Top 50 Fast Food Chains and Restaurants in 2023 (With Statistics)

No matter what happens to the economy, people must eat. And it is surprising that even with many economies struggling, more and more people are eating out. In fact, the rate at which people eat out has increased at an unprecedented rate, as if there was no economic crunch. Restaurants are becoming more and more lucrative, with the food eateries below being the top 20 fast-food chains and restaurants in the world in 2023.

Top 50 Fast Food Chains & Restaurants in 2023

1. McDonald’s

• Revenues: $24.6 billion USD (2023)
• Origin Country: United States
• World Rank: 1
• CEO: Christopher J. Kempczinski
• Founder: Richard and Maurice McDonald
• Founded: 1940
• Headquarters: Oak Brook, Illinois, United States
• Employees: 210,000+ (2023)
• Market Value: $160 billion USD (2023)
• Revenue: $6.498B (quarter ending June 30, 2023)
• Net Income: $2.310B (quarter ending June 30, 2023)
• Annual Operating Income: $12.0 billion USD (2023)
• Total Assets: $50.442B (quarter ending June 30, 2023)
• Market Capital:  $212.08B (August 04, 2023)

McDonald’s is a global fast food restaurant chain that offers a wide range of menu items. McDonald’s started as a small restaurant and has grown to become one of the world’s leading food service brands.

McDonald’s is a powerhouse name that is most popular for its hamburgers and fries. The restaurant runs a chain of at least 36,500 restaurants, 14250 of them being in the USA. It is present in about 120 countries, with at least 80% of the eateries being affiliates or franchisees. Some of its popular brands include Chicken McNuggets, Quarter Pounders, and the adored Big Macs. Due to its massive distribution. McDonalds is clearly amongst the top fast food chains in the world.

McDonald’s menu includes a variety of items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some popular menu items include burgers, sandwiches, chicken nuggets, fries, desserts, and beverages.

2. Starbucks

• Revenues: $32.3 billion USD (2023)
• Origin Country: United States
• World Rank: 3
• CEO: Howard Schultz
• Founder: Jerry Baldwin, Gordon Bowker, and Zev Siegl
• Founded: 1971
• Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, United States
• Employees: 389,000+ (2023)
• Market Value: $140 billion USD (2023)
• Revenue: $9.168B (quarter ending June 30, 2023)
• Net Income: $1.142B (quarter ending June 30, 2023)
• Annual Operating Income: $240.4 million (Q1 2023)
• Total Assets: $28.733B (quarter ending June 30, 2023)
• Market Capital: $117.21B (August 04, 2023)

Starbucks Corporation is a specialty coffee retailer that roasts, markets, and retails specialty coffee. It is the largest coffeehouse chain in the world, with over 35,000 company-operated and licensed stores in approximately 83 markets. Starbucks was founded in 1971 by Jerry Baldwin, Gordon Bowker, and Zev Siegl, opening its first store in Seattle.

Its outlets sell roasted beans, coffee drinks, food items, teas and coffee accessories. At least 12,700 of the shops are owned by Starbucks with the rest being affiliates and franchises. Starbucks is known for its comfortable seating and informal atmosphere. Because of the love of Coffee and bakery products across the world, Starbucks is the second largest fast food chains across the world.

Starbucks is dedicated to its mission of “nurturing the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time”.

3. Subway

• Revenues: $13.9 billion USD (2023)
• Origin Country: United States
• World Rank: 4
• CEO: John Chidsey
• Founder: Fred DeLuca and Peter Buck
• Founded: 1965
• Headquarters: Milford, Connecticut, United States
• Employees: 220,000+ (2023)
• Market Value: $12 billion USD (2023)
• Revenue (TTM): $13.9 billion USD (2023)
• Net Income (TTM): $1.8 billion USD (2023)
• Annual Operating Income: $2.3 billion USD (2023)
• Total Assets: $120 billion USD (2023)
• Market Capital: $12 billion USD (2023)

Subway is a fast-food restaurant chain that specializes in submarine sandwiches, wraps, salads, and drinks. It was founded in 1965 by Fred DeLuca and Peter Buck in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The company operates in more than 100 countries and has over 44,000 locations worldwide, making it the world’s largest fast-food franchise. Subway’s headquarters are located in Milford, Connecticut.

Subway is probably the largest fast food restaurant in the world when it comes to the network web. The chain opened nearly 750 new restaurants globally in 2022, and an additional 145 new restaurants in Q1 of 2023. Subway Restaurant operates as a franchise with its most popular products being submarine sandwiches as well as salads.

Subway’s success is attributed to its simplicity of concept, strong brand, quality, good service, convenience, and attention to hygiene.

