When you think of McDonald’s, you think of America. The popular chain started as one tiny location, until the founders — Richard and Maurice McDonald — realized their product could go further.
These days, McDonald’s is visible in over 100 countries, with 36,000 restaurants worldwide. It’s one of the most well-known names across the globe. What child out there isn’t familiar with Ronald McDonald? A 2010 study, which involved 38 Australian preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years old, actually found that 93% of kids knew that the golden arches belonged to the company. Newer chains hope to live up to that legacy, as hard as that may be. And that’s why plenty of international chains have tried — and succeeded — to make a name for themselves in America.
In fact, there’s plenty of restaurant chains out there that you might have assumed were American, but actually aren’t.
Now, just because they’re in America doesn’t mean they’re the most popular here, especially when you consider their competition. But they’re still thriving and growing, and it’ll be interesting to see how they’ll challenge some of the iconic American chains in the future. Can you imagine if a new international chain tried to compete with Taco Bell? Or, if someone can try to outshine the freshness of a standard Wendy’s burger?
Here are some non-American chains to be on the lookout for.
1. Pret A Manger
You may know this popular chain better as “Pret.” It originated in the United Kingdom, officially opening its first location in 1986.
Have I mentioned that I love Pret a Manger? Seriously. I eat there too much but I can't stop. @PretUSA
— Denis O'Hare (@denisohare) August 30, 2012
CEO Clive Schlee just announced that he was planning on retiring from Pret A Manger this September after 16 years, to be replaced by current Chief Operations Officer Pano Christou. As of 2017, the chain had 42 locations in New York, but that’s nothing in comparison to how many are still running in the U.K. (there are 450 worldwide).
2. Tim Hortons
Once known as being Canada’s coffee shop, Tim Hortons has crept its way into the United States. And they’re more than welcome.
There are 550 locations in the United States, and the chain seems to be growing. Which is great, since there’s always a need for new spots to grab a tasty breakfast. According to them, they’re close to the record of selling more coffee than any other restaurant chain out there. Who’s in the lead? Starbucks, of course. According to a 2014 article on Inside Timmies, each year, Tim Hortons sells 2 billion cups of coffee.
3. Smoke’s Poutinerie
You’re familiar with poutine, right?
Aside from Tim Hortons, it’s one of Canada’s best gifts to the world — French fries and cheese curds covered in a delicious brown gravy. Smoke’s Poutinerie is quickly planning to grow throughout the United States, meaning that you may be able to get the best of Canada without having to travel too far.
4. Bonchon
Bonchon is best known for its delicious Korean fried chicken.
The chain started up in South Korea, but began branching out by placing their first restaurant in America in Fort Lee, New Jersey, back in 2006. From there, they went to New York and eventually found their way into other big cities. Now, they’re a nationwide name with 300 locations worldwide.
5. Giraffas
Giraffas has been around in Brazil since 1981.
When they moved to the United States, they reportedly made a few changes. According to the Miami Herald, the American locations are more of a casual dining experience instead of fast food. Reason being, they knew it’d be a little harder to compete. Miami was the first location in America to get a chance to check them out back in 2011.
6. Nando’s Peri Peri
Nando’s Peri Peri chicken got its start in South Africa back in 1987.
As the story goes, Robert Brozin and his friend Fernando Duarte were in a Johannesburg restaurant called Chickenland. The food was so good that they bought the restaurant and renamed it. Nando’s grew a following in the U.K. soon after, and they are aiming to take over the United States as well. You can find your closest location on their website.
7. Jollibee
Jollibee got its start in the Philippines, but is now known everywhere.
According to Menuism, there are currently 39 Jollibee locations operating in the United States, with the majority of them in California. In 2018, it was reported that they were planning to expand even more, soon after they opened their first location in Manhattan. If you’re waiting for the chance to eat there, you may get it sooner than you think.
8. Paris Baguette
Surprisingly, Paris Baguette didn’t get its start in Paris. They actually launched in South Korea.
Back in 2016, Business Insider reported that there were more than 3,500 Paris Baguette locations worldwide. At the time, 45 of those were in the United States, but there were already plans for 30 more. They’re known best for their pastries, in case their name didn’t make it clear.
9. Maoz
If you’re a fan of falafel, you’ve probably heard of Maoz.
The vegetarian chain restaurant opened its first location in Amsterdam, Holland, back in 1991. They launched in America in 2004 when they chose Philadelphia as their debut city. New York City came next, followed by other locations. Right now, they’re mostly in Florida and New York, but they’re looking to open even more restaurants soon.
10. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
If you’re looking for a Japanese ramen restaurant chain, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka is definitely going to be your best bet.
Known most often as Santouka, the restaurant got its start in the 1980s, with their first location opening in Asahikawa, Hokkaido. They currently have locations in Washington and Massachusetts, and it wouldn’t be far-fetched to believe that they have plans to eventually open even more. Since ramen is a crowd favorite, an expansion is almost guaranteed to be successful.
11. Yo! Sushi
It seems like a funny name for the restaurant, but maybe not so much when you realize it originated in the ’90s.
Yo! Sushi is actually a conveyor belt restaurant that launched in London. Here’s the bad news — while the company seemed to be aiming for a North America debut, it looks like their locations in Boston and New York have already closed. That doesn’t mean they won’t come back in the near future, but it does mean that if you were recently in town and saw a conveyer belt sushi restaurant, you weren’t dreaming it.
12. Pollo Campero
Back in 1971, Pollo Campero was born in Guatemala.
Ever since, they’ve been serving up chicken all over the place, with 70 located right in the United States. Their first location happened to be in Los Angeles, where they were met with a crowd on opening day. The company prepares their chicken from scratch, and they pride themselves on creating flavorful chicken using all the best herbs and spices. KFC and Popeye’s better watch their backs.
13. BeaverTails
It should come as no surprise that BeaverTails hails from Canada.
While it’s not the biggest chain around, they’re slowly trying to make their way into the American market with a couple of locations in Pennsylvania. Best known for pastries, they also operate food trucks which prove they’re ahead of the game. Also, their mascot is a giant, friendly beaver. What’s not to love?
14. Go! Go! Curry
There aren’t too many curry chains out there — yet.
Go! Go! Curry originated in Japan, but has been brought over to America. Oddly, they’re named after famed baseball player Hideki Matsui, who wears the number 55. Since “5” is pronounced as “Go,” that’s where the name came from. Curry fans can find restaurant locations in New York and Massachusetts.
