1851

<a href="https://www.technomic.com/report-top-500/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us-2729695" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Technomic has officially released its highly anticipated annual ranking of the 500 biggest restaurant chains in the U.S.</a>, 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.&nbsp;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:<h2>1.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-mcdonalds-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025-2720737">McDonald’s</a></h2><ul><li>Segment: Quick Service</li><li>Sales: $53.5 billion</li><li>Units:&nbsp;13,557</li><li>Rank Change:&nbsp;0</li></ul><h2>2.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/is-it-possible-to-become-a-starbucks-franchise-owner-2724683">Starbucks</a></h2><ul><li>Segment: Quick Service</li><li>Sales: $31.5 billion</li><li>Units: 16,941</li><li>Rank Change: 0</li></ul><h2>3.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-rise-of-chick-fil-a-americas-number-one-chicken-franchise-2727483">Chick-fil-A</a></h2><ul><li>Segment:&nbsp;Quick Service</li><li>Sales: $22.7 billion</li><li>Units:&nbsp;3,109</li><li>Rank Change: 0</li></ul><h2>4.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/taco-bell-franchise-deep-dive-2720788">Taco Bell</a></h2><ul><li>Segment: Quick Service</li><li>Sales:&nbsp;$16.2 billion</li><li>Units: 7,604</li><li>Rank Change: 0</li></ul><h2>5.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-wendys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722520">Wendy’s</a></h2><ul><li>Segment: Quick Service</li><li>Sales: $12.6 billion</li><li>Units: 5,933</li><li>Rank Change:&nbsp;0</li></ul><h2>6.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-open-a-dunkin-franchise-2724825">Dunkin’</a></h2><ul><li>Segment: Quick Service</li><li>Sales: $12.5 billion</li><li>Units: 9,768</li><li>Rank Change: 0</li></ul><h2>7.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/is-it-possible-to-become-a-chipotle-franchise-owner-2724685">Chipotle Mexican Grill</a></h2><ul><li>Segment: Fast Casual</li><li>Sales:&nbsp;$11.2 billion</li><li>Units: 3,644</li><li>Rank Change:&nbsp;+2</li></ul><h2>8.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-burger-king-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720751">Burger King</a></h2><ul><li>Segment: Quick Service</li><li>Sales: $11 billion</li><li>Units: 6,701</li><li>Rank Change:&nbsp;-1</li></ul><h2>9.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-subway-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722471">Subway</a></h2><ul><li>Segment:&nbsp;Quick Service</li><li>Sales: $9.5 billion</li><li>Units: 19,502</li><li>Rank Change: -1</li></ul><h2>10.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-dominos-pizza-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2725506">Domino’s</a></h2><ul><li>Segment: Quick Service</li><li>Sales: $9.5 billion</li><li>Units:&nbsp;7,014</li><li>Rank Change: 0</li></ul><h2>11.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/is-panda-express-a-franchise-2725055">Panda Express</a></h2><ul><li>Segment:&nbsp;Fast Casual</li><li>Sales:&nbsp;$6.2 billion</li><li>Units: 2,505</li><li>Rank Change: +1</li></ul><h2>12.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-panera-bread-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722518">Panera Bread</a></h2><ul><li>Segment:&nbsp;Fast Casual</li><li>Sales: $6.1 billion</li><li>Units: 2,216</li><li>Rank Change: -1</li></ul><h2>13.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-popeyes-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720998">Popeyes</a></h2><ul><li>Segment:&nbsp;Quick Service</li><li>Sales: $5.7 billion</li><li>Units:&nbsp;3,148</li><li>Rank Change: +2</li></ul><h2>14.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/pizza-hut-franchise-deep-dive-2722519">Pizza Hut</a></h2><ul><li>Segment: Quick Service</li><li>Sales: $5.6 billion</li><li>Units:&nbsp;6,557</li><li>Rank Change: -1</li></ul><h2>15.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texasroadhouse.com/international-franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us-2729695" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Texas Roadhouse</a></h2><ul><li>Segment: Casual Dining</li><li>Sales:&nbsp;$5.5 billion</li><li>Units: 664</li><li>Rank Change:&nbsp;+4</li></ul>Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us-2729695" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S. - Technomic 2024 Ranking

1851 Franchise

Technomic’s 2024 report shows McDonald’s still leads U.S. restaurant chains, as growth slows and loyalty programs become key to holding onto market share.

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

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Senior Care Authority

Senior Care Authority Midyear Momentum 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Senior Care Authority Accelerates Franchise Support and National Growth in First Half of 2025

senior-care-authority-franchise-midyear-2025

Children's Lighthouse

How This IT Architect Became a Successful Children’s Lighthouse Franchisee

childrens-lighthouse-franchise-san-antonio-justin-leggett

Busy Bee Jumpers

Busy Bee Jumpers Buzzes into Franchising: Three New Franchisees Signed in First 30 Days

busy-bee-jumpers-buzzes-into-franchising-three-new-franchisees-signed-in-first-30-days

Fitness Premier

Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs Reports Strong Midyear Momentum 

Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs Reports Strong Midyear Momentum with Revenue Gains, Record Membership, and Strategic Expansion

fitness-premier-mid-year-growth-2025

Woodhouse Spas

image of a woodhouse spa franchise buildings exterior 

Woodhouse Spas Continues Strong Momentum With Double-Digit Growth in Q2

woodhouse-spas-q2-2025-growth-expansion

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

Mega Franchisee Sizzling Platter Acquired by Bain Capital

mega-franchisee-sizzling-platter-acquired-by-bain-capital

Wendy's CEO Kirk Tanner Steps Down - Breaking News - 1851 Franchise

Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner Steps Down Amid Challenges, Leaving Franchisees Facing Uncertainty

wendys-ceo-transition-kirk-tanner-franchisee-uncertainty

"Come in, We're OPEN" sign against abstract background

Small Business Optimism Dips, Raising Concerns for Franchise Owners

small-business-optimism-dips-raising-concerns-for-franchise-owners

Photo of Roof Scientist truck and trailer

Roof Scientist Expands Into Northern Indianapolis as Entrepreneur Dale Speckman Launches New Business in Fishers

roof-scientist-expands-into-northern-indianapolis

Image of Donald Trump pointing with red stripes in the background

August 1 Tariff Deadline Is Said to Have ‘No Extensions’: What This Could Mean for Franchises

august-1-tariff-deadline-franchise-impact

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

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

Blending Tech, Hospitality and Health Care: How Three Women From Different Worlds Came Together to Build a Paris Baguette Franchise

paris-baguette-franchise-flower-mound-texas

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

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

From the Heart: How Wendy and TJ Henley Found Their Purpose With a Right at Home Franchise

right-at-home-franchise-tj-wendy-henley-colorado-springs

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

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS