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Chances are you’ve eaten at a few of these. So if you’re ready, give the 50 Largest Fast Food Restaurant Brands By Year quiz a go after knowing these top 25.
McDonald’s – Annual Sales: $48,734M
McDonald’s is the world’s largest fast-food chain and a global icon of American culture. Known for its classic menu of burgers, fries, and shakes, McDonald’s has adapted over the years to incorporate healthier options and expanded to serve breakfast all day. The chain’s Happy Meal has become a childhood staple, and its golden arches are recognized worldwide.
Interesting Fact:
McDonald’s serves about 69 million customers daily across over 100 countries.
Starbucks – Annual Sales: $28,100M
Starbucks has transformed coffee culture by bringing an upscale coffee experience to the mainstream, emphasizing quality and customer experience. With its array of espresso-based drinks, seasonal favorites, and unique customizations, Starbucks has created a loyal following. Its stores serve as community hubs and have expanded into international markets, with each location reflecting local design and culture.
Interesting Fact:
Starbucks has over 87,000 drink combinations available in its stores.
Chick-fil-A – Annual Sales: $18,814M
Chick-fil-A is known for its signature chicken sandwiches, waffle fries, and outstanding customer service. Founded on strong principles, the chain is closed on Sundays to allow employees a day of rest. Its success stems from a focused menu and commitment to quality, with nearly every item freshly prepared in-store. Chick-fil-A continues to grow its loyal fanbase across the U.S.
Interesting Fact:
Chick-fil-A sells more chicken sandwiches per store than any other chain in the U.S.
Taco Bell – Annual Sales: $13,850M
Taco Bell, a leader in Mexican-inspired fast food, offers a menu of tacos, burritos, and creative limited-time offerings like the Doritos Locos Taco. Known for its bold flavors and affordable prices, Taco Bell continuously innovates with new products that cater to a young, adventurous crowd. The brand has expanded globally, adapting its menu for international markets.
Interesting Fact:
Taco Bell serves over 2 billion customers each year worldwide.
Wendy’s – Annual Sales: $11,694M
Wendy’s is famous for its fresh, never frozen beef patties and its square-shaped burgers. Founded by Dave Thomas, Wendy’s built its reputation on quality and transparency, offering salads, baked potatoes, and the beloved Frosty dessert. Its social media presence, particularly on Twitter, has brought a fun, bold personality to the brand.
Interesting Fact:
Wendy’s has the most-followed fast-food Twitter account, known for its witty and humorous tweets.
Dunkin’ Donuts – Annual Sales: $11,279M
Dunkin’ Donuts, rebranded simply as Dunkin’, is America’s favorite spot for coffee and donuts. Known for its classic coffee, flavored iced coffees, and a wide selection of donuts, Dunkin’ has a strong following in the Northeast and continues to expand nationwide. Its quick-service model and loyal customer base make it a leader in the breakfast segment.
Interesting Fact:
Dunkin’ sells approximately 2.9 billion donuts and munchkins globally each year.
Subway – Annual Sales: $10,372M
Subway is the largest sandwich chain in the world, known for its fresh, customizable subs and healthier fast-food options. With a presence in almost every country, Subway emphasizes fresh ingredients and variety, with signature items like the Italian BMT and Meatball Marinara. It was among the first to bring a fast-casual approach to quick-service dining.
Interesting Fact:
Subway has more locations worldwide than any other fast-food brand, with nearly 40,000 stores.
Burger King – Annual Sales: $10,278M
Burger King, home of the Whopper, is one of the most recognized burger chains globally. Known for its flame-grilled burgers, Burger King has a reputation for bold flavors and innovative advertising campaigns. The chain frequently experiments with new menu items, including plant-based options like the Impossible Whopper.
Interesting Fact:
Burger King was the first major fast-food chain to offer a plant-based burger nationwide in the U.S.
Domino’s – Annual Sales: $8,752M
Domino’s is the largest pizza chain in the U.S., specializing in quick, convenient delivery. Known for its consistent quality and innovative delivery technologies, Domino’s continues to lead in digital sales with its pizza tracker and app. Its popular menu items, like the Handmade Pan Pizza, have helped it become a household favorite.
Interesting Fact:
Domino’s delivers over 1.5 million pizzas worldwide each day.
Chipotle – Annual Sales: $8,600M
Chipotle pioneered the fast-casual dining concept with its focus on fresh ingredients and made-to-order burritos, tacos, and bowls. Known for its commitment to “food with integrity,” Chipotle sources responsibly raised meat and organic produce. The brand’s streamlined menu and transparent food practices have set it apart in the industry.
Interesting Fact:
Chipotle was one of the first major chains to go non-GMO for all its ingredients.
Panera Bread – Annual Sales: $6,787M
Panera Bread is known for its artisanal bakery items, salads, and sandwiches. With a focus on clean eating, Panera was among the first chains to commit to a menu free of artificial preservatives and additives. Its bakery-café atmosphere makes it a popular spot for work, study, or relaxing with a coffee and pastry.
Interesting Fact:
Panera was the first fast-casual chain to display calorie counts on its menus nationwide.
Pizza Hut – Annual Sales: $5,500M
Pizza Hut is a well-known pizza chain offering a wide variety of pizza styles, including pan, stuffed crust, and hand-tossed. Founded in 1958, it has become famous for family-friendly dine-in restaurants and innovative menu items like the Original Pan Pizza. Pizza Hut has a strong delivery network, serving hot pizza quickly to millions of households each day.
Interesting Fact:
Pizza Hut was the first pizza chain to deliver to space, sending a pizza to the International Space Station in 2001.
