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Top 10 Largest Coffee Shop Chains in the World by Number of Locations

The ten largest coffeehouse chains in the world, ranked by their total number of store locations globally, from Starbucks' massive footprint to regional giants dominating their home markets.

Updated August 1, 2026 10 ranked 4 sources

Quick answer: 1. Starbucks, 2. Luckin Coffee, 3. Dunkin', 4. Cotti Coffee, 5. Tim Hortons, 6. Café Amazon, 7. Costa Coffee, 8. Compose Coffee, 9. Caffe Bene, 10. Doutor Coffee.

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, and the chains that serve it have grown into sprawling global enterprises. From Starbucks' nearly 40,000 locations spanning every continent to rapidly expanding Chinese chains like Luckin Coffee that have surpassed 20,000 stores, the coffee shop industry has become a defining feature of modern urban life. The largest chains operate thousands of locations across dozens of countries, each with a distinct brand identity and market strategy. This list ranks the top ten coffeehouse chains by their total number of store locations worldwide. Figures are based on the most recent publicly reported store counts from each company's annual reports, SEC filings, or press releases, as well as data from the Wikipedia list of coffeehouse chains. The list excludes coffee counters inside retail stores, restaurants, and convenience stores that also serve coffee.

Global store locations

Global store locations
Starbucks
38000 stores
Luckin Coffee
20000 stores
Dunkin'
11000 stores
Cotti Coffee
10000 stores
Tim Hortons
5600 stores
Café Amazon
5000 stores
Costa Coffee
3400 stores
Compose Coffee
2612 stores
Caffe Bene
1378 stores
Doutor Coffee
1300 stores

The ranking

1

Starbucks

Starbucks is the world's largest coffeehouse chain by a wide margin, with over 38,000 stores across 80+ countries as of early 2026. Founded in Seattle in 1971, the company has grown from a single coffee bean roasting shop into a global coffee culture icon. Starbucks operates a mix of company-owned and licensed stores, with the United States and China being its two largest markets. The chain serves an estimated 100 million customers per week and has been a driving force behind the globalization of specialty coffee culture.

Founded: 1971Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, USAYear entered: 1987 (as Starbucks Corporation)Markets: 80+ countriesOwnership model: Company-owned + licensed
2

Luckin Coffee

Luckin Coffee has grown at an extraordinary pace since its founding in 2017, surpassing 20,000 stores in China by mid-2026. The Chinese chain pioneered a tech-driven, app-only ordering model with small pickup-focused stores, allowing rapid expansion at lower real estate costs. After an accounting scandal in 2020 that led to delisting from the NASDAQ, Luckin restructured and returned to aggressive growth. It now dominates China's coffee market alongside Starbucks, serving affordable, high-quality coffee through a seamless digital experience.

Founded: 2017Headquarters: Xiamen, ChinaMarkets: China (primarily)Ownership model: Company-ownedSpecialty: Tech-driven, pickup-focused stores
3

Dunkin'

Dunkin' (formerly Dunkin' Donuts) operates over 11,000 locations worldwide, making it the largest coffee-and-baked-goods chain globally. Headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts, Dunkin' is particularly dominant in the northeastern United States, where its drive-thru and walk-in stores serve millions of customers daily. The chain has expanded internationally, with significant presence in India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Dunkin' is owned by Inspire Brands and has increasingly positioned itself as a beverage-led brand.

Founded: 1950Headquarters: Quincy, Massachusetts, USAMarkets: 40+ countriesOwnership model: Primarily franchisedParent company: Inspire Brands
4

Cotti Coffee

Cotti Coffee is a rapidly growing Chinese coffee chain that reached 10,000 stores in 2024, making it one of the fastest chains ever to achieve that milestone. Founded in 2022, Cotti focuses on affordable coffee and tea beverages, competing directly with Luckin Coffee in China's booming coffee market. The chain uses a franchise-heavy expansion model and has aggressively opened new locations in Chinese cities. Cotti's rapid growth reflects the explosive demand for coffee among China's urban middle class.

Founded: 2022Headquarters: Beijing, ChinaMarkets: China (primarily)Ownership model: Franchise-heavySpecialty: Affordable coffee and tea
5

Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons is Canada's largest coffee and fast-food chain, with over 5,600 locations globally. Founded in 1964 by NHL player Tim Horton in Hamilton, Ontario, the chain has become a deeply embedded part of Canadian culture. Tim Hortons operates in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and several Middle Eastern countries. Known for its coffee, donuts, and breakfast sandwiches, the chain serves more than 5 million cups of coffee per day in Canada alone. It is owned by Restaurant Brands International.

Founded: 1964Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario, CanadaMarkets: Canada, USA, UK, Mexico, Middle EastOwnership model: Primarily franchisedParent company: Restaurant Brands International
6

Café Amazon

Café Amazon is Thailand's largest coffee chain and one of the fastest-growing in Asia, with over 5,000 locations across Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Oman. Founded in 2002 by PTT Public Company Limited, Thailand's state-owned oil and gas company, the chain is primarily located at PTT gas stations, making it a convenient stop for travelers. Café Amazon is known for its affordable prices and distinctive Thai-inspired beverages.

Founded: 2002Headquarters: Bangkok, ThailandMarkets: 10+ countries in Asia and Middle EastOwnership model: Subsidiary of PTTParent company: PTT Public Company Limited
7

Costa Coffee

Costa Coffee is the UK's largest coffee chain and the second-largest globally by revenue, with over 3,400 locations worldwide. Founded in London in 1971 by Italian brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa, the chain was acquired by The Coca-Cola Company in 2019 for $5.1 billion. Costa operates in more than 30 countries, with a strong presence in the UK, China, India, and the Middle East. The chain is known for its signature Mocha Italia blend and has been expanding rapidly through its Costa Express self-serve machines.

Founded: 1971Headquarters: Dunstable, Bedfordshire, UKMarkets: 30+ countriesOwnership model: Company-owned + franchisedParent company: The Coca-Cola Company
8

Compose Coffee

Compose Coffee is a South Korean coffee chain that has grown rapidly to over 2,600 locations, making it one of the largest coffee chains in Asia. Founded in 2014, the chain is known for its affordable pricing strategy — offering high-quality coffee at approximately $2 per cup — and its tech-forward ordering system. Compose Coffee has become particularly popular among young South Koreans, who appreciate its value proposition in a market saturated with premium coffee brands. The chain has begun exploring international expansion.

Founded: 2014Headquarters: Seoul, South KoreaMarkets: South Korea (primarily)Ownership model: Company-owned + franchisedSpecialty: Affordable premium coffee
9

Caffe Bene

Caffe Bene is a South Korean coffeehouse chain with over 1,370 locations across South Korea and several other countries including China, the United States, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Founded in 2008, the chain experienced rapid growth through the 2010s, becoming one of the largest coffee chains in East Asia. Caffe Bene is known for its European-style ambiance, extensive dessert menu, and its signature Injeolmi latte. The chain has been a significant player in the Korean Wave of food and beverage exports.

Founded: 2008Headquarters: Seoul, South KoreaMarkets: South Korea, China, USA, Taiwan, PhilippinesOwnership model: FranchisedSpecialty: European-style café with Korean desserts
10

Doutor Coffee

Doutor Coffee is Japan's largest coffee chain, with over 1,300 locations primarily in Japan, along with outlets in Taiwan and Malaysia. Founded in 1980 by Toru Torii, Doutor pioneered the affordable standing coffee bar concept in Japan, offering quick, quality coffee at reasonable prices. The chain is known for its efficiency-focused service model, where customers order and pay at a counter before receiving their coffee. Doutor also operates the popular Excelsior Caffé brand, catering to different market segments.

Founded: 1980Headquarters: Tokyo, JapanMarkets: Japan, Taiwan, MalaysiaOwnership model: Company-ownedParent company: Doutor Nichires Holdings

Full comparison

# Name FoundedHeadquartersYear enteredMarketsOwnership modelSpecialtyParent company
1 Starbucks 1971Seattle, Washington, USA1987 (as Starbucks Corporation)80+ countriesCompany-owned + licensed——
2 Luckin Coffee 2017Xiamen, China—China (primarily)Company-ownedTech-driven, pickup-focused stores—
3 Dunkin' 1950Quincy, Massachusetts, USA—40+ countriesPrimarily franchised—Inspire Brands
4 Cotti Coffee 2022Beijing, China—China (primarily)Franchise-heavyAffordable coffee and tea—
5 Tim Hortons 1964Toronto, Ontario, Canada—Canada, USA, UK, Mexico, Middle EastPrimarily franchised—Restaurant Brands International
6 Café Amazon 2002Bangkok, Thailand—10+ countries in Asia and Middle EastSubsidiary of PTT—PTT Public Company Limited
7 Costa Coffee 1971Dunstable, Bedfordshire, UK—30+ countriesCompany-owned + franchised—The Coca-Cola Company
8 Compose Coffee 2014Seoul, South Korea—South Korea (primarily)Company-owned + franchisedAffordable premium coffee—
9 Caffe Bene 2008Seoul, South Korea—South Korea, China, USA, Taiwan, PhilippinesFranchisedEuropean-style café with Korean desserts—
10 Doutor Coffee 1980Tokyo, Japan—Japan, Taiwan, MalaysiaCompany-owned—Doutor Nichires Holdings

How we ranked this

Chains are ranked by the total number of store locations as reported by each company in their most recent public disclosures. For privately held companies, store counts are taken from press releases, company websites, and the Wikipedia list of coffeehouse chains. Data reflects company-operated and franchised locations combined. All figures are from 2025 or 2026 reports where available. The list excludes companies that primarily serve other products (e.g., donut shops or bakeries that also sell coffee) unless they are primarily classified as coffeehouse chains.

FAQ

What is the largest coffee shop chain in the world?

Starbucks is the largest coffee shop chain in the world with over 38,000 locations across 80+ countries. Luckin Coffee is second with over 20,000 stores, all in China.

Which coffee chain has the most stores in China?

Luckin Coffee has the most stores in China with over 20,000 locations, surpassing Starbucks, which has approximately 7,000 stores in China.

How many coffee shop chains are there in the world?

There are hundreds of coffeehouse chains worldwide, ranging from global giants like Starbucks to regional players with a few dozen locations. The largest 10 chains collectively operate over 100,000 stores.

Sources