What Fast Food Chain Makes The Most Money? The fast food industry as a whole is a huge economic juggernaut. Nearly 70% of Americans eat fast food and look forward to it as an everyday event when they’re extraordinarily busy.
Fast food businesses generate an estimated $200 billion in sales each year, and the total number of fast food locations worldwide stands at more than 65,000! It’s quite a feat that America loves McDonald’s, Starbucks, Subway, and Taco Bell.
The largest chain under one brand name is McDonald’s – with almost 36% of all restaurants worldwide. Burger King, KFC, Wendy’s, and Subway follow closely behind.
These five major franchises have grown to dominate the market for quick-service food. In the United States alone, these restaurants combine for more than $100 billion in sales annually.
20 Best Fast Food Chains Ranked Revenue:
| Name | Categories | Billion |
|---|---|---|
| 1. McDonald’s | Burger | $40.41 billion |
| 2. Subway | Sandwich | $13.65 billion |
| 3. Starbucks | Coffee | $13.25 billion |
| 4. KFC | Chicken | $10 billion |
| 5. Dunkin’ Donuts | Donut | $9.7 billion |
| 6. Domino’s | Pizza | $7.6 billion |
| 7. Wendy’s | Burger | $6.9 billion |
| 8. Sonic Drive-In | Fast Food | $6.4 billion |
| 9. Pizza Hut | $5.8 billion | |
| 10. Taco Bell | Mexican | $5.7 billion |
| 11. Chipotle | Mexican | $4 billion |
| 12. Panera Bread Company | Sandwich | $3,9billion |
| 13. Chick fil A | Sandwich | $3.8 billion |
| 14. Red Lobster | Seafood | $3,6 billion |
| 15. Baskin Robbins | Ice Cream | $3.1billion |
| 16 . Cold Stone Creamery | Ice Cream | $2,5billion |
| 17. Arby’s | Sandwich | $2,4 billion |
| 18. Subway | Sandwich | $2.3 billion |
| 19. Sonic | Fast Food | $2.15 billion |
| 20. Chili’s (Bar & Grill) | Mexican | $1,9billion |
Top Selling Fast Food Categories:
- Chicken
- Hamburgers
- French Fries
- Subs/Sandwiches
- Breakfast Menu Items
- Hot Dogs/Burger/Sandwich Combos
- Burgers/Sandwiches
- Mexican Food (Highest Growth in Value)
- Candy & Chocolate Bars
- Pizza
10 Most Successful Fast-Food Chains:
1. Subway:
Subway has the best location for organic growth. The fast-food chain has more than 37,000 locations in 98 of the world’s major markets and bought out its largest rival, Quiznos, in 2011. Its menu is famous for its healthy choices.
2. Starbucks:
Starbucks has become the gold standard for fast-food chains regarding revenue and high-end food options. The restaurant plans to open another 23,000 stores worldwide by 2021 to get its revenue to $30 billion.
3. Dunkin’ Donuts:
Its appeal is in the hot, fresh coffee people wait in line to get their hands on. The brand plans to open 1,500 new stores globally and double its franchisees by 2021.
4. Subway:
The sandwich chain is known for its bread and signature sauces. The chain has more than 37,000 locations in 98 of the world’s major markets. Subway’s new location will help boost sales and stay on top of the competition.
5. Wendy’s:
The Burger chain has been on the upswing. Sales have increased by more than 5% for three consecutive years and are on track to hit $8 billion in 2017.
6. Burger King:
The burger chain has 138,000 stores worldwide and will soon open another 6 flagship restaurants in China, the Middle East, and Africa.
7. McDonald’s:
McDonald’s has more than 36,000 locations in about 100 countries. A big chunk of the company’s revenue growth comes from stores in China.
8. KFC:
The fried chicken chain is in more than 130 countries and is reaching $10 billion this year.
9. Taco Bell:
The Mexican fast-food chain plans to open nearly 1,000 new restaurants. Taco Bell is making a big push into breakfast and plans to open 1,000 new stores worldwide by 2020.
10. Starbucks:
The coffee giant is trying to strengthen its customer rewards program to attract more customers. Starbucks says it plans to add digital payment options for customers who don’t have their cell phones with them. The company plans to open 2,000 stores in the U.S.
Fast food chain with the best high-end restaurant options:
1. Chilies:
Chili’s has more than 1,500 restaurants in 32 states and plans to open another 100 locations in the U.S. by 2017. The menu items are high quality and made from scratch. The restaurant plans to open another 35 restaurants in China, the Middle East, and Africa by 2021.
2. Five Guys:
Five Guys has 640 locations in 38 states and plans to open 200 more restaurants nationwide by 2017. The restaurant’s signature items include fresh-baked buns, salsas and toppings, and premium burgers.
3. Outback Steakhouse:
The company has more than 1,800 locations in 47 states and plans to add another 100 locations in the U.S. by 2017. Customers can enjoy premium cuts of steak, appetizers like deviled eggs, and desserts like pecan pie and Cobbler.
4. Burger King:
Burger King has more than 13,000 locations in over 70 countries and plans to open more than 1,500 new restaurants by the end of 2017. The chain’s signature item is a flame-grilled burger with King Sauce.
5. Applebee’s:
The restaurant chain, with 2,000 locations in the U.S., will open another 100 locations across the country by 2017. The dining experience is casual and American, with an array of tasty appetizers, drinks, and desserts.
6. Cinnabon:
New York-based Cinnabon has more than 2,000 locations in 16 countries and plans to open another 80 locations in the U.S. by 2017. The dessert bakery offers a variety of warm, gooey treats, brewed coffee, and hot chocolate.
7. Five Guys:
The fast-food chain will open another 1,500 restaurants across the U.S. by 2017 and plans to add 45 restaurants in the Middle East, Egypt, and Trinidad and Tobago. There are now more than 1,600 Five Guys restaurants across the country.
8. Burger King:
The burger chain plans to open more than 1,000 new restaurants as part of a multi-year expansion and will open five new locations in China in 2017. The brand aims to have more than 15,000 locations worldwide by 2020.
9. TGI Fridays:
TGI Fridays are planning to open 500 new restaurants across the U.S. by 2017 and also plans to open another 40 locations in Egypt, the Middle East, and Trinidad and Tobago.
10. Pizza Hut:
The pizza chain has more than 12,000 locations in 67 countries and plans to add more than 100 restaurants in the Middle East and Africa by 2017. The restaurant uses real cheese, and its dishes feature several toppings, including chopped chicken.
Conclusion:
What Fast Food Chain Makes The Most Money? The fast food industry as a whole is a huge economic juggernaut. Nearly 70% of Americans eat fast food and look forward to it as an everyday event when they’re extraordinarily busy.
Fast food businesses generate an estimated $200 billion in sales each year, and the total number of fast food locations worldwide stands at more than 65,000! It’s quite a feat that America loves McDonald’s, Starbucks, Subway, and Taco Bell.
The largest chain under one brand name is McDonald’s – with almost 36% of all restaurants worldwide. Burger King, KFC, Wendy’s, and Subway follow closely behind.
These five major franchises have grown to dominate the market for quick-service food. In the United States alone, these restaurants combine for more than $100 billion in sales annually.
