China’s #1 Fast Food Chain To Open First U.S. Store In New York City

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea, the world’s largest fast food chain, is finally entering the American market with its first U.S. store in New York City.

The Chinese brand, beloved across Asia for its affordable bubble teas, fruity drinks, and soft-serve ice creams priced under $1, is betting big on Manhattan.

The company traces its roots back to 1997, when founder Zhang Hongchao, opened a small shaved ice stall Zhengzhou, China.

His early venture proved successful, and by the early 2000s, Mixue had expanded beyond street stalls into storefronts, offering simple yet affordable drinks that appealed to younger customers.

By 2006, Zhang’s brother, Zhang Hongfu, joined the business and helped drive its franchising strategy. Since then, Mixue has grown at breakneck speed, cementing its reputation as a market disruptor.

Earlier this year, it went public in Hong Kong and earned a spot on the Time100 list of most influential companies.

Today, Mixue operates more than 45,000 locations worldwide, surpassing McDonald’s and Starbucks.

The brand holds the strongest presence in China with around 40,000 outlets and continues to expand across Southeast Asia, with Indonesia hosting more than 2,600 stores.

Mixue’s first American location will open at 266 Canal Street in Manhattan, right in the heart of Chinatown.

While an exact opening date has yet to be announced, excitement is already brewing among fans eager to try the brand’s signature mango boba, coconut jelly milk tea, and jasmine tea blends.