Wendy’s has lost its place as America’s runner-up to McDonald’s, ending a six-year run as the second-largest burger chain, being surpassed by a resurgent Burger King. jetcityimage – stock.adobe.comMcDonald’s remains the dominant U.S. burger chain by a wide margin, leaving Burger King and Wendy’s fighting for a distant second place. Burger King U.S. and Canada President Tom Curtis told The Wall Street Journal that the improvements are helping bring customers back. 3 Wendy’s just got dethroned as America’s second-biggest burger chain after six years, with Burger King sizzling back into the No. 3 Wendy’s has lost its place as America’s runner-up to McDonald’s, ending a six-year run as the second-largest burger chain, being surpassed by a resurgent Burger King.