
10 Biggest Restaurant Chains in America by Sales & Locations
Explore the top 10 biggest restaurant chains in America by sales, locations, and growth, and uncover the strategies that drive their success.

Caroline PriceAuthor


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Get free downloadThe biggest restaurant chains in America are industry leaders that shape how we dine, from quick morning coffee runs to late-night snack cravings. These brands aren’t just successful because of their size; they’ve built their dominance through strategic innovation, operational excellence, and a deep understanding of what customers want.
Using data from QSR Magazine’s 2024 Top 50 Fast Food Chains, this article explores the top restaurant chains in the United States across several key metrics:
Total sales.
Number of locations.
Growth rate.
Per-unit performance.
By examining what sets these industry giants apart, we’ll uncover the strategies driving their success and setting the standard for the restaurant industry.
Key takeaways
The top restaurant chains thrive by adjusting to changing consumer preferences, whether through menu innovation, plant-based options, or wellness-focused items.
Chains like McDonald’s and Starbucks maintain strong customer loyalty by delivering reliable experiences across thousands of locations.
High-performing chains leverage streamlined menus, fast service, and technology (like mobile ordering and delivery) to maximize efficiency.
Some chains expand aggressively by opening new locations (e.g., Jersey Mike’s), while others focus on maximizing revenue at existing locations (e.g., Chick-fil-A).
From Starbucks’ rewards program to Domino’s real-time pizza tracker, these brands use tech to enhance customer experience and stay competitive.
The Restaurant Expansion Checklist
Learn how to expand into your second, fifth, or tenth restaurant location.
10 biggest restaurant chains in America by sales
The biggest restaurant chains in America by sales include fast-food powerhouses, coffee giants, and fast-casual innovators. Each chain on this list has achieved its position through a combination of factors, including:
A loyal customer base.
Consistent quality.
Efficient operations.
The ability to adapt to changing restaurant industry trends.
From McDonald’s, which leads the pack with its massive global appeal, to Domino’s, a tech-forward leader in pizza delivery, these brands dominate the industry. Here’s a closer look at the top 10 biggest restaurant chains in the U.S. by total annual sales for 2023, showcasing the strategies and innovations that have fueled their success.
McDonald’s ($53.135 billion)
McDonald’s tops the list as the biggest restaurant chain in America by sales. With its iconic Golden Arches, McDonald’s has become synonymous with fast food globally. Its success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including an affordable menu and continual innovation in its offerings.
From the classic Big Mac to seasonal favorites like the McRib, McDonald’s caters to a broad audience while maintaining consistent quality. The company’s heavy investment in technology, like mobile ordering and delivery partnerships, also keeps it ahead of the competition in the fast-food industry.
For example, McDonald’s is currently testing an “On-the-Go” concept with no on-premise dining. Instead, there’s a mobile pickup window and lockers for McDelivery pickups.
Starbucks ($28.700 billion)
With more than 15,000 locations across the U.S., Starbucks has built a loyal customer base by offering more than just coffee—it’s selling an experience. Its success lies in its:
Ability to innovate with unique seasonal drinks like the Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Focus on personalized customer service
Rewards program, which encourages repeat visits.
Starbucks also adapts its menu to changing consumer preferences, offering plant-based options, dairy-free alternatives, and wellness-focused items. Explaining the vision that eventually led to Starbucks’ success, in 1995 CEO Howard Schultz said:
“If you look at the landscape of retail and restaurants in America, there is such a fracturing of places where people meet…There’s nowhere for people to go. So we created a place where people can feel comfortable.”
Chick-fil-A ($21.586 billion)
Despite not being open on Sundays, Chick-fil-A is still the third-largest restaurant chain by total revenue. Known for its high-quality chicken sandwiches and unparalleled customer service, the brand has cultivated a fiercely loyal fan base. In fact, the company has ranked as the restaurant with the highest American Customer Satisfaction Index rating for 10 years in a row.
Its sales figures are bolstered by a strategic focus on efficiency, from its streamlined menu to its famously fast drive-thru service. Chick-fil-A's commitment to a consistent brand experience, including its clean restaurants and polite employees, sets it apart in the fast-food industry.
Taco Bell ($15.000 billion)
With a menu centered around bold flavors, affordable prices, and customizable options, Taco Bell has become a go-to for a younger, more adventurous crowd. Marketing expert Keegan Edwards writes:
“Taco Bell primarily targets young adults and teenagers aged 18-34, including college students and late-night diners. This demographic has become the core of their customer base, and Taco Bell has strategically positioned itself as the go-to fast food destination for these individuals.”
Its creative marketing campaigns and limited-time offerings, like the Doritos Locos Tacos and Nacho Fries, keep customers coming back for more. The restaurant chain also excels at catering to a variety of dietary preferences, offering vegetarian and vegan-friendly items through its "Veggie Cravings" menu.
Wendy’s ($12.285 billion)
Wendy’s is renowned for its "fresh, never frozen" beef, building a loyal customer base by focusing on offerings like the iconic Baconator and its famous Frosty desserts.
Wendy’s differentiates itself from competitors with its witty and engaging social media presence, which helps maintain a strong connection with younger audiences. Its recent focus on expanding breakfast options and digital ordering platforms has also contributed to its impressive sales figures.
Dunkin’ ($11.918 billion)
Dunkin’ caters to America’s love for coffee and quick, convenient snacks, making it a staple in many morning routines. They offer everything from premium coffee and espresso drinks to donuts, bagels, and breakfast sandwiches. The brand’s success largely lies in its affordability, speed of service, and ability to adapt to consumer trends.
