1851

This week, QSR Magazine released the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/the-2024-qsr-50-fast-foods-leading-annual-report/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=qsr-magazine-releases-ranking-of-top-50-qsr-brands-for-2024-2726971" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">2024 QSR 50</a>, the annual report ranking the top fast food brands in the world.&nbsp;Here are the top 10 winners:1.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-mcdonalds-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720737">McDonald’s</a>, which continues to lead the U.S. market in systemwide sales, has plans for aggressive global expansion. By 2027, McDonald’s aims to grow to 50,000 locations worldwide, leveraging significant investments in digital, delivery, drive-thru and loyalty programs. New small-format concepts like&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mcdonalds-franchise-creates-cosmcs-spinoff-fast-food-concept-2723161">CosMc’s</a> (which focuses on customizable beverages) are part of the brand’s strategy to capture niche markets.2.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/is-it-possible-to-become-a-starbucks-franchise-owner-2724683">Starbucks</a> has maintained robust unit growth, expanding by 902 locations since 2021, making it the second-largest U.S. brand by store count. However, the brand faces challenges with declining traffic and the need to revamp digital engagement and supply chain efficiency. Starbucks aims to enhance customer value perception and operational throughput with new technology and service strategies.3.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-buy-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-2724659">Chick-fil-A</a> excels in drive-thru efficiency and customer satisfaction, with notable sales growth across its locations. The brand’s revenue continues to rise, with plans for further expansion in Canada and Puerto Rico.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/chick-fil-a-drive-thru-efficiency-boosts-customer-satisfaction-and-sales-2721926">Chick-fil-A’s drive-thru locations</a> alone averaged $9.275 million in sales in 2023.4.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-taco-bell-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720788">Taco Bell</a> has surpassed $15 billion in U.S. systemwide sales, driven by a strong value menu and digital channel innovations. The chain’s introduction of a new product every five weeks and significant upgrades to its POS and inventory management systems have bolstered its market position.5.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-wendys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722520">Wendy’s</a> is enhancing its breakfast and digital operations, piloting&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/capitalspring/ai-and-automation-are-making-a-huge-impact-on-the-restaurant-industry-in-2024-2726097">AI-driven drive-thru automation</a> and undergoing leadership changes to drive growth. Despite facing backlash over dynamic pricing strategies, Wendy’s plans to accelerate global unit expansion and modernize its restaurant designs.6.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-dunkin-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720835">Dunkin'</a> has rebounded strongly after a net decline in units in 2020, expanding by 210 locations in 2023. Acquired by Inspire Brands in late 2020, Dunkin's average unit volumes rose to $1.3 million, with significant growth in high-potential markets like Saudi Arabia and western U.S. regions. The brand continues to innovate with modular designs and co-location opportunities, such as its combo stores with Jimmy John’s and Buffalo Wild Wings GO.7.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-burger-king-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720751">Burger King</a>&nbsp;is focusing on remodeling and re-franchising to modernize its U.S. restaurants and improve franchisee profitability. The chain's new “Sizzle” prototype emphasizes digital ordering and streamlined operations. A significant investment in the “Reclaim the Flame” initiative aims to refresh existing locations and adopt new designs, targeting an increase in average profitability per restaurant to $300,000 by 2028.8.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-buy-a-subway-franchise-2724758">Subway's</a> acquisition by&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/subway-sold-to-owner-of-dunkin-jimmy-johns-and-arbys-2723441">Roark Capital</a>, valued at approximately $9.6 billion, marks a new era for the brand. Subway achieved positive global net growth for the first time since 2016, driven by international expansion. The brand continues to modernize with the "Fresh Forward" image, achieving significant same-store sales growth and digital sales improvements.9.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/is-it-possible-to-become-a-chipotle-franchise-owner-2724685">Chipotle</a>&nbsp;is expanding internationally, opening its first restaurant in Kuwait as part of a partnership with Alshaya Group. The brand is doubling its venture fund to $100 million to support innovation and automation, including the testing of robotic digital makelines. Chipotle has introduced new benefits for Gen Z employees and adjusted menu prices in response to labor cost increases.10.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-dominos-pizza-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2725506">Domino's</a> "Hungry for More" strategy aims to capture $7 billion in incremental sales over the next five years, targeting 50,000 restaurants globally. Key initiatives include a global deal with Uber Eats and Postmates for third-party delivery, a revamped loyalty program and menu innovations like Pepperoni Stuffed Cheesy Bread. Franchisee profitability is on the rise, with a significant increase in average EBITDA per unit.In the first part of August, 1851 Franchise is rolling out a series of articles spotlighting the leading restaurant franchises across different categories. This series is designed to offer in-depth information, assisting prospective franchisees in making well-informed decisions about where to invest and identifying the industry sectors with significant growth potential.Check out our 1851 Franchise 2024 Restaurant Industry issue&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-restaurant-industry-in-2024-a-state-of-the-industry-overview-2726918#featured">here</a>.&nbsp;Check out the full 2024 QSR 50 Report&nbsp;<a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/the-2024-qsr-50-fast-foods-leading-annual-report/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=qsr-magazine-releases-ranking-of-top-50-qsr-brands-for-2024-2726971" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a>.