4. Taco Bell

• Revenues: $12.6 billion USD (2023)
• Origin Country: United States
• World Rank: 5
• CEO: Mark King
• Founder: Glen Bell
• Founded: 1962
• Headquarters: Irvine, California, United States
• Employees: 230,000+ (2023)
• Market Value: $13 billion USD (2023)
• Revenue (TTM): $12.6 billion USD (2023)
• Net Income (TTM): $1.7 billion USD (2023)
• Annual Operating Income: $2.0 billion USD (2023)
• Total Assets: $110 billion USD (2023)
• Market Capital: $13 billion USD (2023)

Taco Bell Corporation is a fast food restaurant chain that specializes in Mexican-style fast food. Taco Bell was founded in 1962 by Glen Bell in Downey, California. Taco Bell was acquired by PepsiCo in 1978 and became a subsidiary of Yum! Brands in 1997. As of 2023, Taco Bell has over 7,000 locations worldwide.

Taco Bell serves a variety of Mexican-inspired foods, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, novelty and specialty items, and a variety of “value menu” items. Taco rings its bells for those millions of diners who are seeking for the tortilla-wrapped meals.

5. Chick-fil-A

• Revenues: $16.7 billion USD (2023)
• Origin Country: United States
• World Rank: 3
• CEO: Dan Cathy
• Founder: S. Truett Cathy
• Founded: 1946
• Headquarters: College Park, Georgia, United States
• Employees: 280,000+ (2023)
• Market Value: $35 billion USD (2023)
• Revenue:  $6.4 billion  (2022)
• Net Income (TTM): $4.3 billion USD (2023)
• Annual Operating Income: $5.0 billion USD (2023)
• Total Assets: $170 billion USD (2023)
• Market Capital: $35 billion USD (2023)

Chick-fill-A has seen a 13% rise in sales in 2020, which is no small feat. This is no surprise as it officially prepares and serves the most popular chicken sandwich in America.

6. Wendy’s

• Revenues: $11.8 billion USD (2023)
• Origin Country: United States
• World Rank: 6
• CEO: Todd Penegor
• Founder: Dave Thomas
• Founded: 1969
• Headquarters: Dublin, Ohio, United States
• Employees: 250,000+ (2023)
• Market Value: $10 billion USD (2023)
• Revenue: $529 million (Q1, 2023)
• Net Income: $40 million USD (Q1, 2023)
• Annual Operating Income: $1.9 billion USD (2023)
• Total Assets: $5,408 million USD (Q1, 2023)
• Market Capital: $4.53B (August 4, 2023)

Wendy’s is a fast-food restaurant chain that serves a variety of food items, including hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, breakfast items, salads, and sides. Wendy’s uses fresh, never frozen beef on every hamburger, every day. They also use fresh ingredients in their salads and other menu items.

Wendy’s has a mobile app that allows customers to order food, customize their meals, and pay using their phone. The app also provides information on local pricing, ingredient lists, allergens, and nutrition info.

Wendy’s offers meal deals like the 4 for $4 and the Biggie Bag, which include a sandwich, fries, and a drink. Wendy’s frequently introduces new menu items, such as the Grilled Chicken Wrap and the Made to Crave Menu.

he Wendy’s Company’s (Wendy’s) revenues during the first quarter (Q1) of 2023 increased by 8.2% to $528.8m, compared to $488.6m in the corresponding period of last year. The net income rose to $39.82m during the quarter. Wendy’s system-wide sales growth was 10% globally, 8.6% in the US and 21% in international markets during Q1 2023. The global system-wide sales increased from $3.07bn in Q1 2022 to $3.36bn in Q1 2023.

7. Burger King

• Revenues: $12.2 billion USD (2023)
• Origin Country: United States
• World Rank: 7
• CEO: David Shear
• Founder: James McLamore and David Edgerton
• Founded: 1954
• Headquarters: Miami, Florida, United States
• Employees: 270,000+ (2023)
• Market Value: $8 billion USD (2023)
• Revenue: 1.9 billion U.S. dollars (2022)
• Net Income: 1.01 billion (2022)
• Annual Operating Income: $1.8 billion USD (2023)
• Total Assets: 5.01 billion U.S. dollars (2022)
• Market Capital: $8 billion USD (2023)

Burger King Worldwide, Inc. is a multinational chain of hamburger fast food restaurants. It is well known for its popular Whopper sandwich as well as a selection of chicken sandwiches, breakfast items, burgers and salads along with desserts and beverages.

Burger King was founded in 1954 by James W. McLamore and David Edgerton in Miami. The company expanded outside the United States in 1963 with a store in Puerto Rico. In 2002, Burger King Holdings was formed as the parent company of Burger King. In 2010, Burger King was acquired by 3G Capital, a Brazilian private equity firm. Burger King is owned by Restaurant Brands International, which is also the parent company of Tim Hortons and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

Burger King is the second largest fast food hamburger chain in the world, with approximately 14,000 stores in nearly 100 countries.

8. Dunkin’

• Revenues: $8.8 billion USD (2023)
• Origin Country: United States
• World Rank: 8
• CEO: Dave Hoffmann
• Founder: William Rosenberg
• Founded: 1950
• Headquarters: Canton, Massachusetts, United States
• Employees: 240,000+ (2023)
• Market Value: $12 billion USD (2023)
• Revenue (TTM): $8.8 billion USD (2023)
• Net Income (TTM): $1.3 billion USD (2023)
• Annual Operating Income: $1.6 billion USD (2023)
• Total Assets: $60 billion USD (2023)
• Market Capital: $12 billion USD (2023)

Dunkin’ Donuts is a popular coffee and baked goods chain in the United States. Dunkin’ Donuts offers a variety of menu items, including espresso and coffee, teas and more, frozen drinks, sandwiches, and more. The company is headquartered in the United States.

Dunkin’ Donuts has over 3,100 stores in over 30 countries outside of the US. Dunkin’ Donuts is the largest coffee and donuts brand in the United States, with more than 13,200 restaurants in nearly 40 global markets.

Dunkin’ Brands’ latest financial report shows that the company’s current revenue (TTM) as of July 2023 is $1.25 billion.

9. Domino’s

• Revenues: $13.6 billion USD (2023)
• Origin Country: United States
• World Rank: 2
• CEO: Richard Allison
• Founder: Tom Monaghan
• Founded: 1960
• Headquarters: Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
• Employees: 340,000+ (2023)
• Market Value: $25 billion USD (2023)
• Revenue: $1.025B (quarter ending June 30, 2023)
• Net Income (TTM): $0.109B (quarter ending June 30, 2023)
• Annual Operating Income: $2.5 billion USD (2023)
• Total Assets: $1.596B (quarter ending June 30, 2023)
• Market Capital: $14.09B (August 04, 2023)

Domino’s Pizza, Inc. is an American multinational pizza restaurant chain that was founded in 1960 in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The chain is owned by master franchisor Domino’s Pizza, Inc. and is headquartered at the Domino’s Farms Office Park in Ann Arbor Township, near Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Domino’s offers a wide range of pizza products with varying crusts and sizes, pasta-based dishes, chicken wings, boneless chicken, oven-baked sandwiches, bread side items, soft drinks, and desserts. It also offers several toppings based on country and culture. The company operates through a network of company-owned and franchise stores across the US and in international markets including India, the UK, Japan, Mexico, Australia, Turkey, Canada, South Korea, China, and France

The revenue for the twelve months ending June 30, 2023, was $4.510 billion, a 2.09% increase year-over-year.

10. Panera Bread

• Revenues: $5.9 billion USD (2023)
• Origin Country: United States
• World Rank: 10
• CEO: Niren Chaudhary
• Founder: Au Bon Pain
• Founded: 1981
• Headquarters: Sunset Hills, Missouri, United States
• Employees: 23,000+ (2023)
• Market Value: $7 billion USD (2023)
• Revenue (TTM): $5.9 billion USD (2023)
• Net Income (TTM): $0.9 billion USD (2023)
• Annual Operating Income: $1.2 billion USD (2023)
• Total Assets: $40 billion USD (2023)
• Market Capital: $7 billion USD (2023)

Panera Bread Company is an American chain store of bakery-café fast casual restaurants with over 2,000 locations, all of which are in the United States and Canada. Its headquarters are in Sunset Hills, Missouri. The company operates as Saint Louis Bread Company in the Greater St. Louis area, where it has over 100 locations. Panera began in 1987 as St. Louis Bread Company, a humble community bakery founded with a sourdough starter from San Francisco and a dream of putting a loaf of bread in every arm.

Panera offers a wide array of pastries and baked goods, such as bagels, brownies, cookies, croissants, muffins, and scones. These, along with Panera’s artisan breads, are typically baked before dawn by an on-staff baker. The menu also includes pasta, salads, sandwiches, soups, and specialty drinks.

Panera is the first and only restaurant company to commit to and achieve 100% clean food. The company’s MyPanera loyalty program is the largest in the industry, with 28 million members.

As of July 19, 2023, Panera Bread Co’s EV-to-Revenue ratio is 2.52. According to a CNBC article from May 2023, Panera Brands’ revenue surpassed $4.8 billion in 2022.

11. Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut, Inc. is an American multinational restaurant chain and international franchise that was founded in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas by Dan and Frank Carney.

No one tosses around dough more than Pizza Hut. Pizza Hut, Inc. is known for its wide variety of pizza offerings and has become the largest pizza restaurant company in the world in terms of both the number of outlets and market share. It is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. and oversees more than 11,000 pizza restaurants and delivery outlets in 90 countries worldwide. Other than different pizza styles, salads, sandwiches, and pasta are also served.

Pizza Hut is committed to providing quality food and fast service, with a focus on creating a memorable dining experience for customers. The company prides itself on its tried and true service principles, delivering food that they are proud to serve, and doing so with a smile.

12. Chipotle

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc is an American chain of fast-casual restaurants that specializes in bowls, tacos, and Mission burritos made to order in front of the customer. Chipotle was founded in 1993 by Steve Ells in Denver, Colorado, in a former Dolly Madison Ice Cream store. The first restaurant was selling over 1,000 burritos a day after one month of opening.

They only use 53 ingredients that customers can pronounce, and the only ingredient that is hard to pronounce at Chipotle is “Chipotle”. Chipotle’s menu includes burritos, bowls, quesadillas, tacos, salads, and Lifestyle Bowls. Chipotle operates restaurants in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and France.

This is a popular fast-food restaurant chain operation about 2,000 quick-casual eateries. They are popular for their signature burritos as well as a number of other Mexican food items. With extras, the company’s menu offers its customers in excess of 65,000 choices.

Chipotle Mexican Grill revenue for the quarter ending June 30, 2023 was $2.515B.

13. Sonic Drive-In

Sonic Drive-In is an American drive-in fast-food chain owned by Inspire Brands.  Sonic Drive-In offers a variety of fast food items, including burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and sides like onion rings and tater tots. Sonic Drive-In was originally a root beer stand and was officially dubbed Sonic in 1959.

The restaurant offers a wide range of options, including burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and sides like onion rings and tater tots. The menu also includes various drinks, milkshakes, and desserts to satisfy different cravings.

14. KFC

KFC Corporation is a global chicken restaurant brand with headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky. It is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. . KFC has a rich history of success and innovation, starting with Colonel Harland Sanders, who created a finger-lickin’ good recipe more than 80 years ago. Today, KFC has over 26,000 restaurants in over 150 countries and territories around the world.

This is the ruler of the roost as far as chicken serving is concerned. KFC offers a menu that includes chicken sandwiches, fried chicken tenders, family meals, and more.

KFC Holdings Japan, Ltd. had a net sales of approximately 99.9 billion Japanese yen in the fiscal year 2023.

15. Arby’s

Arby’s is a fast-food restaurant chain that is known for its roast beef sandwiches, turkey, and premium Angus beef sandwiches. Arby’s offers a full menu of signature roast beef sandwiches, Market Fresh® options, and more. The menu includes meals, limited-time items, Market Fresh®, crispy juicy chicken, slow-roasted beef, sliders, sides & snacks, desserts, beverages, and a kids menu.

Arby’s Rewards is a loyalty program where customers can get mouthwatering meats and the best fries at the best price.

Shutting its dine-in and moving to a drive-through-only format helped Arby’s stay afloat and survived the pandemic.

16. Little Caesars

Little Caesars is a pizza chain that was founded in 1959 by Mike and Marian Ilitch in Detroit, Michigan.

Little Caesars was founded in 1959 as a single, family-owned restaurant in Detroit, Michigan. Today, it has grown to become the third-largest pizza chain in the world.

Little Caesars offers a variety of pizzas, including HOT-N-READY® pizzas, EXTRAMOSTBESTEST® pizzas, DEEP!DEEP!™ Dish pizzas, and more. They also offer sides such as Crazy Bread®

Little Caesars operates in 27 countries and territories across the globe.

17. Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen is a popular fast food chain known for its burgers, Blizzard treats, and cakes.

The first Dairy Queen restaurant opened in Panama in 1959. Since then, Dairy Queen has grown into a global brand with over 7,000 locations in more than 20 countries

Dairy Queen is a subsidiary of International Dairy Queen Inc. (IDQ), which is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. IDQ develops, licenses, and services the Dairy Queen system. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., led by Warren Buffett.

Dairy Queen offers a variety of food items, including burgers, Blizzard treats, and cakes. They also have special promotions and seasonal favorites. Dairy Queen offers franchising opportunities for those interested in purchasing or building a restaurant.

18. Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box is an American fast-food restaurant chain founded on February 21, 1951, by Robert O. Peterson in San Diego, California, where it is headquartered. The chain has over 2,200 locations, primarily serving the West Coast and southwestern United States, as well as Guam.

Jack in the Box serves food at all times of the day, including all-day breakfast, and has a menu that includes burgers, sandwiches, salads, desserts, and more. The company is available 24/7 with an all-day, everyday menu to set it apart from the competition.

Jack in the Box is known for its funny and sometimes controversial television commercials. The company’s fictional founder and CEO is a character named Jack, who is nearly seven feet tall, speaks both English and Spanish, has run for president twice, has a wife and a son, and has been on some pretty incredible adventures.

Jack in the Box had a revenue of $1.72 billion in the twelve months ending April 16, 2023, with 41.90% growth year-over-year. In the second quarter of 2023, net earnings increased to $26.5 million, compared with $7.8 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2022.

19. Panda Express

Panda Express is the top-ranking Asian dining brand in the US. Panda Express is owned by Panda Restaurant Group, which is dedicated to becoming a world leader in people development.

Panda Express is a fast-casual Chinese restaurant chain that serves American Chinese food. It is a casual, fast-food variation of corporate sibling Panda Inn, which is a chain of upscale, table service restaurants. Panda Express prepares its dishes fresh from the wok, and some of its signature dishes include Orange Chicken and Kung Pao Chicken.

The company is committed to great operations and upholding its operating culture in its restaurants and Support Center. Panda Restaurant Group also gives back to communities through its Panda Cares program, which serves the health and education needs of underserved youth.

Panda Express operates in the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, El Salvador, Philippines, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.

20. Popeyes

Popeyes was founded in New Orleans in 1972. Popeyes was founded by Al Copeland, who opened his first restaurant in New Orleans in 1972. The chain was originally called “Chicken on the Run” but was later renamed Popeyes after the character Popeye Doyle in the movie “The French Connection”. Popeyes was acquired by Restaurant Brands International in 2017.

The chain is known for its spicy, Cajun-style fried chicken.  Popeyes has locations in over 30 countries around the world. Popeyes has over 3,000 locations worldwide. Popeyes offers a variety of fried chicken dishes, including bone-in chicken, tenders, and sandwiches. They also offer seafood dishes such as shrimp and fish, as well as sides like mashed potatoes, biscuits, and coleslaw.

Popeyes is owned by Restaurant Brands International, which also owns Burger King and Tim Hortons. The company is headquartered in Miami, Florida.

21. Papa John

Papa John’s International, Inc. is an American pizza restaurant chain, headquartered in the Louisville, Kentucky and Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan areas. Papa John’s was founded on October 2, 1984, by John Schnatter. Papa John’s primarily sells pizza, but also offers chicken wings and dessert.

Papa John’s International, Inc. had a revenue of $2.09 billion in the twelve months ending March 26, 2023.

22. Whataburger

Whataburger is a fast-food restaurant chain that offers burgers, sandwiches, sides, and drinks. Whataburger was founded in 1950 by Harmon Dobson in Corpus Christi, Texas. The restaurant’s goal was to serve a burger so big and delicious that customers would say, “What a burger!” after just one bite. Today, Whataburger has over 800 locations across the southern United States.

Whataburger’s menu includes burgers, sandwiches, sides, and drinks. They also offer breakfast items such as breakfast sandwiches, taquitos, and pancakes.Whataburger also offers some of their products in grocery stores, such as their ketchup and mustard.

23. Jimmy John’s

Jimmy John’s is a sandwich shop that offers a variety of sandwiches made with fresh ingredients. Jimmy John’s menu includes sandwiches made with all-natural meats, hand-sliced veggies, freshly baked bread, and best-in-class condiments. The menu includes sandwiches such as the J.J. Gargantuan®, Ham & Cheese, Roast beef, Tuna salad, Turkey Italian Cheese, and more.

Jimmy John’s has locations across the United States.

24. Hardee’s

Hardee’s is a restaurant chain that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. The brand was founded in 1960 by Wilber Hardee and is now owned by CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. Hardee’s is located throughout the Southeastern and Midwestern United States, with 1,815 total restaurants in 30 states

The restaurant chain is famous for its breakfast menu featuring Made from Scratch™ Biscuits and its line of 100% Black Angus Beef Thickburgers™. Menu items at Hardee’s include burgers, chicken tenders, charbroiled chicken sandwiches, and breakfast platters.