Sonic – Annual Sales: $5,499M
Sonic is known for its nostalgic drive-in style and iconic carhop service. Customers can order directly to their car, enjoying a unique experience with classic American food like burgers, hot dogs, and shakes. Sonic’s extensive drink menu, with slushes and custom sodas, has made it a favorite, especially in warmer states.
Interesting Fact:
Sonic Drive-In offers over 1.3 million drink combinations through its unique menu.
Panda Express – Annual Sales: $5,348M
Panda Express is the largest Asian fast-food chain in the U.S., offering American-Chinese dishes like Orange Chicken, Beijing Beef, and Chow Mein. Founded in 1983, Panda Express is a staple in food courts and standalone restaurants alike, providing fresh, made-to-order meals that appeal to a broad audience.
Interesting Fact:
Panda Express serves about 70 million pounds of its popular Orange Chicken each year.
KFC – Annual Sales: $5,100M
KFC, or Kentucky Fried Chicken, is a globally recognized brand known for its “finger-lickin’ good” fried chicken, made with a secret blend of 11 herbs and spices. Founded by Colonel Sanders, KFC’s bucket meals have become iconic. The chain has expanded its menu to include sandwiches, bowls, and even plant-based options.
Interesting Fact:
KFC operates in more countries than any other fast-food brand besides Subway.
Popeyes – Annual Sales: $5,001M
Popeyes is renowned for its crispy, Louisiana-style fried chicken and famous chicken sandwich, which became a viral sensation. The brand also offers Southern-inspired sides like red beans and rice. Popeyes’ focus on bold flavors and hearty portions has made it a standout choice for fried chicken lovers nationwide.
Interesting Fact:
In 2019, Popeyes sold out of its new chicken sandwich nationwide within just two weeks of launch.
Dairy Queen – Annual Sales: $4,579M
Dairy Queen, known for its ice cream and soft-serve treats, has been a beloved dessert spot since 1940. Its signature Blizzard and iconic cone curls have delighted generations of fans. Besides ice cream, Dairy Queen offers hot food items like burgers, hot dogs, and fries, making it a versatile choice for families.
Interesting Fact:
Every Dairy Queen Blizzard is served upside down as a quality assurance guarantee.
Arby’s – Annual Sales: $4,535M
Arby’s is known for its roast beef sandwiches and a menu that goes beyond the typical burger-and-fries fare. Founded in 1964, Arby’s offers a variety of hearty sandwiches, including its popular Smokehouse Brisket and Reuben. With a bold “We have the meats” slogan, Arby’s is known for its carnivorous appeal.
Interesting Fact:
Arby’s serves over 64 million pounds of roast beef each year.
Jack in the Box – Annual Sales: $4,111M
Jack in the Box is known for its quirky menu, offering everything from burgers to tacos to breakfast items served all day. With its playful mascot, Jack, the chain has a loyal fanbase. Popular items include the Sourdough Jack and unique sides like curly fries and egg rolls.
Interesting Fact:
Jack in the Box was one of the first major fast-food chains to serve breakfast.
Papa John’s – Annual Sales: $3,698M
Papa John’s prides itself on “Better Ingredients, Better Pizza.” Known for its focus on quality, Papa John’s uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to set itself apart. With signature garlic sauce and pepperoncini included with every pizza, the brand has cultivated a unique appeal and loyal following.
Interesting Fact:
Papa John’s has more than 5,000 locations in over 45 countries.
Little Caesars – Annual Sales: $3,520M
Little Caesars, famous for its “Hot-N-Ready” pizzas, has carved a niche in the pizza industry by offering affordable, ready-to-go options. Its signature Crazy Bread and commitment to value make it a popular choice for budget-conscious families. Founded in Detroit, the brand continues to grow both domestically and internationally.
Interesting Fact:
Little Caesars is the official pizza sponsor of the NFL.
Whataburger – Annual Sales: $3,340M
Whataburger, a Texas-based chain, is known for its sizable burgers and strong Texan identity. The brand offers a variety of customizable burgers, breakfast items, and shakes. Whataburger has a dedicated fanbase in the Southern U.S., and many Texans consider it an essential part of their culture.
Interesting Fact:
Whataburger’s signature A-frame restaurant design has become an iconic symbol in Texas.
Raising Cane’s – Annual Sales: $3,118M
Raising Cane’s has quickly gained popularity for its simple menu focused on high-quality chicken fingers, Texas toast, and coleslaw. Founded on the principle of “one love” (chicken fingers), Raising Cane’s has grown a dedicated fanbase thanks to its delicious, limited offerings and signature Cane’s sauce.
Interesting Fact:
Raising Cane’s founder, Todd Graves, named the restaurant after his dog, Cane.
Culver’s – Annual Sales: $2,830M
Culver’s, a Midwest favorite, is known for its ButterBurgers and creamy frozen custard. The chain emphasizes Midwestern hospitality and high-quality ingredients, setting it apart from other fast-food chains. With a focus on fresh, made-to-order food, Culver’s has won over fans beyond the Midwest.
Interesting Fact:
Culver’s uses fresh, never-frozen beef and local Wisconsin dairy in its products.
Jersey Mike’s – Annual Sales: $2,680M
Jersey Mike’s specializes in authentic, fresh sub sandwiches made with premium meats, cheeses, and fresh-baked bread. Founded in New Jersey, the brand stays true to its roots with a unique East Coast-style sandwich experience, including its signature “Mike’s Way” toppings.
Interesting Fact:
Jersey Mike’s makes its bread fresh in-store every day, a rarity in the fast-food industry.
