Top 15 Restaurant Chains in the US for 2025

McDonald’s has once again claimed the top spot as the biggest restaurant chain in the United States, according to Technomic’s annual ranking. The list includes fast-food, fast-casual, and casual-dining chains, based on 2024 unit counts and sales.

The report, published by Nation’s Restaurant News, highlights how even major brands are feeling the pressure of rising inflation, shifting consumer preferences, and slower growth. Despite the challenges, loyalty programs and smart marketing have helped many brands stay ahead.

McDonald’s Leads, But Growth Slows

McDonald’s remained No. 1, bringing in $53.5 billion in sales from over 13,500 restaurants. However, growth among the top three chains—McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Chick-fil-A—slowed to a combined increase of just 1.2%, a sharp drop from the 11% growth recorded in 2023.

Still, McDonald’s saw a 30% increase in its loyalty program, showing that digital engagement and personalized offers continue to pay off.

“We’re playing to win,” CEO Chris Kempczinski said. “Outstanding value, exciting menu innovation, and culturally relevant marketing are our focus.”

Full Ranking: Top 15 Restaurant Chains in the US

  1. McDonald’s

    • Segment: Quick Service

    • Sales: $53.5B

    • Restaurants: 13,557

    • Ranking Change: 0

  2. Starbucks

    • Segment: Quick Service

    • Sales: $31.5B

    • Restaurants: 16,941

    • Ranking Change: 0

  3. Chick-fil-A

    • Segment: Quick Service

    • Sales: $22.7B

    • Restaurants: 3,109

    • Ranking Change: 0

  1. Taco Bell

    • Segment: Quick Service

    • Sales: $16.2B

    • Restaurants: 7,604

    • Ranking Change: 0

  1. Wendy’s

    • Segment: Quick Service

    • Sales: $12.6B

    • Restaurants: 5,933

    • Ranking Change: 0

  1. Dunkin’

    • Segment: Quick Service

    • Sales: $12.5B

    • Restaurants: 9,768

    • Ranking Change: 0

  2. Chipotle Mexican Grill

    • Segment: Fast Casual

    • Sales: $11.2B

    • Restaurants: 3,644

    • Ranking Change: +2

  1. Burger King

    • Segment: Quick Service

    • Sales: $11B

    • Restaurants: 6,701

    • Ranking Change: -1

  2. Subway

    • Segment: Quick Service

    • Sales: $9.5B

    • Restaurants: 19,502

    • Ranking Change: -1

  3. Domino’s

    • Segment: Quick Service

    • Sales: $9.5B

    • Restaurants: 7,014

    • Ranking Change: 0

  4. Panda Express

    • Segment: Fast Casual

    • Sales: $6.2B

    • Restaurants: 2,505

    • Ranking Change: +1

  5. Panera Bread

    • Segment: Fast Casual

    • Sales: $6.1B

    • Restaurants: 2,216

    • Ranking Change: -1

  6. Popeyes

    • Segment: Quick Service

    • Sales: $5.7B

    • Restaurants: 3,148

    • Ranking Change: +2

  7. Pizza Hut

    • Segment: Quick Service

    • Sales: $5.6B

    • Restaurants: 6,557

    • Ranking Change: -1

  8. Texas Roadhouse

    • Segment: Casual Dining

    • Sales: $5.5B

    • Restaurants: 664

    • Ranking Change: +4

 

Source: Business News