In 2023, the market size of the quick service restaurant industry worldwide reached 1.1 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, Starbucks held the title of the highest-valued restaurant brand in the world. With a brand value exceeding 60 billion U.S. dollars, it was nearly double that of the second most valuable brand, McDonald's. In the ranking of the leading food and drink service chains by global sales, Starbucks was among the top three, generating over 36 billion U.S. dollars. The company closely followed the UK-based food service leader, the Compass Group. Which country has the highest number of Starbucks locations? In 2023, the country with the most Starbucks stores was its home country of the United States, where there were over 16 thousand locations. The coffee shop chain also had a significant presence in China and Korea. In the U.S., Starbucks was the coffee shop chain with the highest sales, generating approximately 20 billion U.S. dollars more than its closest competitor, Dunkin’. Additionally, Starbucks enjoyed popularity among U.S. consumers, receiving an average American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) score of 80 out of 100.

This statistic shows the fast food market share in the United States in 2015. Yum! Brands Inc. accounted for 10.8 percent of the U.S. fast food industry.

U.S. fast food industry - additional information

McDonald’s held, by far, the largest market share of the fast food industry in the United States in 2015. Its closest competitor was Yum! Brands - owner of popular chains Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut and WingStreet. The leading five brands account for over 40 percent of the entire U.S. fast food industry, which, in 2014, generated over 198.9 billion U.S. dollars in revenue. This revenue was forecasted to rise above 223 billion dollars in 2020.

As well as leading the U.S. fast food industry, McDonald’s was also the most valuable fast food brand worldwide in 2016. With a brand value of more than 88 billion U.S. dollars, the company was worth more than double its closest competitor, Starbucks. McDonald’s worldwide revenue reached 24.6 billion U.S. dollars in 2016, with over 8.25 billion of this being accumulated in the U.S.

Fast food is clearly popular with U.S. consumers. In a November 2016 survey, 44 percent of Americans admitted to eating in quick service restaurants at least once a week. The popularity of fast food is perhaps unsurprising, considering that children aged between two and 11 years watch hundreds of fast food ads annually. Once again, McDonald’s topped the list, with two- to five-year-olds watching an average of 207.7 of McDonald’s ads, and six- to 11-year-olds watching 253.6 ads that year.

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%

Market Size statistics on the Fast Food Restaurants industry in United States

In 2023, the value of the quick-service restaurant market in Latin America was estimated at around ** billion U.S. dollars. By 2030, this market was expected to grow by **** percent.

The global quick service restaurants market size is projected to grow from $1,055.48 billion in 2025 to $1,930.14 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.01%

The size of the U.S. Fast Food and Quick Services Restaurants Market market was valued at USD 255.4 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 370.8 Billion by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 4.9 % during the forecast period. The U. S. fast food and QSR market includes the restaurant chains that serve the fast food meals quickly with lesser table service, including burgers, pizza, fried chicken, sandwiches, and beverages. It displays the kind of restaurants that aim at meeting the demands of consumers in quest of cheap and fast food. Market trends include increased working population, expansion of big cities, and the rise of interest in easy food solutions. Some of the important trends worth noticing are improvement of healthy options, plant based food, automation like mobile applications and delivery services. They include the use of sustainable packaging while others are the addressing the issue of food wastage. The growing automation is also registered in the QSR market, where self-service kiosks and AI-based customer service become popular.

The United States Quick Service Restaurants Market is segmented by Cuisine (Bakeries, Burger, Ice Cream, Meat-based Cuisines, Pizza), by Outlet (Chained Outlets, Independent Outlets) and by Location (Leisure, Lodging, Retail, Standalone, Travel). Market Value in USD is presented. Key data points observed include the number of outlets for each foodservice channel; and, average order value in USD by foodservice channel.

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 3.9%, reaching $417.5 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 4.6% 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 1.3% over the next five years, bringing the industry revenue to $445.2 billion by 2030.

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

The Quick Service Restaurant Market Report is Segmented by Cuisine (Burger/Sandwich, Pizza/Pasta, Meat-Based Cuisine and More), by Structure (Independent Outlets, Chained Outlets), by Service Model (Dine-In, Drive-Thru, Tae-Away/Walk-up Counter and More), and by Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East and Africa). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

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US Fast Casual Restaurants Market Size 2025-2029

US fast casual restaurants market size is forecast to increase by USD 84.5 billion at a CAGR of 13.7% between 2024 and 2029.

US Fast Casual Restaurants Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for innovation and customization in food menus. Consumers are seeking more personalized dining experiences, leading to the popularity of fast casual concepts that offer a unique blend of affordability, quality, and convenience. Additionally, the market is witnessing an increasing focus on digitalization of services, with contactless ordering and payment options gaining traction in response to the ongoing pandemic. However, the market faces challenges as well. Intense competition from quick-service restaurants and the need to maintain consistent supply chains pose significant hurdles for market growth.
Regulatory compliance and labor costs also add complexity to the operational landscape. To capitalize on opportunities and navigate challenges effectively, companies must stay abreast of consumer trends and invest in digital technologies to enhance the customer experience. Innovation in menu offerings, sustainable sourcing, and strategic partnerships will be key differentiators in this dynamic market.

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

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 US Fast Casual Restaurants market is experiencing significant growth, driven by various factors. Menu innovation, with an emphasis on vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, caters to diverse dietary preferences and allergies. Customer experience is prioritized through personalized dining, contactless ordering, and mobile payments. Data-driven decision-making and restaurant automation, including artificial intelligence and predictive analytics, optimize operations and reduce labor costs. Franchise models and in-house delivery services expand reach and cater to Generation Z's preference for convenience. Supply chain management and food traceability ensure transparency and sustainability, while omni-channel strategies engage customers through loyalty programs and subscription services.Restaurant analytics provide valuable customer feedback, enabling continuous improvement and operational optimization.

How is this market segmented?

The market 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 and Canada offer a unique dining experience, blending the speed and convenience of fast food with the quality and ambiance of casual dining. These establishments, which have gained popularity in recent years, use fresh ingredients, digital ordering systems, and self-service kiosks to streamline the dining process while maintaining food quality. Employee training is a key focus to ensure consistent customer service and food safety. Menu innovation and healthy options cater to various consumer preferences, including Generation Z and those seeking sustainable practices. In addition, many fast casual restaurants offer catering services, in-house delivery, and third-party delivery through food delivery platforms.

The franchise model is also common in the fast casual industry, allowing for efficient expansion and operational efficiency. Restaurant technology plays a significant role in fast casual operations, with kitchen display systems, labor scheduling, and point-of-sale systems helping to manage inventory and improve efficiency. Digital marketing and social media marketing are essential for customer engagement and loyalty programs. Food trucks and ghost kitchens are emerging trends in the fast casual industry, offering alternative business models and lower overhead costs. Food safety and food quality are top priorities, with strict adherence to industry standards and regulations. The fast casual industry continues to evolve, with dining trends such as virtual brands, subscription services, and data analytics shaping the future of this dynamic market.

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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.

Market Dynamics

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2024 as the base year,

Canadian fast food restaurants have seen significant growth over the past five years, largely attributed to increased consumer spending and innovative product offerings. However, this growth faced constraints due to high internal competition and shifting consumer tastes. Profitable products like coffee and smoothies have become prominent while customizable meals and high-quality ingredients have gained popularity, prompting industry giants to reconsider their strategies and menu offerings. Consequently, industry revenue is projected to increase an annualized 3.8%, reaching approximately $37.0 billion in 2025, with an anticipated 2.4% growth within that year alone. In 2025, profit is expected to make up 4.8% of revenue.

Consumer eating habits have drastically changed over these past five years. Health-consciousness has surged, pushing for alterations to customary fast food options. Major chains responded by expanding menus to cater for healthier items such as salads, fruits, and smoothies. Increased per capita disposable income levels have also bolstered the industry, enabling more consumers to dine at fast food restaurants. This trend also spiked demand for food delivery services, driving restaurants to invest more in robust online ordering and delivery management systems. The industry is expected to endure challenges resulting from the US-Canada tariff wars as a significant share of restaurant purchases are sourced from the US. As purchases become more expensive, especially fresh produce, Canadian fast food restaurants have pivoted to source from local suppliers. Further, the increasing trend toward national pride will favor Canadian-founded fast food chains such as A&W and Tim Hortons. Looking into 2030, industry revenue is forecasted to exhibit an annualized growth rate of 1.1%, reaching $39.1 billion. Growth is anticipated to be swifter in the first half of this outlook given the adaption to new challenges relating to tariffs. In line with rising demand for healthier food, fast-food joints will likely persist in launching new products that resonate with consumers' evolving preferences. Further, food delivery services are expected to continue playing a significantly larger role in this industry.

A weak spending environment amid economic headwinds casts a shadow over industry performance. Squeezed budgets amid the cost-of-living crisis were a double-edged sword for takeaways and fast-food restaurants over the two years through 2023-24: some consumers cut back on takeaways, while others traded down from full-service restaurants to takeaways and fast food. Inflationary pressures resulted in hikes in labour, energy and sourcing costs, straining profitability. Those with higher disposable incomes have been less impacted, demanding higher quality and healthier options, typically with a higher price tag. Subsiding inflation and growing consumer confidence support spending in 2024-25, though economic uncertainty persists and limits growth. Revenue is projected to drop at a compound annual growth rate of 0.8% over the five years through 2024-25, reflecting ongoing challenges. However, forecast growth of 2.1% in 2024-25 suggests a rebound in the industry as cost-of-living pressures subside. The surge of online food ordering has fuelled revenue growth. While online sales peaked during the pandemic, consumers drawn to convenience have become accustomed to ordering takeaways and fast food online. The development of state-of-the-art online platforms and third-party online ordering platforms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats are becoming the bread and butter for takeaway and fast-food outlets, encouraging new players into the industry. Britons' growing health and sustainability consciousness presents an opportunity for takeaway and fast-food businesses to introduce more expensive organic and meat-free menu items to boost revenue and profit. Britons’ tastes for healthy and sustainable takeaway options will continue to climb. Stricter legislation regarding the adverse effects of consuming junk food will promote product development innovation and healthy fast-food alternatives, driving additional revenue streams. As workers return to the office more permanently, demand for takeaway lunch options will swell. Fast food chains will pump money into aggressive expansion plans to secure market share and streamline costs. Investment in marketing will likely swell as operators turn to social media and online advertising to attract younger consumers and secure long-term revenues. Spending on innovation will persist as major players leverage AI and technology advancements to differentiate themselves from competitors and further demand. Revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 2.9% to £26.6 billion over the years through 2029-30.

