Top 15 U.S. Quick-Service Chains Earning the Most per Restaurant

QSR Magazine's recently released ranking of the top 50 highest-grossing brands includes the top 15 chains that generate the most revenue per location, with franchises like Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, Whataburger and Culver’s topping the list. 

Here’s a look at the fast-food chains that reigned supreme. 

1. Chick-fil-A

With an astounding $7.45 million in average sales per unit, Chick-fil-A leads the pack. The brand operates 2,552 units, with 2,494 being franchised. 

2. Raising Cane's

Raising Cane's averages $5.69 million per unit, predominantly through its 703 company-owned stores. This brand is not currently franchising.

3. McDonald's

McDonald's, a global giant, generates $4 million per unit across its 13,457 locations, with 12,772 franchised. The brand’s franchising model continues to fuel its dominance, with systemwide sales of $53.1 billion.

4. Whataburger

Averaging $3.96 million per unit, Whataburger operates nearly 1,000 locations, with a balance of franchised and company-owned stores. 

5. Shake Shack

Known for premium burgers, Shake Shack brings in $3.9 million per unit across 334 locations, with a focus on high-traffic areas. This brand is not currently franchising in the U.S.

6. Culver's

With an AUV of $3.49 million, Culver's operates 944 units, primarily franchised, making it a key player in the QSR industry.

7. Panera Bread

Panera Bread, with an AUV of $3.3 million, operates over 2,000 units, split between franchised and company-owned locations.

8. In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out Burger averages $3.13 million per unit across its 398 company-owned locations, maintaining its no-franchise policy.

9. Chipotle

Chipotle's $3.02 million per unit across 3,437 company-owned locations highlights its strong brand presence without franchising.

10. Zaxby’s

Zaxby’s, with $2.69 million in sales per unit, leverages its 756 franchised units to achieve growth.

11. Panda Express

Averaging $2.55 million per unit, Panda Express operates 2,420 units, with a growing number of 172 licensed locations. The brand is not currently franchising.

12. Bojangles

Bojangles sees $2.27 million per unit across its 813 units, with 528 franchised. 

13. El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco, averaging $2.2 million per unit, operates 495 units, with 172 franchised locations.

14. Taco Bell

Taco Bell, with $2.1 million per unit, operates over 7,000 units, most of which are franchised (6,922). 

15. Wendy’s

Rounding out the top 15, Wendy’s averages $2.06 million per unit across 6,030 locations, with 5,627 franchised units.

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