The Top Fast-Food Chains in America
Published on August 1, 2023, QSR Magazine's annual report provides a comprehensive ranking of the top 50 fast-food chains in the U.S. based on system-wide sales for the year ending December 2022. The list categorizes chains into various segments including burgers, sandwiches, chicken, pizza, snacks, and global chains.
Key Highlights:
McDonald's maintains its top position with an impressive $48.7 billion in U.S. system-wide sales. The chain aims to cut wait times by 60 seconds in key markets by 2025, reflecting its commitment to operational efficiency.
Starbucks follows in second place with $28.1 billion, driven by its expansive range of snacks and beverages. The brand continues to grow with a significant increase in both locations and sales.
Chick-fil-A, renowned for its chicken offerings, holds the third spot with $18.8 billion in sales. The chain has expanded its footprint, increasing its unit count by 153 from the previous year.
Taco Bell and Wendy's are fourth and fifth, respectively. Taco Bell boasts $13.9 billion in sales and a large number of global locations, while Wendy's generates $11.7 billion, showing consistent performance in the burger segment.
Dunkin' and Subway are also prominent in the rankings. Dunkin' achieved $11.3 billion in sales, emphasizing its strong snack and beverage market presence, while Subway reported $10.4 billion, despite a decrease in its unit count.
Burger King and Domino’s stand out in the burger and pizza categories, with sales of $10.3 billion and $8.8 billion respectively. Burger King’s performance remains robust with a significant number of units, while Domino’s continues to lead the pizza segment.
Chipotle and Panera Bread round out the top ten. Chipotle achieved $8.6 billion in sales, reflecting strong growth in the fast-casual sector. Panera Bread, with $6.8 billion in sales, remains a leading player in the sandwich category.
Noteworthy Trends:
Subway experienced a decrease in unit numbers, suggesting a strategic shift or consolidation within the brand.
In-N-Out Burger and Shake Shack show notable growth, with sales reaching $1.1 billion and $994 million, respectively. Their success underscores the increasing consumer preference for premium burger offerings.
Crumbl Cookies and Dutch Bros highlight the expanding market for niche snack and beverage options, with Crumbl achieving $1 billion in sales and Dutch Bros reaching $1.2 billion.
Upcoming Industry Insights:
August 31, 2024: Anticipate updates on special promotions and discounts across various fast-food chains as they often refresh their offers at the end of the month.
September 15, 2024: Watch for changes in health plans and insurance policies that could impact fast-food chains' operations and consumer preferences.
October 1, 2024: New industry regulations and trends are expected to influence the fast-food sector, potentially affecting service standards and menu offerings.
For a deeper dive into the rankings, sales data, and future trends, access the QSR 50 Full Report.
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