In this article, we will be covering the 25 most popular fast-food restaurants in America. If you want to skip our detailed analysis of the fast food and quick service restaurant market, you can go directly to the 5 Most Popular Fast Food Restaurants in America.
What's Trending in the Fast Food Industry?
According to a report by Fortune Business Insights, the global fast-food market was valued at $972.74 billion in 2021. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.05% from 2022 to 2028 and reach a value of $1.46 trillion by the end of the forecasted period.
A myriad of factors contribute to the success of the fast-food industry, most significant is the demand for on-the-go convenience food and snacks. The fast-paced work and personal lives of people have drawn them to rely on ready-to-eat fast food that they can order at home or pick up from a drive-thru.
The expansion of e-commerce has significantly impacted the growth of the fast food industry. Access to the internet means that online ordering and food delivery services have increased people's reliance on fast food. These services enable consumers to fulfill their appetites without the hassle of going somewhere or interacting with others. Fast-food companies are rapidly creating their mobile applications, with easy interfaces that allow customers to order directly from their nearest location. These apps also offer discounts and other deals to their members. With multiple food service outlets near every housing region, fast food has become all the more accessible and hassle-free than home-cooked meals. You might also be interested in the 12 Most Expensive Restaurants In the World and 20 Most Popular Fast Food Restaurants in the World.
Over the past two decades, international fast-food chains have started expanding globally, increasing their profits and widening their customer base. Globalization and internet penetration help companies identify demand for their products and services in other regions across the globe. Fast-food companies allow local business owners to franchise their restaurants in foreign countries, therefore not only increasing their capital but improving the economy of the region. An increase in fast-food chains leads to more employment opportunities in the area. You can also take a look at the top 20 countries with highest fast food consumption.
Prominent Companies Dominating the Fast Food Industry
McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) is one of the largest fast-food companies in the world, with a presence in over 100 countries. The food service company continues to expand as it gives local business owners opportunities to open McDonald's franchises. On December 6, 2023, the McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) announced its new plans to further its 'Accelerating the Arches' strategy. Delivering since 2019, the Accelerating the Arches strategy plan has generated a 30% increase in sales. The main goals of the strategy are to target market maximization, commitment to core menu items, focusing on delivery, digital, drive-thru, and development. By 2027, McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) plans on targeting 50,000 restaurants, expanding loyalty programs, and using Google Cloud technology to improve customer care.
Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) is an international specialty arabica coffee retailer, with over 38,000 locations worldwide. On January 9, announced three main elections to its Board of Directors. Daniel Servitje was the CEO and Chairman at Grupo Bimbo for 20 years, Neal Mohan served as CEO of YouTube and finally, Mike Sievert was the President, CEO, and Director of T-Mobile. The three bring their years of experience in media, consumer technology, management, and operations to Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX). The brand-new members are an addition to the pre-existing team of 8 members of the Starbucks Corporation's (NASDAQ:SBUX) board of directors.
Yum Brands Inc. (NYSE:YUM) is one of the world's largest restaurant companies and owns the KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill restaurant franchises. It started as a subsidiary of PepsiCo, however established itself independently in 1997. On January 10, Yum Brands Inc. (NYSE:YUM) announced the promotion of Joe Park to Chief Digital and Technology Officer to succeed Clay Johnson, effective March 1. Park previously served as the Chief Digital and Technology Officer for Pizza Hut Global. Clay Johnson will continue to act as a Senior Advisor for Yum Brands Inc. (NYSE:YUM).
With this context, let's take a look at the 25 most popular fast food restaurants in America.
15 Most Popular Fast Food Restaurants in America
A chef in a kitchen preparing a fast food meal of chicken, pizza and burgers.
Methodology
For this list, we ranked the 12 most popular fast-food restaurants in America based on their number of locations across America. First, we used the data provided by this sheet on QSR magazine to list down the most popular restaurants in America. Then, to get the number of locations of the most popular fast-food restaurants in America, we used the latest data available on Scrapehero. We looked at the total number of locations for each fast-food restaurant and compiled a final list. The 25 most popular fast-food restaurants in America are listed below in ascending order of their estimated number of locations in the US according to Scrapehero.
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25 Most Popular Fast Food Restaurants in America
25. Jersey Mike's
Number of Locations in the US: 1,129
First up on our list of the 15 most popular fast-food restaurants in America is Jersey Mike's. The company makes Northeast-American-style submarine sandwiches with fresh ingredients. According to our sources, there are 1,129 Jersey Mike's locations in the US.
24. Hardee's
Number of Locations in the US: 1,628
Hardee's ranks 24th on our list of the most popular fast-food restaurants in America. Its menu includes charbroiled burgers, hand-breaded chicken sandwiches, biscuits, and milkshakes. There are 1,628 Hardee's locations in the US.
23. Panera Bread
Number of Locations in the US: 2,166
Panera Bread is a baker-cafe chain in the US that offers breakfast sandwiches, soups, salads, coffee, and pastries. According to our sources, there are 2,166 Panera Bread locations in the US.
22. Panda Express
Number of Locations in the US: 2,194
Ranking 22nd on our list of the most popular fast-food restaurants in America, Panda Express offers American Chinese cuisine on its menu. Grilled teriyaki chicken, Kung Pao chicken, and Beijing beef are some of its famous dishes. There are 2,194 Panda Express locations in the US.
21. Jack in the Box
Number of Locations in the US: 2,265
Jack in the Box offers a wide selection of fast food on its menu, with burgers, fries, onion rings, shakes, churros, tacos, and curly fries. Jack in the Box has 2,265 locations in the US, according to our sources.
20. Popeyes
Number of Locations in the US: 2,342
Popeyes is a fast-food chain famous for its Louisiana-style fried chicken. There is a wide variety of burgers, seafood, and other items on their menu as well. There are 2,342 Popeyes locations in the US.
19. Chick-fil-A
Number of Locations in the US: 2,664
Chick-fil-A is a fast-food chain that offers a wide range of chicken-based dishes and is famous for its original chicken sandwich. There are 2,664 Chick-fil-A locations in the US.
18. Chipotle
Number of Locations in the US: 2,693
Chipotle offers a range of Mexican-inspired dishes such as tacos, burritos, and salad bowls. According to our sources, there are 2,693 Chipotle locations in the US.
17. Baskin-Robbins
Number of Locations in the US: 3,057
Ranking 17th on our list of the most popular fast-food restaurants in the US, Baskin-Robbins specializes in ice creams and cakes. Its products are available at other retailers as well as Baskin-Robbins outlets. There are 3,057 Baskin-Robbins locations in the US.
16. Jimmy Johns
Number of Locations in the US: 3,059
Jimmy Johns is famous for its sandwiches and wraps, some of the well-liked items on its menu are the 'Freaky Fast' and 'Freaky Fresh' sandwiches. There are 3,059 Jimmy Johns locations in the US.
15. Arby's
Number of Locations in the US: 3,142
Arby's is famous for its Angus beef sandwiches, roasted beef, and turkey. According to our sources, there are 3,142 Arby's locations in the US.
14. Papa John's
Number of Locations in the US: 3,375
Papa John's ranks 14th on our list of the most famous fast-food restaurants in the US. It is known for its pizzas, chicken wings, and desserts. There are 3,375 Papa John's locations in the US.
13. Sonic Drive-In
Number of Locations in the US: 3,418
Sonic Drive-In is famous for its hot dogs, burgers, ice creams, milkshakes, and chicken. There are 3,418 Sonic Drive-In locations in the US.
12. KFC
Number of Locations in the US: 3,540
KFC is most famous for its Kentucky fried chicken, its menu includes burgers, fries, drinks, and salads. There are 3,540 KFC locations in the US, according to our sources.
11. Little Caesar's
Number of Locations in the US: 4,203
Ranking 11th on our list of most popular fast food chains in America, Little Caesar's is a pizza chain. Its Hot-N-Ready pizzas and Crazy Bread are some of the restaurant's famous items. There are 4,203 Little Caesar's locations in the US.
10. Dairy Queen
Number of Locations in the US: 4,295
Dairy Queen ranks 10th on our list of the most popular fast-food restaurants in the US. It is famous for its soft-serve ice cream and Blizzard treats. There are 4,295 Dairy Queen locations in the US.
9. Dominos
Number of Locations in the US: 4,349
Dominos has expanded its global presence and is available in various countries. Its menu includes pizzas, pasta, wings, sandwiches, bread and desserts. There are 4,349 Domino's locations in the US, according to our sources.
8. Taco Bell
Number of Locations in the US: 6,778
Ranking 8th on our list of the most popular fast-food restaurants in America, Taco Bell is a Mexican-inspired fast-food chain. Their menu offers vegetarian options as well as chicken. There are 6,778 Taco Bell locations in the US.
7. Papa Murphy's
Number of Locations in the US: 6,827
Papa Murphy's offers ready-to-bake pizzas that customers can take home and bake, or eat at the restaurant if they want fresh out of the oven. Their menu offers affordable options and is a popular choice for families. There are 6,827 Papa Murphy's locations in the US.
6. Burger King
Number of Locations in the US: 6,887
Ranking sixth on our list of the 15 most popular fast-food restaurants in America, Burger King is well-known for its flame-grilled burgers. The wide menu includes fish, chicken, and beef burgers as well as desserts and milkshakes. According to our sources, there are 6,887 Burger King locations in the US.