 2024 QSR 50 Report: Top Fast Food Brands Ranked | QSR Magazine

1851 Franchise

This year’s big winners include McDonald’s, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, Dunkin', Burger King, Subway, Chipotle and Domino's.

QSR Magazine Releases Ranking of Top 50 QSR Brands for 2024

qsr-magazine-releases-ranking-of-top-50-qsr-brands-for-2024

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

image of a benjamin franklin plumber employee franchise

Top 5 Reasons To Invest in Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Right Now

benjamin-franklin-plumbing-franchise-5-reasons-to-buy

Mister Sparky Electric

image of mister sparky cars franchise authority brands

Wired for Success: 5 Powerful Reasons To Invest in a Mister Sparky Franchise Now

mister-sparky-franchise-5-reasons-to-invest

image of Mister sparky electric employee working with customer

On-Time, Every Time: How Mister Sparky Delivers the Electrical Service Homeowners Can Count On

mister-sparky-electric-service-franchise

image of mister sparky electric on time elctricians from franchise mister sparky

The Electrician You Can Count On: How Mister Sparky Delivers Power, Punctuality and Profitability

mister-sparky-franchise-power-punctuality-profitiability

image of a benjamin franklin plumber employee helping a customer

The Punctual Plumber That Wins: How Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Redefines Home-Service Reliability

benjamin-franklin-plumbing-home-service-reliability

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Planet Fitness Franchisees Donate $100K to Support Texas Flood Relief - 1851 Franchise

Planet Fitness Franchisees Donate $100K To Support Texas Flood Relief

planet-fitness-texas-flood-relief

McDonald’s Is the Latest Franchise To Bet Big on Beverages with 500-Store Premium Drink Test

mcdonalds-is-the-latest-franchise-to-bet-big-on-beverages-with-500-store-premium-drink-test

Friendly’s Parent Company Acquired by Multi-Unit Franchisee as More Owners Take the Lead in Brand Acquisitions 

friendlys-parent-company-acquired-by-multi-unit-franchisee-as-more-owners-take-the-lead-in-brand-acquisitions

Subway - John Fitzpatrick Named CEO - Breaking News - 1851 Franchise

Subway Names Jonathan Fitzpatrick as New CEO, Effective July 28

jonathan-fitzpatrick-subway-ceo-leadership-change

AI Is Reshaping Franchising: $100 Billion Valuations and Hyper-Localized Advertising

ai-is-reshaping-franchising-100-billion-valuations-and-hyper-localized-advertising

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

petbar Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

petbar-franchise-deep-dive

Best Franchises for First-Time Owners - 1851 Franchise

Best Franchises for First-Time Owners: Choosing the Right Fit

best-franchises-for-first-time-owners

"Top 15 Health & Wellness Franchises" note against blue and purple background

Top 15 Health and Wellness Franchises Opportunities for 2025

top-health-and-wellness-franchises

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

DevHub - Meet the Supplier - 1851 Franchise

DevHub: Scalable Digital Marketing for Franchises and Multi-Location Brands

devhub-meet-the-supplier

Navy Veteran and Professional Artist Couple Open Caring Transitions in Texas

Navy Veteran and Professional Artist Couple Set Out to Build a Purpose-Driven Business With Caring Transitions in Texas

navy-veteran-and-professional-artist-couple-set-out-to-build-a-purpose-driven-business-with-caring-transitions-in-texas

Why This Real Estate Broker Decided To Bring Caring Transitions to Central Texas

QSR Magazine Releases Ranking of Top 50 QSR Brands for 2024

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS