The 20 Biggest fast food restaurants in the United States

The fast food industry in the United States is huge and profitable. It has over 50,000 fast food chains across the country. The top names include McDonald’s, Starbucks, Subway, Taco Bell, and Burger King.

These chains succeed by offering a wide variety of foods and strong brand identities. They use marketing and advertising to stand out.

Looking at the top 30 largest food chains in the US, McDonald’s is at the top with 40,275 locations. It made US$23.2 billion in 2021. Subway has 36,999 locations and made US$16.1 billion. Starbucks has 36,170 locations and earned US$32.3 billion in 2022.

The top 20 biggest fast food chains in America show the industry’s growth and changing tastes. They’ve expanded, introduced new items, and used technology to meet what people want. From McDonald’s to Starbucks, the fast food scene in the US is always changing.

Key Takeaways

• The US fast food industry is a vast and lucrative market with over 50,000 chains nationwide.
• McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Subway are the largest fast food chains by number of locations and revenue.
• The top 20 biggest fast food chains in America have strategically expanded, innovated, and adapted to changing consumer trends.
• The fast food landscape in the US is dynamic and ever-evolving, with chains constantly vying for market share and consumer loyalty.
• Understanding the industry’s key players and their performance metrics provides valuable insights into the fast food landscape in the United States.

Fast Food Industry Overview

The fast food industry is a big part of American food culture. It meets the need for quick, affordable meals with a wide range of choices. The market size is huge, over $198.9 billion in the U.S., and it’s expected to grow even more, reaching over $223 billion by 2020.

Economic Impact and Growth Projections

Fast food is a big job creator in America. The top four companies bring in a lot of the revenue, showing how concentrated the market is. Smaller companies face tough competition in this sector.

Worldwide, fast food is set to grow a lot, from $972.74 billion in 2021 to $1,467.04 billion by 2028. This means a 6.05% growth rate each year. The European market is the biggest, making up almost 39% of the global fast food market in 2020.

Consumer Trends and Preferences

People still love fast food for its ease and price. But, worries about health issues like obesity are making people look for healthier choices. Fast food chains are now offering healthier options and being more open about nutrition.

The fast food industry must balance what customers want with health concerns. It’s important for the industry’s future success to adapt to these changes.

McDonald’s: The Golden Arches Empire

Historical Background and Expansion

McDonald’s is a top American fast-food chain with a long history. It started in 1940 by the McDonald brothers in San Bernardino, California. The first place was a small drive-in called “McDonald’s Bar-B-Q.”

In 1948, the brothers changed their concept with the Speedee Service System. They focused on burgers, fries, and shakes. This change was a big hit.

Ray Kroc, a milkshake mixer salesman, joined McDonald’s in 1955. He saw the chance to grow the brand nationwide. He opened the first franchise in Des Plaines, Illinois. By 1959, there were 102 McDonald’s restaurants.

Now, McDonald’s is in over 100 countries, serving millions every day. It’s a global fast food leader. The brand’s success comes from its focus on quality, efficiency, and new menu items.

Menu Offerings and Brand Innovations

McDonald’s has updated its menu over the years. It now offers everything from classic burgers to healthier choices. This shows the company’s ability to change and innovate.

The Big Mac, introduced in 1968, is a famous McDonald’s item. It’s a double-decker burger that became very popular. The company also offers breakfast items like the Egg McMuffin, which are loved by many.

Recently, McDonald’s added salads, wraps, and plant-based burgers. These new items meet the demand for healthier fast food. These changes keep the brand interesting to a wide range of customers.

“McDonald’s has revolutionized the fast-food industry with its focus on speed, consistency, and a limited menu, setting new industry standards.”

Starbucks: The Rise of the Coffee Connoisseur

Starbucks has become a big name in fast food, with over 13,900 locations in the U.S. It has grown by offering specialty coffee drinks and the “fast casual” dining trend. This trend means people want a better dining experience that’s quick.

Starbucks is known for its high-quality coffee and new menu items. It has a unique brand that attracts coffee connoisseurs. Now, over 70% of its sales come from mobile apps and drive-thru orders.

The COVID-19 pandemic hit Starbucks hard, causing a 3% drop in sales in North America. But, the company bounced back. It invested in better coffee equipment for employees and saw a big increase in mobile ordering. Now, mobile orders make up over 30% of its sales.

Starbucks is a leader in the fast casual market. It plans to open 2,000 new stores, including different types like pick-up and delivery-only ones. This shows Starbucks’ commitment to adapting to new consumer trends in fast food.

“Starbucks is not just a coffee company, but a company that sells an experience.”

Starbucks keeps growing and innovating. It remains a top player in the fast casual market. It meets the tastes of coffee connoisseurs and sets the standard for the industry.

Subway: The Sandwich Sensation

Subway is the biggest fast-food chain in the world, with 25,908 locations in the U.S. alone. It’s known for its healthy and customizable sandwiches. This focus has helped it grow fast, both in the U.S. and around the world.

Franchise Model and Global Reach

Subway uses a franchise model to grow quickly. This has given it a wide network of locations across the U.S. It has also helped the brand expand globally, with over 36,000 stores in more than 100 countries.

However, Subway has faced challenges in some areas. In places where certain food additives are banned, like azodicarbonamide, it has changed its menu. This was to meet local laws and what customers want.