In 2022, KFC continued to be the leading restaurant brand in the limited-service restaurant market in China, with approximately *** percent of the market share. McDonald's and Dicos were another two major market players that year.

Global Fast Food and Quick Service Restaurant market size is expected to reach $436.07 billion by 2029 at 7.2%, the surge in restaurant popularity fueling fast-food and quick-service restaurant market growth

The size of the Fast Food & Quick Service Restaurant Market was valued at USD 163.16 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 231.12 billion by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 5.1 % during the forecast period. Fast food and quick service restaurants (QSRs) are establishments that focus on providing quick, convenient meals, often at affordable prices. Fast food typically refers to food items that are pre-prepared or cooked rapidly, allowing customers to receive their orders in a short time. These restaurants often feature standardized menus, emphasizing items like burgers, fries, sandwiches, and pizzas. QSRs, though similar, offer a slightly more diverse range of menu options, including healthier options, salads, and ethnic options. Fast food and QSRs also rely on efficient service channels where customers can order at a counter, drive-thru, or online. These restaurants are fast, consistent, and affordable, making them convenient for the busy professional or for families seeking a quick meal. However, with convenience comes concerns over nutrition, food quality, and environmental impact, leading to increased scrutiny of these establishments, and some of them are responding by introducing healthier, more sustainable menu options that will appeal to a wider clientele

The size of the United States Quick Service Restaurants Market was valued at USD XX Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD XXX Million by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 5.60% during the forecast period. The QSR market in the United States includes fast food restaurants that provide a small menu, limited table service, and fast service. The market is influenced by changing consumer preferences for convenience and affordability, as well as the growing impact of global fast-food chains. Key players such as McDonald's, Subway, and Yum! Major brands like KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell dominate the market due to their wide outlet networks and strong brand recognition. The market landscape is being greatly influenced by the shift towards healthier menu choices, digital ordering, and the growth of food delivery services. Although facing obstacles like increasing labor and food expenses, the market's optimistic forecast is backed by continued advancements and the growth of franchise structures. This path emphasizes the vital importance of fast food restaurants in the American food sector and their possibility for continuous market expansion. Recent developments include: August 2023: Subway was acquired by private equity firm Roark Capital for USD 8.95 billion. To fully receive the amount, Subway needs to achieve certain cash flow milestones within a period of two or more years after the deal is completed.January 2023: McDonald's (MCD) plans to open 1,900 new locations in 2023. More than 400 of the new Golden Arches will be in the United States.January 2023: Popeyes introduced the new Shrimp Roll to its seafood menu.. Key drivers for this market are: Growing Demand for Cocoa Butter Equivalents Among Food Manufacturers, Rising Application in Food Industry. Potential restraints include: Health Concerns Pertaining to the Excessive Consumption of Fats and Oils. Notable trends are: The expansion of fast food chains throughout the country led to diverse menu options thereby attracting customers.

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

The fast food chicken industry has displayed robust financial health over the last five years, benefiting from boosted disposable income levels amidst economic growth. A notable shift in consumer habits, with an increased focus on healthy food choices, led industry players to revamp their menus, adding healthier options. As a result of these trends, industry revenue saw an annualized growth of 7.2%, reaching $61.1 billion over the five years to 2024. A predicted increase of 1.9% in 2024 alone helps bolster this trend. The onslaught of COVID-19 dampened travel, leading to a sharp decline in roadside or high-traffic area restaurant visits. Notwithstanding, the industry found resilience in adversity. As stay-at-home orders and business closures came into effect, many started working from home. This new dynamic augmented the demand for fast food, especially delivery services. As a result, there was an uptick in industry services which offset potential decreases in demand. All things considered, the industry's profit margins have fallen over the past five years. Further down the line, the industry's growth is set to continue, albeit at a slower rate, as life settles back into a post-COVID-19 normality. With expectations for people to return to office work and the economy hitting its stride, fast food chicken joints will likely keep expanding their menu with health-conscious options. To that end, an annualized revenue increase of 0.5% is forecasted, reaching $62.6 billion over the next five years to 2030. This indicates a positive outlook for the industry, fueled by adaptations that align with shifting consumer preferences.