Dunkin’s focus on beverage innovation, including seasonal favorites like Peppermint Mocha Lattes and its cold brew offerings, has also played a crucial role in driving sales and retaining a loyal customer base. In fact, Brand Keys has ranked the brand number one for brand loyalty in the out-of-home coffee category for 15 straight years.
Burger King ($10.957 billion)
Burger King is known for its flame-grilled burgers, including the famous Whopper. The brand’s value deals, such as the "2 for $6" promotion, help attract budget-conscious diners. Its marketing campaigns, often humorous and edgy, further enhance its appeal to a broad audience.
This chain has also embraced innovation, introducing plant-based options like the Impossible Whopper to meet growing demand for alternative proteins. Sherene Jagla, Impossible Foods’ Chief Demand Officer, told VegNews:
“What’s great about the Impossible Whopper is it shows consumers that they can still enjoy familiar meals, like a classic Whopper, while incorporating more plant-based foods into their diet… We don’t want to force anyone to change their lifestyle or make them feel like they’re giving something up. Instead, we want to give them even more ways to enjoy the foods they love.”
Subway ($9.925 billion)
Boasting the largest number of locations of any restaurant chain in the U.S., Subway has built its reputation on customizable, made-to-order sandwiches.
They focus on healthier fast-food options, appealing to those seeking convenience without sacrificing nutrition. Additionally, the company leverages partnerships with top athletes to promote its product to a health-conscious audience.
Its "Eat Fresh" slogan has been a key part of its branding, though recent years have seen Subway reimagine its menu to stay competitive, adding new bread recipes, premium proteins, and refreshed signature subs.
Chipotle ($9.872 billion)
Chipotle has redefined fast-casual dining with its focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and customizable meals. Known for its burritos, bowls, and commitment to sourcing responsibly, Chipotle has carved out a loyal following by prioritizing sustainability and transparency.
The brand emphasizes simplicity and quality, offering a straightforward menu that appeals to a health-conscious audience. Chipotle’s digital strategy, including a robust mobile app and delivery partnerships, has further boosted its sales, allowing it to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
Domino’s ($9.026 billion)
Domino’s rounds out the list at number ten, standing as a leader in pizza delivery and carryout. The company’s success is primarily driven by its innovative and tech-forward approach, such as its user-friendly app and real-time pizza tracker.
The chain’s focus on convenience, combined with value-driven promotions like Mix & Match Deals, has kept customers coming back for more. Domino’s also features an extensive menu beyond pizza, including pasta, chicken, sandwiches, and desserts.
Its ability to adapt to changing consumer needs, like expanding delivery options and contactless service, has cemented Domino’s position as a top player in the industry.
10 biggest restaurant chains in America by number of locations
The size of a restaurant chain’s footprint is a key indicator of its ability to reach customers nationwide. Having thousands of locations doesn’t just reflect a chain’s popularity—it also speaks to its operational efficiency, scalability, and ability to adapt to regional markets.
Chains with the most locations often prioritize consistency, ensuring customers know exactly what to expect. Here are the top 10 restaurant chains in America by number of locations:
Subway (20,133 locations)
Starbucks (16,346 location)
McDonald’s (13,457 locations)
Dunkin’ (9,580 locations)
Taco Bell (7,405 locations)
Domino’s Pizza (6,854 locations)
Burger King (6,778 locations)
Pizza Hut (6,593 locations)
Wendy’s (6,030 locations)
Dairy Queen (4,254 locations)
10 fastest-growing restaurant chains in America by number of locations
Growth in the restaurant industry is often a sign of strong demand, effective strategy, and a brand’s ability to resonate with customers. Over the past two years, some of America’s biggest names have expanded aggressively, adding hundreds of new locations across the country.
From Starbucks’ steady expansion to meet the demand for coffee to Jersey Mike’s rapid growth in the sandwich segment, these brands are setting the pace for growth in the restaurant industry:
Starbucks (added 473 units)
Jersey Mike’s (added 287 units)
Chipotle (added 271 units)
Dunkin’ (added 210 units)
Taco Bell (added 207 units)
Wingstop (added 205 units)
Tropical Smoothie Cafe (added 174 units)
Domino’s (added 168 units)
Dutch Bros Coffee (added 160 units)
Chick-fil-A (added 141 units)
Biggest restaurant chains in America by per unit sales
While total sales and number of locations highlight a restaurant chain’s overall reach and success, per unit sales reveal how efficiently each location performs.
Chains like Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane’s dominate this category, leveraging streamlined menus, exceptional customer service, and loyal followings to achieve impressive revenue per location. Others, such as McDonald’s and Chipotle, pair operational efficiency with massive brand appeal to keep their sales per unit high across thousands of locations.
Here’s a look at the top 10 restaurant chains in America based on per unit sales, showcasing the brands that make the most out of every single location:
Chick-fil-A ($7.45 million per unit)
Raising Cane's ($5.69 million per unit)
McDonald’s ($4.00 million per unit)
Whataburger ($3.96 million per unit)
Shake Shack ($3.90 million per unit)
Culver’s ($3.49 million per unit)
Panera Bread ($3.30 million per unit)
In-N-Out Burger ($3.13 million per unit)
Chipotle ($3.02 million per unit)
Zaxby’s ($2.72 million per unit)
How the biggest restaurant chains serve up success
From McDonald’s dominating total sales to Subway’s unrivaled number of locations and Chick-fil-A’s industry-leading per-unit sales, these statistics highlight how different restaurant chains drive business growth.
What unites these top-performing brands is their ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences, leverage technology, and create memorable customer experiences. Whether it’s through innovative menu offerings, efficient operations, or expanding their footprint across the country, these chains continue to set the standard for the restaurant industry.
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