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.

In 2020, Lotteria was the leading fast-food restaurant in Vietnam, with a market share of almost nine percent. KFC followed as the second most popular limited-service restaurant in the country, holding around 8.5 percent market share in the same year.

The global fast food market size reached USD 902.1 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 1,298.5 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.09% during 2025-2033. The increasing consumer preference for RTE food products, rising number of commercial establishments, and the growing adoption of fast food like frozen ready meals in the food service industry are some of the major factors propelling the market.

Report Attribute	Key Statistics
Base Year	2024
Forecast Years	2025-2033
Historical Years	2019-2024
Market Size in 2024	USD 902.1 Billion
Market Forecast in 2033	USD 1,298.5 Billion
Market Growth Rate 2025-2033	4.09%

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global fast food market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country levels from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on product type and end user.

The United States fast food market size reached USD 188.9 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 261.9 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% during 2025-2033. The market has been thriving, due to factors such as the changing lifestyle of consumers and increasing urbanization, rapid advancements in technology and delivery services, rising influence of social media and digital marketing, heightened innovations in food production and supply chain management, and the expansion of franchising and business models.

Report Attribute	Key Statistics
Base Year	2024
Forecast Years	2025-2033
Historical Years	2019-2024
Market Size in 2024	USD 188.9 Billion
Market Forecast in 2033	USD 261.9 Billion
Market Growth Rate (2025-2033)	3.4%

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on product type and end user.

This statistic shows the market share of leading brands in the United States fast food industry in 2010. McDonald's accounted for the largest share of the U.S. fast food industry with a 12.7 percent market share.

The Fast Food Market continues to offer a diverse selection of products to cater to diverse consumer preferences and dietary needs. Burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, fried chicken, seafood, Asian/Latin American cuisines, and breakfast menu items remain popular categories. Snacks, desserts, and value-oriented meal options contribute to overall market growth. Recent developments include: March 2022: Jack in the Box is planning to expand its business with the construction of 98 more restaurants in the US., October 2021: Burger King expanded its U.S. menu with the plant-based “Impossible Nuggets” and the nationwide LTO release of Ghost Pepper Nuggets.. Notable trends are: Rise in the number of restaurants and hotels to boost market growth.

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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.

The global fast food market is experiencing steady growth, driven by the increasing online presence of vendors and advancements in delivery technology. Key factors include shifting consumer preferences toward convenience and variety, fueled by busy lifestyles, and the rise of digital platforms and food delivery services that make ordering quick and seamless.
This report provides a practical resource for businesses, detailing market size, growth forecasts through 2028, and key segments like non-vegetarian fast food, which leads due to its broad appeal and diverse offerings. It explores trends such as the growing demand for fast-casual dining options that blend speed with quality and addresses challenges like intense competition from quick-service restaurants, which pressures pricing and innovation. The analysis is tailored for strategic planning, operational adjustments, and customer engagement strategies.
For companies looking to stay competitive in the global fast food market, this report offers clear, data-driven insights into leveraging digital trends and navigating a crowded landscape, ensuring they can adapt to evolving consumer demands and market dynamics.

What will be the Size of the Fast Food Market During the Forecast Period?

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Brand loyalty remains a critical factor, with restaurants investing in advertising strategies and franchise opportunities to expand their reach. The labor market and safety regulations also influence the industry, with a focus on women's employment and industry events addressing workforce development. The industry's innovation is further shaped by the tech industry, with a growing emphasis on menu innovation, waste reduction, and the integration of healthy options. Overall, the market is characterized by its resilience and adaptability, with restaurants and delivery services continually adapting to meet changing consumer demands.

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


Geography

  North America

    Mexico
    US


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France


  South America

    Brazil


  Middle East and Africa

By Product Insights

The non-vegetarian fast food segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The non-vegetarian the market experiences growth due to the demand for innovative and appetizing menu items, primarily featuring chicken, fish, seafood, and beef. Consumers seek low-calorie, high-protein options, fueling market expansion. Online ordering systems and nationwide lockdown restrictions have influenced the industry, with take-out facilities and home delivery becoming essential.

E-commerce and franchise business models cater to the convenience-driven working populations, particularly the millennial demographic. The convenience of on-the-go foods and the increasing internet penetration expand the consumer base. The fast-casual segment and novel food applications, such as Italian fillings and flavors, attract health-conscious consumers. Despite labor restraints, the industry continues to generate financial growth and income, with applications in various sectors, including tourism and travel.

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The non-vegetarian fast food segment was valued at USD 424.90 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 35% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The North American market is experiencing significant growth due to several factors. The expanding workforce and increasing urbanization have led to an increase In the number of fast food establishments, catering to the demand for convenient, on-the-go meals. Consumers' busy schedules and the affordability of fast food are driving up sales. The region's population, particularly the millennial demographic, prefers fast foods for their convenience and variety. E-commerce systems and online ordering have become increasingly popular, enabling consumers to order fro

Expert industry market research on the Fast Food Restaurants in the US (2005-2030). Make better business decisions, faster with IBISWorld's industry market research reports, statistics, analysis, data, trends and forecasts.

