By the end of 2016, McDonald’s had amassed 36,900 retail shops globally, Burger King 15,738 outlets, and Pizza Hut 11,000 eateries. While burger and pizza chains have expanded exponentially, consider some of the largest barbecue chains in the U.S.: Famous Dave’s of America had 170 locations in 34 states, mostly in Florida and the South, and Sonny’s BBQ had 112 eateries in nine states. But few barbecue eateries have blossomed into national chains. Why not? Read the Food Newsfeed story here