Cooks working in fast food restaurants in the United States had a median hourly wage of 14.50 U.S. dollars as of May 2024. Meanwhile, 10 percent of fast food cooks earned less than 10.76 U.S. dollars per hour.

Number of Businesses statistics on the Fast Food Restaurants industry in the US

The market size of the United Kingdom's fast food and takeaway industry stood at **** billion British pounds in 2025. Meanwhile, employees in the sector numbered over *******. How many fast food and takeaway restaurants are in the UK? The number of businesses in the UK's takeaway and fast food sector totaled close to ****** as of April 2025. At the forefront of the industry are household names such as Greggs, KFC, and McDonald's, all of which regularly rank among the most popular dining brands in the UK. Greggs, in particular, has seen impressive growth in the past two decades, with the bakery chain's turnover more than tripling between 2006 and 2023. What is the most popular takeaway food in Great Britain? A 2023 survey asked consumers in Great Britain to rank their favorite type of takeaway food. ***** ended up being the most popular takeaway cuisine in Great Britain that year, with ** percent of respondents choosing the dish. Other popular takeaway options in the United Kingdom’s restaurant delivery and takeaway industry include Chinese, Italian, and Burgers.

In 2023, the market size of the quick service restaurant industry worldwide reached *** trillion U.S. dollars, representing a slight increase over the previous year. Quick service restaurants, also known as limited service or fast food restaurants, are establishments which typically serve food to customers quickly while having minimal table service. What are the leading fast food restaurant chains worldwide? As of 2024, ********* held the title of the highest-valued restaurant brand in the world. With a brand value exceeding ** billion U.S. dollars, it was nearly double that of the second most valuable brand, **********. In the ranking of the leading food and drink service chains by global sales, ********* was among the top three, generating over ** billion U.S. dollars. The company closely followed the UK-based food service leader, *****************. Which country has the highest number of Starbucks locations? In 2023, the country with the most Starbucks stores was *************************************, where there were over *********** locations. The coffee shop chain also had a significant presence in China and Korea. In the U.S., ********* was the coffee shop chain with the highest sales, generating approximately ** billion U.S. dollars more than its closest competitor, *******. Additionally, Starbucks enjoyed popularity among U.S. consumers, receiving an average American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) score of *************.

While shifting consumer preferences and a crowded foodservice landscape, fast food restaurants have maintained a steady pace of growth. Over the five years to 2025, industry revenue has expanded at a CAGR of 3.7%, reaching $412.7 billion. Notably, 2025 alone will experience a 1.1% increase in revenue. The trend towards fast casual dining has bolstered the industry, helping fast food chains hold their ground amid fierce competition. As health awareness continues to rise, consumers demand healthier and alternative options to conventional fast food. To an extent, major chains have met this demand by introducing healthier menu selections. Other innovative measures included investments in meat substitutes and introducing various dietary preferences to attract a broader consumer base. However, the shift towards a healthier lifestyle has somewhat dampened demand for traditional fast food staples, leading to a decline in industry profit. Between 2022 and 2025, fast food restaurants have grappled with surging operational costs, including purchase, utility, rent and labor. The collective force of these cost increases has depressed industry profit, reaching 4.4% of revenue in 2025. Higher minimum wages, especially in California, have been detrimental to fast food restaurant's bottom lines, which subsequently boost technology adoption such as AI drive-thus. Over the next five years, the fast food industry is expected to maintain its growth trajectory, albeit slower. With fast casual restaurants on the rise and consumer spending expected to climb, further revenue growth for the fast food industry is expected. However, the environment is forecast to grow slowly for fast food chains, as many segments within the industry approach saturation. Despite these challenges, successful operations in the industry will likely pivot in response to changing consumer preferences. In this evolving scenario, the concept of fast food is likely to expand beyond its traditional confines to include a broader range of choices. However, intense competition within the industry will continue to put downward pressure on prices, and hence, revenue growth is expected to slow over the next five years. Projections indicate a CAGR of 1.0% over the next five years, bringing the industry revenue to $433.6 billion by 2030.

The market size of the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry in the United States surpassed *** billion U.S. dollars in 2024. This represented an increase of around *** percent over the previous year.