In 2022, KFC continued to be the leading restaurant brand in the limited-service restaurant market in China, with approximately 5.5 percent of the market share. McDonald's and Dicos were another two major market players that year.

This statistic shows the products and services segmentation in the United States fast food industry in 2013. Drive-thru limited-service restaurants made up 34.4 percent of the U.S. fast food industry in 2013.

U.S. fast food restaurant industry - additional information

The largest share of the fast food industry in the United States in 2013 was made up of on-premises limited-service restaurants. Drive-thrus and take-out establishments also constituted a large share at 34.4 percent and 18.1 percent respectively. In 2013, there were 232,611 fast food establishments in the U.S. This figure was forecasted to rise by more than 14,500 by 2018, potentially creating 124,367 new jobs in the industry.

In 2013, the annual revenue of the U.S. fast food restaurant industry reached 191.03 billion U.S. dollars. Only 3.3 percent of that figure was retained by the industry as profit. Almost a quarter of the industry’s revenue was spent on wages with the average fast food employee earning an annual salary of around 12,800 U.S. dollars. The already-low salaries of fast food workers decreased year over year from 2010 to 2013, sparking strikes and protests over low wages, such as those seen throughout 2013 and 2014. Despite the tensions, U.S. consumers were not deterred.

In November 2013, 82.6 percent of U.S. consumers admitted to visiting quick service restaurants at least once a week, with almost half visiting for lunch and just under a quarter visiting for their evening meal. Young consumers supported this trend too – 43 percent of U.S. teenagers prefer to eat at quick service restaurants.

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%

Vietnam fast food market size is projected to exhibit a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.65% during 2024-2032. The increasing integration of technology, including mobile apps for ordering, online delivery services, and self-service kiosks, which has enhanced the customer experience and convenience of fast food, is driving the market.

Report Attribute	Key Statistics
Base Year	2023
Forecast Years	2024-2032
Historical Years	2018-2023
Market Growth Rate (2024-2032)	5.65%

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country level for 2024-2032. Our report has categorized the market based on product type and end user.

The Mexico Foodservice Market is segmented by Foodservice Type (Cafes & Bars, Cloud Kitchen, Full Service Restaurants, Quick Service Restaurants), 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.

The size of the Fast-Food Market was valued at USD 595.93 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 838.53 billion by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 5.0 % during the forecast period. Fast food is defined as any meal that is prepared and ready for consumption quickly at restaurants or food chains, mainly in preference to sitting down. These business organizations usually provide pre-prepared standardized foods such as burgers, fries, pizzas, and fried chicken for mass production. This food represents mainly three things: affordability, speed, and consistency and this makes it a convenient option for many busy people today. Fast food has been widespread globally; indeed, such huge chains like McDonald's, KFC, and Burger King can be found operating in many countries. Fast food has been largely criticized for high calorie, fat, and sodium intake, yet the fast food industry has grown to present healthy options: salads, grilled items, and plant-based options. Despite the convenience, frequent consumption of fast food is linked to health risks such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, creating a growing demand for healthier, more sustainable options within the industry.

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.

The size and share of the market is categorized based on Application (Online, Offline) and Product (Chain Store, Independent Store) and geographical regions (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle-East and Africa).

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%.

[215+ Pages Report] The global vegan fast food market size is expected to grow from USD 17.05 billion in 2022 to USD 23.07 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.85% from 2023-2030

As per Cognitive Market Research's latest published report, the Global Drive Thru Food market size was $626.16 billion in 2022 and it is forecasted to reach $1120.34 billion by 2030. Drive Thru Food Industry's Compound Annual Growth Rate will be 5.62% from 2023 to 2030. Factors Impacting on Drive Thru Food Market

The fast-food industry is growing at a significant rate during the forecast period. An increase in the number of restaurants and hotels adds to the growth momentum of the food market. The rise in prohibition and globalization is helping to expand the market growth. Increased urbanization and rising population have increased the desire for all these cheaper and faster food options, thereby increasing the demand for the drive-thru food market. Increasing availability of drive-thru food due to customer convenience, increased capacity, and pandemic-friendly systems is a major factor driving the growth of the global market.

The Anticipated rise in consumer disposable income propels the market growth

Restraints For Drive thru food Market:

However, evolving food safety and wildlife protection laws are expected to be major challenges for the industry. Additionally, health awareness among consumers, especially obesity, is estimated to act as a restraint for market growth.

Opportunities Drive thru food Market:

Nonetheless, many different technology companies are collaborating with restaurant brands to implement artificial intelligence technology in drive-thru restaurants, which is expected to create lucrative opportunities for market growth. The growing focus on fast-food drive-throughs for artificial intelligence technology will have knock-on effects for other industries. Drive-throughs could also benefit fast-casual restaurants, grocery stores, and banks. What is Drive Thru Food?

A drive-thru is a meal delivery service offered by businesses that allow customers to purchase products without leaving their cars. Orders are usually placed by microphone and picked face to face at the window. Drive-thru lanes are very different from facilities in many ways - cars line up in a drive-thru lane and move in one direction, usually without stopping, while drive-thru lanes allow cars to stop at each different Next to that, most of the food is delivered by a waiter to the window, or waiter for short, so guests will stay and eat in their parked cars.

The Saudi Arabia 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.