What Is The Largest Mexican Chain Restaurant In The US?

It's no secret that Americans love Mexican food. Whether it's a comforting plate of enchiladas rojas with barbacoa, an order of tacos from a food truck, or a buzzy margarita happy hour, the cuisine fits into a wide range of dining contexts. In fact, a 2024 study by Pew Research Center revealed that about 11% of eateries nationwide serve Mexican cuisine. And of this broad dining landscape, some 22% are considered fast food.

This raises an intriguing question: What's the largest Mexican chain restaurant in the U.S.? The answer likely won't come as a surprise — it's Taco Bell. A 2025 report released by Restaurant Business Online notes that the chain ranks fourth nationwide across all cuisines, sitting between Chick-fil-A and Wendy's. In 2024, Taco Bell operated about 7,604 outlets in the U.S. and cleared an estimated $16 billion in sales.

It's an impressive scale, unmatched by many businesses. Taco Bell's closest competitor is Chipotle, which has less than half of Taco Bell's locations and totaled $11 billion in sales in 2024. So, even though Taco Bell flopped in Mexico, it still stands undisputed as the top Mexican chain in the U.S., delighting fans with its crispy tacos, Crunchwraps, and other iconic bites.

Decades of savvy entrepreneurial decisions built Taco Bell's cult status in the United States. For starters, it's remarkably affordable, which keeps customers coming in even as food costs rise. The chain figured out the ideal balance of profit margins, ingredient sourcing, and portion sizing, ensuring optimal value down to the cent. At the same time, Taco Bell sources sustainable beef and avoids dipping too low in quality.

These cost-effective strategies are paired with in-store efficiency. Back in 2014, Taco Bell pioneered mobile ordering, and it continues to innovate with technology to streamline the ordering process. That experimental spirit extends to the menu, too. From clever brand collaborations like Doritos Locos Tacos to now-iconic dishes like the Crunchwrap — also available in a vegan format — the chain never stops tinkering.

Marketing efforts often spill into cultural territory as well. At one time, the chain partnered with sports franchises like the NBA and MLB, giving out free tacos during specific events. In 2025, Taco Bell even released a digital pet that could be fed with purchases at the chain. Combined with its constantly shifting menu, these efforts draw customers back to try new items. It's a distinctive approach that has long kept Taco Bell culturally relevant, fueling both its popularity and expansion.