25. Zaxby’s

Zaxby’s started from the dream of two friends and has grown into a national chicken phenomenon. Their story is filled with hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and a unique branding approach with a focus on words starting with the letter “Z”.

Zaxby’s is a restaurant chain known for its craveable chicken dishes, including chicken fingers and wings. Zaxby’s menu offers a variety of flavorful options made to order. Some of their popular items include chicken fingers, wings, zalads, and zappetizers.

26. Five Guys

Five Guys was founded in 1986 by Jerry and Janie Murrell, who opened a carry-out burger joint in Arlington, Virginia. They served only hand-formed burgers cooked to perfection on a grill, along with fresh-cut fries cooked in pure peanut oil. The business grew, and today Five Guys is a popular fast-food chain with locations all over the world.

Five Guys offers a variety of items on their menu, including burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, fries, and milkshakes. Their burgers are made with fresh, hand-formed patties that are hot off the grill and placed on a soft, toasted sesame seed bun. They also offer a range of toppings, such as lettuce, pickles, grilled onions, and ketchup.

Five Guys also sells branded merchandise, such as t-shirts, hats, and hoodies, on their website.

27. Culver’s

Culver’s is a family-favorite restaurant known for their local ButterBurgers, Fresh Frozen Custard & Wisconsin Cheese Curds. The restaurant was founded in Sauk City, Wisconsin, and has since expanded to over 900 locations across the United States.

Culver’s is known for its dedication to hospitality and handcrafted freshness. The restaurant’s mission is to ensure that every guest who chooses Culver’s leaves happy.

28. Carl’s Jr

Carl’s Jr. is a fast-food chain that specializes in premium-quality burgers. It was founded in 1941 by Carl N. Karcher and his wife Margaret, who invested their entire savings to buy a hot dog cart in Los Angeles. Today, Carl’s Jr. has more than 1,100 locations across the United States and serves 28 countries worldwide.

Carl’s Jr. offers a variety of menu items, including burgers, chicken sandwiches, breakfast items, and hand-breaded chicken tenders. Signature menu items include the Western Bacon Cheeseburger, the Super Star hamburger, and the Beyond Famous Star with Cheese.

29. Bojangles’

Bojangles’ is an American regional chain of fast food restaurants that specializes in Cajun-seasoned fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits.  Bojangles’ was founded in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1977 by Jack Fulk and Richard Thomas. It has since become a popular fast food chain known for its Cajun-seasoned fried chicken and biscuits.

Bojangles’ offers a variety of menu items including boneless chicken favorites, sandwiches, biscuit meals, family meals, and dinners. Bojangles’ has had franchised restaurants in various locations including Grand Cayman Island, Jamaica, Honduras, Mexico, Ireland, and China.

30. Wingstop

Wingstop is a popular restaurant chain known for its chicken wings and signature sauces. Wingstop offers a variety of chicken wings and tenders. You can choose to have them sauced or dry rubbed in their signature flavors. They also offer sides like fries and dips to complement your meal.

Wingstop is known for its delicious sauce flavors. They have a range of signature sauces to choose from, and you can try them all to find your favorites and create the perfect flavor combination.

31. Raising Cane’s

Raising Cane’s is an American fast-food restaurant chain that specializes in chicken fingers. It was founded in Baton Rouge, Louisiana by Todd Graves in 1996. Raising Cane’s menu consists of chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, and Cane’s sauce. They also offer lemonade, sweet tea, and unsweetened tea as beverages.

32. Jersey Mike’s

Jersey Mike’s is a sub sandwich franchise that was founded in 1956. They offer a variety of cold and hot subs, salads, and sides. Jersey Mike’s prides itself on using quality ingredients and fresh-sliced meats and cheeses. The company began franchising in 1987 and has since grown to over 2,000 locations.

33. Steak ‘N’ Shake

Steak ‘n Shake is a restaurant chain that specializes in steakburgers and milkshakes. Steak ‘n Shake was founded in February 1934 in Normal, Illinois by Gus Belt. Gus Belt pioneered the concept of premium burgers and milkshakes. The name “steak” represents steakburgers, and the term “shake” represents hand-dipped milkshakes. Gus was committed to serving his customers the finest burgers and shakes, and he would grind the meat for the burgers right in front of the guests. This led to the famous slogan, “In Sight It Must Be Right.” Steak ‘n Shake has been serving burgers and shakes for over 85 years.

Steak ‘n Shake offers a variety of menu items, including steakburgers, milkshakes, and other food options. They are known for their hand-made shakes made with real ice cream and fresh milk. They also have special deals and promotions, such as the “4-4-4 Meals” which includes two steakburgers topped with American cheese and choice of toppings, along with fries and a drink for $4.44.

34. In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out Burger is a fast food restaurant chain that is known for its burgers. In-N-Out Burger was founded in 1948 by Harry and Esther Snyder in Baldwin Park, California. As of 2023, the chain has 286 restaurants in five states: California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Texas.

n-N-Out Burger’s menu includes burgers, fries, shakes, and soft drinks. In-N-Out Burger places a strong emphasis on quality. They use fresh, whole potatoes to make their fries, and their burgers are made with fresh, individually inspected beef patties. In-N-Out Burger has a “Not So Secret Menu” that includes items that are not listed on the regular menu, such as Animal Style burgers and fries.

35. El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco is a Mexican restaurant chain that specializes in fire-grilled chicken and Mexican food. El Pollo Loco was founded in Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico in 1975 by Pancho Ochoa, who sold his family’s cherished recipe of citrus-marinated chicken to the local community. The first El Pollo Loco in the United States opened in Los Angeles in 1980, serving authentic Mexican-style chicken that quickly became a local favorite. Today, El Pollo Loco has nearly 500 restaurants in six states.

El Pollo Loco’s menu features fire-grilled chicken, tacos, burritos, bowls, salads, and more. They also have a value menu with snackable items at a lower price. El Pollo Loco offers catering services for events and gatherings. El Pollo Loco has over 475 locations across the United States.

36. Qdoba

Qdoba is a Mexican restaurant and caterer that offers customizable flavorful food. Qdoba has locations across the United States.

Qdoba offers a variety of customizable entrées, including burritos, tacos, bowls, and quesadillas. Qdoba also offers breakfast burritos, bowls, and quesadillas at select locations. Qdoba also offers catering services for meetings and events.

37. Checkers/Rally’s

Checkers and Rally’s is a fast food restaurant chain that specializes in burgers, fries, and other classic American fast food items. Checkers was founded in 1986 in Mobile, Alabama, by Jim Mattei, while Rally’s was founded in Louisville, Kentucky in 1985 by Jim Patterson. The two companies merged in August 1999

Checkers and Rally’s restaurants can be found in 28 states and the District of Columbia. Checkers is primarily located in the Southeast and Northeast regions, while Rally’s is more prevalent in the Midwest and California.

Checkers and Rally’s offer a variety of menu items, including burgers, chicken, hot dogs, fish, fries, and sides. They also have combo meals and classic wings.

38. Del Taco

Del Taco is a fast-food chain that serves Mexican-inspired food. Del Taco has locations in the United States and Guam.

Del Taco offers a wide variety of menu items, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, salads, desserts, sides, and Crunchtada, which are their take on tostadas.

39. Firehouse Subs

Firehouse Subs is a restaurant chain that specializes in subs, sub sandwiches, salads, and catering.  Firehouse Subs offers catering services, providing options for small bites to big feasts. Orders must be placed at least one day in advance.

The Firehouse Subs menu includes a variety of subs, sub sandwiches, salads, and other options. The specific menu and prices may vary by location, so it is recommended to check the menu of your local Firehouse Subs.

40. Papa Murphy’s

Papa Murphy’s is a pizza chain that specializes in take-and-bake pizzas. Papa Murphy’s has locations throughout the United States. Papa Murphy’s menu includes a variety of pizzas, sides, and desserts.The dough is scratch-made and the pizzas are topped with fresh veggies and mozzarella cheese.

41. Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons Inc. is a Canadian multinational coffeehouse and restaurant chain that serves coffee, doughnuts, and other fast-food items. Tim Hortons was founded on May 17, 1964, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. In 2009, Tim Hortons Inc. announced that the chain’s operations would be reorganized under a new publicly traded company, also named Tim Hortons. Tim Hortons is a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International.

Tim Hortons is the leading quick-service restaurant chain in Canada, with at least 4,700 shops in the country, the USA as well as a few numbers of other outposts. In its menu are found coffees, doughnuts, doughnuts, cappuccino, bagels, duchies as well as other baked goods. Sandwiches, soups, and chilli are served for lunch.

Tim Hortons generated revenue of approximately 3.82 billion U.S. dollars in 2023.

42. Church’s Chicken

Church’s Chicken is a fast-food restaurant chain known for its bold flavors and delicious chicken dishes. Church’s Texas Chicken® has been in operation for over 70 years. Church’s Texas Chicken® has locations both in the Americas and internationally, known as Texas Chicken®

They offer a menu that includes hand-battered chicken specials, meal combos, and family meal options. The menu also includes a variety of sides, such as Honey-Butter Biscuits™, and classic large sides.

43. Moe’s

Moe’s stands for Musicians Outlaws and Entertainers. Moe’s Southwest Grill is a Mexican restaurant chain that offers Tex-Mex cuisine. They aim to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all customers. Music is an important part of their culture, and they have a hand-selected playlist featuring legendary artists.

Moe’s menu features a variety of customizable Mexican dishes made from fresh ingredients. Some popular items include burritos, tacos, and bowls. They also have signature items like the Stack, Homewrecker, and Chicken Club Quesadilla.

44. McAlister’s Deli

McAlister’s Deli is a restaurant chain that serves sandwiches, soups, salads, spuds, and more. The first McAlister’s Deli opened in 1989 in Oxford, Mississippi. McAlister’s Deli has locations throughout the United States.

The restaurant is known for its famous sweet tea. They have a variety of savory and spicy sandwiches, including the Jalapeño Turkey Crunch, Smoky Pepper Jack Turkey, and Spicy Turkey Melt.

The restaurant’s goal is to serve handcrafted food and delicious sweet tea that is simple and satisfying for every palette.

45. Jason’s Deli

Jason’s Deli is an independent, family-owned business that has been serving customers and communities for over 40 years. Jason’s Deli has locations in various states across the United States. They prioritize wholesome ingredients and say no to shortcuts.

Jason’s Deli offers a variety of menus, including Deli Menu, Catering Menu, Vegetarian Menu, and Gluten-Sensitive Menu. Some of the bread options available include Multigrain Wheat, Country White, Marbled Rye, Gluten-Free Bread, Organic Wheat Wrap, Herb Focaccia, All-butter Croissant, Everything Bun, New Orleans French, Ancient Grain Bun, and Sourdough.

46. Marco’s Pizza

Marco’s Pizza is a pizza chain that offers a variety of pizzas, including build-your-own and specialty options. The dough is made fresh every day and the sauce is made from the original Giammarco recipe. Some of the specialty pizzas include the Pepperoni Magnifico, White Cheezy, and Chicken Fresco. Marco’s Pizza also offers catering services for events and gathering.

47. Baskin-Robbins

Baskin-Robbins was founded in 1945 in Glendale, California by Burton Baskin and Irvine Robbins, who were brothers-in-law and ice cream enthusiasts. The name “Baskin-Robbins” comes from the original concept of offering 31 flavors, representing a different ice cream flavor for each day of the month. Over the years, the flavor library of Baskin-Robbins has grown to more than 1,400 flavors.

The company is owned by Inspire Brands and is based in Canton, Massachusetts. Baskin-Robbins is currently the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, with more than 8,000 locations worldwide.

48. Auntie Anne’s

Auntie Anne’s was founded in 1988 by “Auntie” Anne Beiler and her husband, Jonas. They started by selling pretzels and other snacks at a farmers market in Pennsylvania. After some experimentation, Anne created the dough that the company uses for all of its fresh pretzels. In 2005, Anne sold the company.

Auntie Anne’s menu includes a variety of pretzels, from the Original Pretzel to Mini Pretzel Dogs. The company also offers dips to go with the pretzels, such as sweet Caramel or savory Marinara. Customers can use the Pretzel Perks app to earn points towards free pretzels with each purchase.

Auntie Anne’s has more than 1,800 locations in 48 states and more than 25 countries.

49. Boston Market

Boston Market is a restaurant chain that specializes in rotisserie chicken and other comfort food dishes.  Boston Market’s mission is to create awesome rotisserie meals. The restaurant started with just three ingredients: fire, a spit, and chicken.

Boston Market offers a variety of dishes, including rotisserie chicken, prime rib, meatloaf, baby back ribs, chicken pot pie, and more. The menu at Boston Market includes hand-carved rotisserie chicken, fresh vegetables, creamy chicken sauce, baby back ribs, and customizable Market Bowls where you can choose your entrée, two sides, and sauce.

50. White Castle

White Castle is an American regional hamburger restaurant chain with 345 locations across 13 states, with its greatest presence in the Midwest and New York. White Castle was founded in March 1921 in Wichita, Kansas. The founders, Anderson and Ingram, incorporated the business in 1924 and named it White Castle System of Eating Houses Corporation.

White Castle holds the title of being the first fast-food restaurant in the world. White Castle was the first fast food hamburger chain. White Castle’s menu includes sliders, breakfast items, combos, sides, drinks, and dessert

White Castle has been the inspiration for many similar chains, including White Fortress, White Hut, White Mana, White Tower, Blue Castle, Red Castle, Royal Castle, Silver Castle, and Blue Bell.

Liked this post? Check out the complete series on Lists