standard options
—
Menu Customization Level(scale 1-10)
5/10
—
New Restaurant Openings 2026(planned locations)
Expansion planned
—
2026 New Location Growth Target(locations)
8,000
—
Chicken Sandwich Quality Focus
Standard offerings
—
Beef Freshness Standard
Frozen beef (100% beef)
—
Primary Burger Cooking Method
Griddle-cooked (consistent)
—
Menu Item Count(items)
80+ items
—
Menu Items Available(items)
150+ items
—
Chicken Preparation Method
Frozen patties + fresh beef option
—
Average Customer Transaction Time(minutes)
3.8 minutes
—
New Menu Items Per Year(items)
2-3 items
—
Drive-Thru Technology (2026)
AI voice-activated with accuracy scaling
—
New Location Expansion (2026)(locations)
8,000 new locations planned
—
Restaurant Design Innovation
Optimized drive-thru layout
—
Price Advantage for Value Seekers(percent cheaper)
105% cheaper than Wendy's
—
Global Store Locations(stores)
3,000+
—
Quality Ranking (YouGov 2026)(ranking)
#1 fries only
—
2025 Sales Tier(ranking)
Top 3 ($107B trifecta)
—
International Presence(countries)
U.S. only
—
Countries with Presence(countries)
100+ countries
—
Global Countries Served(countries)
100+
—
International Country Presence(count)
150+ countries
—
Franchisee Average Unit Volume(USD thousands)
$2,900
—
Initial Franchise Investment(USD millions)
$1.3 - $2.2 million
—
Big Mac / Whopper Calories(calories)
563 cal (Big Mac)
—
Signature Burger Calories(calories)
550 (Big Mac)
—
Average Burger Calorie Content(calories)
550 cal (Big Mac)
—
Global Brand Awareness(percent)
97%
—
Customization Options(combinations)
~200 menu variations
—
Average Customer Service Time(minutes)
3-5
—
Digital Ordering Availability(percentage of locations)
80%
—
Average Check Size(USD)
$9.42
—
Gen Z Customer Preference(percent of under-25 customers)
28% of customer base
—
Total Global Restaurants(locations)
40,575
—
Average Employee Wage(USD/hour)
$13.50
—
Franchise Startup Cost(USD thousands)
$1,000-$2,300
—
Mobile App Daily Active Users(millions)
28M DAU
—
Social Media Followers (Twitter/X)(millions)
26.3M
—
Franchise Startup Investment Range(USD)
$1.6M - $2.3M
—
Breakfast Menu Item Count(items)
12+ items
—
Average Google Review Rating(stars out of 5)
3.8
—
Average Unit Volume Per Location(USD millions)
$2.7M
—
Breakfast Availability Hours(hours per day)
24 hours (all-day breakfast)
—
Customer Satisfaction (ACSI)(score/100)
74
—
Chicken Sandwich Price(USD)
$6.79
—
Drive-Thru Speed(minutes)
5.8 min
—
Number of Locations(restaurants)
40,275
—
Average Order Fulfillment Time(minutes)
3-4 minutes
—
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
Dunkin'
+5-3
Pros
- Highest per-unit revenue at $1.4M annually, 40% above QSR average
- Fastest service with average 2-3 minute transaction time
- 85% of revenue from breakfast daypart, strong morning positioning
- Expanded menu with sandwiches, wraps, and specialty drinks
- Loyalty program has 15M+ active members with 40% repeat purchase rate
Cons
- Limited to 12 countries globally with minimal international expansion
- Narrow daypart focus limits lunch and dinner revenue opportunities
- Lower average transaction value compared to full-service competitors
McDonald's
+5-3
Pros
- Operates in 100+ countries with 40,000+ global locations
- Average unit volume of $2.7M annually with diversified daypart revenue
- All-day menu strategy captures breakfast, lunch, and dinner occasions
- Strong brand recognition with 69% unaided awareness among US consumers
- Advanced loyalty program with 50M+ mobile app users generating 30% of orders
Cons
- 4-5 minute average transaction time slower than Dunkin' by 50%
- More complex operations requiring larger kitchen space and higher labor costs
- Breakfast items represent only 35% of revenue, less specialized focus
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Dunkin' franchisees achieve higher per-unit revenue at $1.4M annually compared to McDonald's $2.7M system-wide average, but this reflects Dunkin's smaller transaction volume. McDonald's franchisees benefit from all-day service and larger average ticket sizes, resulting in higher absolute profits despite lower per-unit metrics in some markets. Dunkin' requires lower initial capital investment ($250K-$500K) versus McDonald's ($1.4M-$2.3M), affecting profitability calculations.
Resources & Learn More
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Wikipedia
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brandsMcDonald's vs Burger King
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