Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

Technomic has officially released its highly anticipated annual ranking of the 500 biggest restaurant chains in the U.S., based on 2024 sales and unit counts. The list includes fast food, fast casual, and casual dining establishments, highlighting how competitive the American restaurant landscape remains. 

While McDonald’s held on to the top spot, the overall growth rate for the top three brands slowed to just 1.2% in 2024 — a stark contrast to the 11% growth they saw in 2023.

Despite these headwinds, loyalty programs and strategic marketing are helping brands hold ground. McDonald’s, for instance, saw its loyalty program usage rise 30% year over year. Starbucks and Chick-fil-A rounded out the top three, with Chick-fil-A continuing to dominate despite having significantly fewer locations than its peers. Texas Roadhouse made the biggest move in the Top 15, jumping four spots to become the nation’s largest casual-dining chain by sales.

Here are the Top 15 Restaurant Chains in the U.S. for 2024, ranked by sales:

1. McDonald’s

• Segment: Quick Service
• Sales: $53.5 billion
• Units: 13,557
• Rank Change: 0

2. Starbucks

• Segment: Quick Service
• Sales: $31.5 billion
• Units: 16,941
• Rank Change: 0

3. Chick-fil-A

• Segment: Quick Service
• Sales: $22.7 billion
• Units: 3,109
• Rank Change: 0

4. Taco Bell

• Segment: Quick Service
• Sales: $16.2 billion
• Units: 7,604
• Rank Change: 0

5. Wendy’s

• Segment: Quick Service
• Sales: $12.6 billion
• Units: 5,933
• Rank Change: 0

6. Dunkin’

• Segment: Quick Service
• Sales: $12.5 billion
• Units: 9,768
• Rank Change: 0

7. Chipotle Mexican Grill

• Segment: Fast Casual
• Sales: $11.2 billion
• Units: 3,644
• Rank Change: +2

8. Burger King

• Segment: Quick Service
• Sales: $11 billion
• Units: 6,701
• Rank Change: -1

9. Subway

• Segment: Quick Service
• Sales: $9.5 billion
• Units: 19,502
• Rank Change: -1

10. Domino’s

• Segment: Quick Service
• Sales: $9.5 billion
• Units: 7,014
• Rank Change: 0

11. Panda Express

• Segment: Fast Casual
• Sales: $6.2 billion
• Units: 2,505
• Rank Change: +1

12. Panera Bread

• Segment: Fast Casual
• Sales: $6.1 billion
• Units: 2,216
• Rank Change: -1

13. Popeyes

• Segment: Quick Service
• Sales: $5.7 billion
• Units: 3,148
• Rank Change: +2

14. Pizza Hut

• Segment: Quick Service
• Sales: $5.6 billion
• Units: 6,557
• Rank Change: -1

15. Texas Roadhouse

• Segment: Casual Dining
• Sales: $5.5 billion
• Units: 664
• Rank Change: +4

Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.