This dataset features the 2024 rankings of the top 50 fast food chains, highlighting key metrics such as revenue, number of locations, market growth, and brand performance. Compiled from insights published on QSR Magazine, it provides a comprehensive view of the fast-food industry leaders, offering valuable data for market analysis, trend identification, and comparative studies. Ideal for data enthusiasts, business analysts, and researchers exploring the fast-food industry.

Potential Use Cases:

Analyzing market trends in the fast-food sector. Visualizing revenue and growth patterns. Predictive modeling for future rankings or performance. Competitive analysis for market strategists.

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Fast Food Market Size 2025-2029

The fast food market size is forecast to increase by USD 119.6 billion, at a CAGR of 3% between 2024 and 2029.

Major Market Trends & Insights

APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 35% growth during the forecast period.
By the Product - Non-vegetarian fast food segment was valued at USD 424.90 billion in 2023
By the Service Type - Eat-in segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 28.51 billion
Market Future Opportunities: USD 119.60 billion 
CAGR : 3%
APAC: Largest market in 2023

Market Summary

The global fast food market was valued at USD 712 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 895 billion by 2029, driven by rising urbanization, convenience trends, and changing dietary preferences. The U.S. accounts for over 28% of global fast food sales, with more than 194,000 fast-food establishments operating nationwide. Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) dominate, representing over 60% of market revenue, while online food delivery platforms contribute to over 30% of total orders globally. Increasing demand for plant-based menu options, gluten-free offerings, and low-calorie meals reflects growing health-conscious consumer behavior. Additionally, AI-driven personalization and self-service kiosks are transforming customer experience in the industry. Internal linking opportunities include Functional Food Ingredients Market, Plant-Based Food Market, and Online Food Delivery Market, which align with evolving fast-food trends and consumer expectations.

What will be the Size of the Fast Food Market during the forecast period?

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The fast food market continues to expand, driven by innovations in restaurant technology and the integration of food service equipment designed to improve speed and efficiency. Brands are adopting POS terminal integration and online ordering integration to streamline transactions and meet growing consumer demand for convenience. Enhancing kitchen workflow efficiency and implementing structured employee training programs are critical to reducing errors and ensuring consistency in service.

Modern operators rely heavily on customer feedback systems and data driven decision making to refine operations. Advanced supply chain traceability, stringent food quality control, and robust sanitation protocols support compliance and safety, while strategies for operational efficiency and cost reduction strategies remain essential for maintaining margins. Growth initiatives include revenue generation, customer acquisition, and customer retention, supported by menu optimization and targeted campaigns informed by marketing analytics and brand positioning.

Strategic decisions like location analysis and franchise development influence expansion, while effective store operations, staff management, and inventory control are key for sustaining performance. Tools for food cost control, quality assurance, and sales forecasting help operators maintain profitability. Additionally, profitability analysis, risk management, and a strong focus on customer experience are shaping the competitive landscape. With digitalization and analytics driving innovation, the sector is evolving toward faster, smarter, and more customer-centric models.

How is this Fast Food Industry segmented?

The fast food industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Product

  Non-vegetarian fast food
  Vegetarian fast food


Service Type

  Eat-in
  Take away
  Home delivery
  Others


End-User

  Quick Service Restaurants
  Fast Casual Restaurants
  Others


Target Audience

  Youth
  Families
  Professionals


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada
    Mexico


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    Spain
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

The non-vegetarian fast food segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the dynamic the market, various strategies are employed by outlets to attract consumers and drive growth. Menu engineering principles introduce innovative non-vegetarian dishes, primarily focusing on fish, seafood, chicken, beef, and other options. Consumers' preference for low-calorie and high-protein food products, such as meat-based offerings, further propels market expansion. Chicken, in particular, is a highly demanded non-vegetarian fast food category. Resta

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The fast food market industry overview presents a positive picture for vendors in APAC. It will offer the highest growth opportunities for market vendors and encourage them to make significant investments to improve their presence in the region.

The fast food market overview offers several other valuable insights such as:

CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024
Detailed information on factors that will drive fast food market growth during the next five years
Precise estimation of the fast food market size and its contribution to the parent market
Accurate predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior
The growth of the fast food market industry across North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and MEA
A thorough analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors
Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of fast food market vendors

The United States fast food market size reached USD 188.9 Billion in 2024 and expected to reach USD 261.9 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% during 2025-2033. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of key trends across market segments, with detailed forecasts at regional and country levels for the period 2025-2033. It categorizes the market based on product type and end user.

The market is estimated to reach USD 207,415.5 million in 2025 and is expected to grow to USD 341,089.4 million by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% throughout the assessment period.

Metric	Value
Industry Size (2025E)	USD 207,415.5 million
Industry Value (2035F)	USD 341,089.4 million
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	5.1%

Country wise Outlook

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
USA	5.0%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
UK	5.2%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
European Union	5.3%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
Japan	5.1%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
South Korea	5.4%

Competitive Outlook

Company Name	Estimated Market Share (%)
McDonald's	18-22%
Yum! Brands	15-19%
Darden Concepts, Inc.	10-14%
Quality Is Our Recipe, LLC	8-12%
Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.	6-10%
Other Companies (combined)	30-40%

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The fast food industry report identifies increasing online presence of fast food vendors as one of the primary drivers propelling the growth of the market. This driver is expected to create several growth opportunities and entice market vendors to make significant investments.

The fast food market report also provides several other key information including:

CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024
Detailed information on factors that will drive fast food market growth during the next five years
Precise estimation of the fast food market size and its contribution to the parent market
Accurate predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior
The growth of the fast food market industry across North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and MEA
A thorough analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors
Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of fast food market vendors

Market Size statistics on the Global Fast Food Restaurants industry in Global

The global fast food market size is set to grow from USD 747.49 billion in 2024 to USD 1.07 trillion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of more than 3.7% between 2025 and 2034. Major companies in the industry include Auntie Anne’s Franchisor SPV LLC, Domino’s Pizza, CKE Restaurants Holdings, Firehouse Restaurant Group, Jack in the Box, McDonald’s, Restaurant Brands International, Yum Brands, Inspire Brands, Doctor’s Associates.

The statistic illustrates the forecasted growth rate of the fast food industry in the Netherlands from 2017 to 2021. The growth rate of the fast food industry in the Netherlands is expected to fluctuate slightly in the coming years. According to this forecast, an overall increase in growth of *** percent is expected in 2021.

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US Fast Casual Restaurants Market Size 2025-2029

The US fast casual restaurants market size is valued to increase USD 84.5 billion, at a CAGR of 13.7% from 2024 to 2029. Demand for innovation and customization in food menus will drive the US fast casual restaurants market.

Major Market Trends & Insights

By Channel - Dine-in segment was valued at USD 48.90 billion in 2022
By Application - Franchised segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2022

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 148.40 billion
Market Future Opportunities: USD 84.50 billion
CAGR from 2024 to 2029 : 13.7%

Market Summary

The Fast Casual Restaurants Market in the US continues to expand, driven by consumer preferences for fresh, customizable meal options. According to recent data, the market is projected to reach a value of USD115.5 billion by 2026, growing at a steady pace. This growth is fueled by the demand for innovation and personalization in food menus, with fast casual restaurants offering a middle ground between the limited offerings of quick-service establishments and the higher prices and longer wait times of full-service restaurants. In response to this trend, fast casual chains have been increasingly focusing on digitalization, streamlining ordering processes and enhancing the customer experience through mobile apps and contactless payment options.
However, this market segment faces intense competition from quick-service restaurants, which have also been adopting similar strategies to cater to evolving consumer preferences. As a result, fast casual restaurants must continue to differentiate themselves through unique menu offerings, efficient operations, and exceptional customer service to maintain their market share. Despite these challenges, the future of the fast casual market in the US remains promising, with opportunities for growth in both urban and suburban areas and the potential to expand beyond traditional brick-and-mortar locations through delivery and catering services.

What will be the Size of the US Fast Casual Restaurants Market during the forecast period?

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How is the Fast Casual Restaurants in US Market Segmented and what are the key trends of market segmentation?

The fast casual restaurants in US industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Channel

  Dine-in
  Takeaway


Application

  Franchised
  Standalone


Food Type

  Burger/Sandwich
  Pizza/Pasta
  Asian
  Latin American
  Chicken
  Others


Target Audience

  Millennials
  Working Professionals
  Families


Distribution Channel Specificity

  Specialty Chains
  Online Platforms
  Retail Foodservice


Geography

  North America

    US

By Channel Insights

The dine-in segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Fast casual restaurants in the US, a hybrid of fast food and casual dining, have been continuously evolving since their inception, offering better quality meals with less frozen or processed ingredients. Operational efficiency improvements, such as revenue management techniques and table management systems, have been key to their success. Cost control strategies, including digital menu boards, inventory management software, and marketing automation tools, help maintain profitability. Third-party delivery services and brand positioning strategies cater to the growing demand for convenience. Sustainability initiatives, like food waste reduction and customer loyalty programs, enhance the dining experience and foster long-term relationships.

Kitchen display systems, food safety management, energy efficiency measures, and wait time optimization ensure consistent quality and customer satisfaction. Sales forecasting models, employee retention strategies, labor scheduling software, and restaurant management systems facilitate efficient operations. Data analytics dashboards, social media marketing, online reputation management, and order fulfillment process enhance customer engagement. Peak hour management, online ordering platforms, guest feedback systems, and customer experience metrics provide valuable insights for continuous improvement. Supply chain optimization and employee training programs ensure consistency and quality in menu offerings. According to a recent report, fast casual restaurants account for over 5% of total US foodservice sales.

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The Dine-in segment was valued at USD 48.90 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

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Market Dynamics

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2024 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and

Market Size statistics on the Fast-Food Restaurants industry in China

The U.S. Fast Food & Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Market Size Was Worth USD 405 Billion in 2023 and Is Expected To Reach USD 663 Billion by 2032, CAGR of 10.3%.

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Factors such as increasing online presence of fast food vendors will further boost the manufacturing volume of fast food during the forecast period 2020-2024. The annual manufacturing volume data will aid vendors in gauging the demand for the product during the next five years.

The fast food market report also provides several other key information including:

CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024
Detailed information on factors that will drive fast food market growth during the next five years
Precise estimation of the fast food market size and its contribution to the parent market
Accurate predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior
The growth of the fast food market industry across North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and MEA
A thorough analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors
Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of fast food market vendors

The Western fast-food market, encompassing giants like McDonald's, KFC, and Burger King, is a dynamic and competitive landscape. While precise market size figures are unavailable, leveraging publicly available information from similar reports and considering the global presence of these chains, we can reasonably estimate the 2025 market size at approximately $1.2 trillion USD. This represents substantial growth from the preceding years, fueled primarily by several key factors. Firstly, the increasing urbanization globally leads to higher consumer density and greater accessibility to quick-service restaurants. Secondly, evolving consumer preferences towards convenient, affordable meals are boosting demand, particularly among younger demographics. Thirdly, continuous menu innovation, incorporating healthier options and catering to diverse dietary needs, is attracting a wider customer base. However, the market faces challenges such as rising input costs (ingredients, labor), intensifying competition, and growing health consciousness impacting consumer choices towards healthier alternatives. These factors necessitate strategic adaptation and innovation from established players and the potential for disruption from newer, health-conscious fast-food brands. The projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) is crucial for understanding future market potential. While a specific CAGR is missing, a reasonable estimation based on industry analysis would place it around 4-5% for the forecast period (2025-2033). This moderate growth reflects a maturing market but also signals continuing opportunities for expansion in emerging markets and through strategic initiatives such as franchising, delivery services, and digital marketing. Market segmentation reveals significant variations based on product type (burgers, chicken, pizza), geographical location, and consumer demographics. Leading players are leveraging data analytics and personalized marketing to maintain market share and target specific customer segments effectively. Regulatory pressures related to food safety and nutrition labeling also significantly influence the competitive dynamics within this market. Future success hinges on adaptability, technological integration, and a deep understanding of evolving consumer preferences.