The United States offers a wide range of dining options, from quick fast food to elegant fine dining. With so many choices, finding the best can be challenging. Every year, the well-known research firm, Technomic, ranks the top 500 restaurant chains in America based on their sales. This list highlights the biggest names in the industry.

In this post, we will explore the top 15 restaurant chains from their latest report, sharing the stories behind these popular brands. The restaurants are listed in order of their systemwide sales in 2023.

McDonald’s

2023 US Sales: $53.1B

A global titan with a particularly strong hold on the US market, McDonald’s boasts over 13,000 locations domestically. The iconic McDonald’s golden arches are one of the most recognizable symbols globally. Its consistent, affordable fare, combined with aggressive marketing and a robust franchising system, has made it a ubiquitous American institution. Generating billions in annual revenue, McDonald’s remains a dominant force in the fast-food landscape.

Starbucks

2023 US Sales: $31.6B

More than just a coffee shop, Starbucks has cultivated a “third place” experience that has become a daily ritual for millions. With over 15,000 stores in the US, it is a staple in many people’s lives. Starbucks is a pioneer in ethical and sustainable coffee sourcing and has successfully expanded beyond coffee to offer a wide range of food and beverages. The company’s commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability continues to be a key aspect of its brand.

Chick-fil-A

2023 US Sales: $21.6B

Known for its exceptional customer service and high-quality chicken sandwiches, Chick-fil-A has experienced meteoric growth. The original chicken sandwich is the star of the menu, known for its crispy texture. While it operates significantly fewer stores than its competitors, its focus on efficiency and customer satisfaction has led to impressive sales figures and high customer loyalty.

Taco Bell

2023 US Sales: $15.0B

A pioneer of Mexican-inspired fast food, Taco Bell has over 7,000 US locations. Its innovative menu, affordability, and strong digital presence have contributed to its immense popularity. Their biggest hits were the Doritos Locos Tacos, a combination of Doritos shells with taco filling. The brand has also successfully ventured into delivery and mobile ordering, expanding its customer base.

Wendy’s

2023 US Sales: $12.3B

With a focus on fresh beef and made-to-order items, Wendy’s has carved out a niche in the fast-food industry. Frosty, the frozen dessert, is one of the signature items of this chain. While not as extensive as some competitors with around 6,000 US locations, Wendy’s has a loyal customer base and is known for its quality burgers. Its witty advertising campaigns and squared-shaped burgers have also helped solidify its brand identity.

Dunkin

2023 US Sales: $12.0B

A staple of American mornings, Dunkin’ boasts over 9,000 US locations. Its focus on coffee, donuts, and breakfast sandwiches, coupled with convenient drive-thrus, has made it a popular choice for commuters and busy individuals. Their loyalty program, the DD perks is one of the most successful ones in the industry. While they are synonymous with coffee and donuts, they are also a popular choice for breakfast with their variety of breakfast sandwiches.

Burger King

2023 US Sales: $11.0B

A major player in the fast-food burger segment, Burger King has approximately 7,000 US locations. The King Mascot of Burger King is a figure most Americans easily recognize. Known for its flame-grilled burgers and customization options, Burger King has a loyal customer base. Burger King has a history of introducing innovative menu items, like the Whopper Jr. and the Chicken Nuggets. Its aggressive marketing and partnerships, such as those with popular video games, have helped maintain its relevance.

Subway

2023 US Sales: $10.0B

As a pioneer of the fast-casual sandwich segment, Subway has a massive presence with over 20,000 US locations. Its customizable menu and emphasis on healthier options have attracted a wide customer base. Subway employees are often referred to as “Sandwich Artists.” While it has faced challenges in recent years, Subway remains a familiar and convenient choice for many.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

2023 US Sales: $9.9B

Chipotle has redefined fast-casual Mexican cuisine with its focus on fresh ingredients. It is famous for its customizable burritos and bowls. Its commitment to food transparency and sustainability has resonated with health-conscious consumers. With over 3,000 US locations, Chipotle has become a leading player in the fast-casual segment.

Domino’s

2023 US Sales: $9.0B

A dominant force in the pizza delivery market, Domino’s has over 6,000 US locations. Its emphasis on technology, including online ordering and pizza tracking, has revolutionized the pizza delivery experience. A focus on product innovation and customer satisfaction has contributed to its sustained growth.

Panera Bread

2023 US Sales: $6.5B

Positioned in the fast-casual segment, Panera Bread offers a bakery-cafe experience with a focus on soups, salads, and sandwiches. With over 2,000 US locations, Panera has successfully combined the convenience of fast food with a perceived healthier option. Its emphasis on fresh ingredients and comfortable atmosphere has contributed to its popularity.

Panda Express

2023 US Sales: $5.9B

As the largest Asian dining concept in the US, Panda Express has over 2,300 locations. It has successfully introduced American consumers to Chinese-American cuisine through a standardized and efficient model. Its focus on affordability and portion size has contributed to its widespread appeal.

Pizza Hut

2023 US Sales: $5.6B

A dominant player in the pizza delivery and carryout market, Pizza Hut boasts over 6,000 US locations. Its extensive menu, strong brand recognition, and technological advancements, such as online ordering and delivery tracking, have solidified its position. Pizza Hut has also been at the forefront of pizza innovation.

Sonic Drive-In

2023 US Sales: $5.5B

A unique drive-in concept, Sonic offers a nostalgic experience with carhop service. With over 3,500 locations, primarily in the southern and midwestern US, Sonic has a loyal customer base. Its extensive menu, including drinks and snacks, caters to a wide range of tastes.

Popeyes

2023 US Sales: $5.5B

Known for its spicy chicken, Popeyes has experienced significant growth in recent years. With over 3,000 US locations, it has successfully positioned itself as a competitor to other fast-food chicken chains. Its focus on bold flavors and limited-time offerings has contributed to its popularity.