Israel's Burger Industry Booms: McDonald's Dominates 526-Branch Market
A new report by Points reveals Israel's burger market spans 526 branches across 14 chains, with McDonald's holding a dominant 45.3% market share and Eilat leading in per capita locations.
The local fast-food market is booming, with a new report by Points revealing that Israel's burger industry features 14 chains operating a combined 526 branches across 114 municipalities.
Market Dominance and Geographic Spread
McDonald's, celebrating 33 years in Israel, dominates the sector with 238 branches, accounting for 45.3% of the market. The American giant is larger than its next six competitors combined: Burger Ranch (55), Burgermim (47), Burgers Bar (42), BBB (27), Burger Saloon (23), and Burger King (19).
While Tel Aviv-Yafo leads in absolute branch numbers with 31 restaurants, the resort city of Eilat has been crowned the "burger capital" of Israel due to its highest ratio of branches per household.
Competition and Regional Trends
Rishon LeZion boasts the most diverse competition with 13 different chains, while Jerusalem features a unique phenomenon with Burgers Bar controlling 16 out of the 26 existing branches in the capital. Meanwhile, mid-sized towns like Gedera, Zichron Yaakov, and Yokneam surpass major cities in per capita branch ratios, driven by regional commercial hubs.
Conversely, the ultra-Orthodox sector remains largely outside the national chain game. Bnei Brak and Beit Shemesh operate only two and three branches respectively, driven by strict kosher requirements and a preference for local establishments.
"The Israeli public deeply loves burger chains and views them as a routine dining option or entertainment," said Yafit Ben Haim, CEO of Points. "The data shows that in some cities competition for the consumer is extremely dense, while in other areas chain presence remains limited."
Despite localized stagnation in Tel Aviv—which recorded two closures and zero new openings—the overall sector is growing rapidly. Over the past year, 25 new branches opened compared to just 8 closures, led by McDonald's net expansion of 7 branches.
