Last week, Restaurant Brands International hosted its 2026 Investor Day at the company’s Miami headquarters in which it stated plans to expand its restaurant number by five percent in Canada and the U.S. by 2028. This growth is expected to be driven by Firehouse Subs, Tim Hortons, and Popeyes with Firehouse Subs contributing about half of the net new units in the U.S. and Canada, with 150 to 200 net new units per year, driven by improving brand awareness and strong unit economics. The remaining new units will be roughly split between Tim Hortons and Popeyes. Tim Hortons Canada growth is supported by opportunities in underpenetrated regions including Western Canada and Quebec. In the U.S., the team is on track to continue accelerating development in both existing and new markets, like Virginia, Florida, Delaware, Tennessee, New York, Michigan, New Jersey, and Texas. While Popeyes tempered development in 2025, the team is laying the operational groundwork to position the brand to reaccelerate in the years ahead. “We are building a simpler, stronger, and more focused RBI – a world-class restaurant company designed to win for decades,” said CEO Josh Kobza. “Our growth is powered by four iconic brands with deep heritage in their communities and enduring guest loyalty, supported by exceptional franchisees and great talent around the world. As we look toward 2028 and beyond, we see a highly franchised, asset-light business delivering consistent five percent-plus Net Restaurant Growth, predictable earnings growth, and strong double-digit total shareholder returns. The strength of our brands and the quality of our teams position us to compound value for all our stakeholders for many years to come.” RBI expects robust international expansion by 2028, driven by strong growth in China and other key global markets. In China, annual net new restaurant openings are projected to reach 300 to 400 units. Burger King China’s partnership with CPE is expected to deliver more than 200 new locations in 2028, supported by a $350 million investment aimed at doubling the footprint to 2,500 restaurants within five years. Popeyes China and Tim Hortons China are expected to add another 100 to 200 units combined. Internationally, about 1,100 new restaurants per year are forecast, led by top growth markets including India, the UK, Mexico, France and Japan, contributing roughly 700 units annually. Restaurant Brands International Inc., with its independently operated chains, Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes and Firehouse Subs, is one of the world’s largest quick service restaurant companies with nearly $47 billion in annual system-wide sales and over 33,000 restaurants in more than 120 countries and territories.
Restaurant Brands International Inc. Canadian headquarters, 130 King St W, Suite 300, Toronto, Ontario M5X 1E1 (855/243-1227)
Restaurant Brands International Inc. corporate headquarters, 5707 Blue Lagoon Dr, Miami, Florida 33126 (www.rbi.com)