Top 10 Biggest Fast Food Chains in the United States

According to industry research firm, IBIS World, the global market for the fast food industry hit $978 billion in 2023. With the ease of availability and a large stockpile of variety, it's unsurprising that the average American family spends 10% of their income on fast food restaurants.

While it's easy to assume American giants like McDonald's, KFC, and Taco Bell rule the United States, you might be surprised by what other fast food chains are dominating the American markets in both sales and locations. Let's take a look at the most popular fast food chains in the United States.

10. Taco Bell

Number of locations: 8,016

Known for playful marketing and an international variety, Taco Bell has clinched the attention of younger consumers with clever pop culture references and retro-style menu items. Taco Bell also offers vegetarian friendly items, late night hours, and that signature Mountain Dew Baja Blast. It's easy to find cheaper tacos these days at chains such as Del Taco or Jack in the Box, people still flock to Taco Bell's quirky menu.

9. Hunt Brothers Pizza

Number of locations: 8,000

Rising to popularity with convenience and price point, Hunt brothers was founded in 1991 and has provided ready-to-eat pizzas in gas stations, sports arenas, and convenience marts. What Hunt Brothers has done right is offer no franchise fees for new partners, along with expanding its presence in more rural areas. If you can't find a Pizza Hut or Dominos, you'll likely find Hunt Brothers.

8. Dunkin' Donuts

Number of locations: 9,731

Starting out as being famous purely for dessert, Dunkin' has risen to become a fairly decent competitor in the coffee and snack market. In fact, Dunkin' has become even more popular in the Philippines than Starbucks. With more than 3 million customers daily, we will continue to see Dunkin' Donuts rise in the United States.

7. Pizza Hut

Number of locations: 6,739

Pizza Hut has been an American staple since its founding in 1958 and is still the United States' second most popular pizza chain. They have even held on to major partnerships including Pepsi and become the "official" pizza of the NCAA and NFL. You can still find Pizza Hut locations paired with Taco Bell and KFC in parts of the United States.

6. Burger King

Number of locations: 6,782

"Have it your way" is a common slogan that most Americans will recognize. Being the world's second largest burger franchise, Burger King still boasts that they serve over 11 million customers every day. Founded in 1954, BK showed their skills at branding with slogans, a signature sandwich, and... a creepy king mascot.

5. Domino's

Number of locations: 6,887

Domino's has survived off 30-minute delivery guarantees, free pizza rewards, deals, emergency pizza's, and the notorious pizza tracker. From pizza to pasta to wings to sandwiches, you can find pretty much everything you might want at Domino's - even if you don't want pizza. Along with a presence in 90 countries, Domino's has tripled the amount of locations since 2006.

4. Kentucky Fried Chicken

Number of locations: 4,153

Despite a fairly saturated fried chicken market, KFC still manages to come out on top. With their signature blend of 11 secret herbs and spices, KFC is popular enough to beat out competitors like Popeye's, Church's, and even Chick Fil A. After being acquired by the world's largest restaurant company, Yum! Brands, it's estimated that approximately 50% of the company's profit comes from KFC. Now that's "finger lickin' good."

3. Subway

Number of locations: 20,484

Remaining to be the largest single-brand chain in the world, Subway has risen to international fame with an annual revenue of over $16 billion in 2023 - despite closing over 6000 locations since 2015. Subway specializes in sandwiches, wraps, bowls, and soups and has continued to thrive even after controversies like now-convicted sex offender, Jared Fogle. Whether Subway will remain on top despite rising competition from chains like Jersey Mike's and Firehouse Subs will be on everyone's radar.

2. Starbucks

Number of locations: 17,011

While it seems like Starbucks' star might be falling a bit after a disappointing 2024, the Seattle-based company still remains to be the #1 coffee empire worldwide. With over 87,000 possible drink combinations, Starbucks has become a staple for coffee lovers, as well as dessert and snack lovers. Even with the rough climate that Starbucks faced, they still managed to bring in over $36 billion in 2024. The company even owns a fully operational coffee farm in Costa Rica called Hacienda Alsacia.

1. McDonald's

Number of locations: 13,598

With locations in over 100 countries, you'd probably be right if you said there's a McDonald's just about everywhere. Serving over 69 million customers per day, McDonald's is known for American staples such as the Big Mac and Chicken McNuggets. Despite a rough performance in 2024 with E.coli outbreaks and boycotts, the company still manages to bring in an annual revenue estimated at $25 billion. McDonald's also still manages to be on top, despite having less US locations than Starbucks and Subway.

Honorable Mentions:

Wendy's (7,166 locations), Dairy Queen (4,455 locations), Sonic Drive-In (3,545 locations), Chipotle (3,500 locations), Arby's (3,300 locations), Chick Fil A (3,164 locations), Popeye's (3,150 locations), Wing Stop (2,175 locations)

What are your favorite fast food locations? Let us know in the comments!