The quick service restaurant (QSR) industry in the United States generated a revenue of ***** billion U.S. dollars in 2009. Major players in the QSR industry include household names such as McDonald’s, Burger King, and Yum Brands (KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell). Out of the leading QSR chains, McDonald's contributed the most to the overall revenue of the U.S. fast food industry, with Starbucks following in a not-so-close second place.

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.

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

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.

The output of the quick-service restaurant (QSR) franchise industry was estimated to reach ***** billion U.S. dollars in 2024. This figure is expected to exceed *** billion U.S. dollars in 2025. Franchised restaurants offer recipe for success Output is a measurement that is comparable with revenue, referring to the total amount of money brought in from sales, before costs and expenses have been deducted. One of the reasons for the increase in output is the growing number of QSR franchise establishments in the U.S., rising from ******* in 2023 to an estimated ******* in 2024. More restaurants mean more employees: the sector has seen a general rise in employment, with positions filled by part-time, full-time, or self-employed individuals. Burger and pizza categories the most popular among consumers In terms of systemwide sales, McDonald’s is the leading QSR chain in the United States. The burger company generated around ****** billion U.S. dollars from restaurant sales in 2024. The QSR burger category is one of the largest within the industry, with the sales generated by McDonald’s a contributing factor. In 2024, consumer spending in the U.S. pizza industry reached approximately ** billion U.S. dollars. Carryout orders accounted for around **** billion U.S. dollars of that figure.

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.

In 2022, the leading quick service restaurant (QSR) chain in the United States by sales per unit was Chick-fil-A. The chicken chain reported approximately **** million U.S. dollars in sales per unit that year. Raising Cane's placed second on the list with an average of **** million U.S. dollars in sales per unit in 2022.

Snapshot img

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

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.

From January 2020 to January 2021, changes in restaurant menu prices in the United States varied by restaurant type. Full service restaurants (FSRs) experienced a decrease in menu prices between March 2020 and April 2020. Meanwhile, limited/quick service restaurants (QSRs) experienced an increase in menu prices during those same months. Despite the increase in menu prices from quick service restaurants, the total revenue of the QSR industry in the U.S. fell from *** billion U.S. dollars in 2019 to *** billion U.S. dollars in 2020 as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

What is the leading QSR chain in the U.S.?

According to a measure of systemwide sales, McDonald’s generated more sales in 2020 than any other QSR chain in the United States. The fast food behemoth earned ***** billion U.S. dollars in sales revenue, which amounted to roughly ** billion U.S. dollars more than the second ranked chain, Starbucks. Compared to McDonald’s, the similarly influential coffeehouse giant took home **** billion U.S. dollars in sales revenue in 2020. Other leading QSR chains in the U.S. included Chick-fil-A and Taco Bell.

Which U.S. state has the most quick service restaurants?

As the home of fast food, there is no shortage of quick service restaurants in the United States. Although such restaurants can be found in every state, some states have more than others. In 2019, the U.S. state with the largest number of quick service restaurants was California with nearly **** thousand establishments. Meanwhile, state with the lowest number of quick service restaurants was Wyoming with ***.

Snapshot img

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

The US sandwich and sub restaurant industry is undergoing notable growth and transformation, driven by shifting consumer preferences. Eateries like Subway, Jimmy John's, and Jersey Mike's have broadened their menus to include more diverse and health-conscious options. Fresh ingredients and customizable choices are now focal points, enabling these brands to appeal to a wider audience. The sector demonstrated remarkable resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic by bolstering digital platforms and delivery capabilities to satisfy the surge in demand for convenience. In all, revenue has been expanding at a CAGR of 2.0% to an estimated $46.2 billion over the past five years, including expected growth of 1.7% in 2024, when profit is set to total 5.3%. Several key trends have redefined the landscape of sandwich and sub restaurants over the past five years. A pronounced focus on health-conscious offerings has emerged, with many chains introducing whole grain breads, lean proteins, and an assortment of fresh vegetables to align with consumer interests in nutrition and wellness. Customization remains a major trend, allowing patrons to personalize their sandwiches with a range of ingredients. Technological advancements have also been a game changer, as digital ordering systems, mobile apps, and delivery services become essential to customer engagement. Furthermore, sustainability has gained prominence, with eco-friendly packaging and locally sourced ingredients increasingly influencing consumer decisions. Looking ahead, the sandwich and sub restaurant industry in the US is poised for further evolution over the next five years. The plant-based movement is expected to pick up speed, with more establishments offering plant-based protein options to meet the growing demand for healthier, sustainable choices. Technology will continue to enhance convenience as advancements in AI and automation refine operations and improve customer service. Sustainability efforts will remain critical, as restaurants adopt eco-friendly practices and transparent supply chains to attract environmentally aware consumers. Additionally, global flavors are anticipated to enrich menus, as restaurants explore internationally inspired sandwiches and subs to appeal to adventurous tastes. These emerging trends will play a vital role in maintaining the industry's vitality and responsiveness to consumer demands. Industry-wide revenue will grow at a CAGR of 2.1% over the next five years, reaching an estimated $51.3 billion.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the Global QSR Market was valued at USD XX Million in 2021 and is expected to reach USD XX Million by the end of 2033, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2025 and 2033.

The North America QSR market size was USD XX Million in 2021 and it is expected to reach USD XX Million in 2033.
The Europe QSR market size was USD XX Million in 2021 and it is expected to reach USD XX Million in 2033.
The Asia Pacific QSR market size was USD 241.54 Million in 2021 and it is expected to reach USD 694.11 Million in 2033.
The South America QSR market size was USD XX Million in 2021 and it is expected to reach USD XX Million in 2033.
The Middle East and Africa QSR market size was USD XX Million in 2021 and it is expected to reach USD XX Million in 2033.

Market Dynamics of QSR Market

Key Drivers of QSR Market

Urbanization and busy lifestyles increase demand for quick, affordable, and convenient dining. The global rise in urbanization has transformed consumer eating habits, particularly in densely populated cities where long working hours, daily commutes, and packed schedules limit time for home cooking or traditional dining experiences. Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) offer an ideal solution by providing fast, affordable, and easily accessible meals that align with the needs of busy professionals, students, and families. With growing demand for speed and convenience, QSRs have positioned themselves as essential dining options, not just for on-the-go consumers but also for those seeking value-driven, reliable, and consistent meal solutions across diverse geographies.

Digital platforms expand reach through mobile ordering, delivery apps, and contactless payment solutions. Digital transformation has been a major growth catalyst for the QSR industry, with mobile ordering apps, delivery platforms, and contactless payment systems making food more accessible than ever. Consumers now enjoy the convenience of browsing menus, customizing orders, and receiving meals directly at home or work with just a few taps. Partnerships with aggregators like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Meituan have amplified QSRs’ reach beyond physical outlets. Additionally, contactless technologies gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring safety while enhancing customer experience. These digital solutions not only increase order frequency but also generate valuable consumer insights to refine offerings and marketing.

Rising disposable incomes drive higher consumer spending on fast food globally. Increasing disposable income levels, especially in emerging markets across Asia, Latin America, and Africa, are fueling greater spending on dining out and ordering in. Consumers with higher purchasing power are more willing to allocate part of their budgets to convenient and affordable QSR meals. This trend is particularly evident among younger demographics, who actively seek quick, modern, and branded food options that reflect lifestyle aspirations. In developed economies, rising incomes support experimentation with premium QSR offerings, such as gourmet burgers or healthier menu choices. Overall, economic growth and enhanced affordability directly translate into higher traffic and revenue for QSR operators.

Key Restraints in QSR Market

Market saturation in mature economies reduces store-level profitability and growth potential. In developed markets such as the U.S., Japan, and parts of Europe, QSR density is extremely high, leading to intense competition and brand cannibalization. With limited room for expansion, operators face declining same-store sales and compressed margins. This oversupply environment makes differentiation difficult, pushing QSRs to innovate through menu upgrades, loyalty programs, and digital engagement to retain customer attention and sustain profitability.

Rising labor, real estate, and raw material costs compress operating margins significantly. QSR operators worldwide struggle with rising operating costs, driven by wage increases, escalating rental expenses, and supply chain volatility affecting raw materials. These pressures directly impact unit economics, reducing profitability even in high-demand markets. Managing efficiency has become critical, prompting investment in automation, strategic supplier partnerships, and optimized real estate strategies. However, sustained cost inflation remains a major restraint on long-term scalability and financial performan...

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 *************.

Global Fast Food and Quick Service Restaurant market size is expected to reach $424.64 billion by 2029 at 7%, the surge in restaurant popularity fueling fast-food and quick-service restaurant market growth

In 2024, the month with the highest Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) sales in the United States was May, reaching around ** billion U.S. dollars. Meanwhile, the months of August and July ranked second and third, with QSR sales surpassing **** and **** billion U.S. dollars respectively.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Portion Cups market size will be USD 1790 million in 2025. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.50% from 2025 to 2033.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 519.10 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% from 2025 to 2033.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 429.60 million.
APAC held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 662.30 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7% from 2025 to 2033.
South America has a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 68.02 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2025 to 2033.
Middle East had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 71.60 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2025 to 2033.
Africa had a market share of around 1% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 39.38 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from 2025 to 2033.
Plastic category is the fastest growing segment of the Portion Cups industry

Market Dynamics of Portion Cups Market

Key Drivers for Portion Cups Market

Growth of the Food Delivery and Takeout Industry to Boost Market Growth

The rapid expansion of the online food delivery industry has significantly increased the demand for portion cups. A survey by Toast revealed that 47% of guests are willing to pay $3–$6 in delivery fees, highlighting the growing preference for food delivery services. Internationally, Uber Eats leads the market with 88 million users, according to Business of Apps. Additionally, DoorDash reports that using third-party apps to discover restaurants has become a routine for many consumers, with 51% of U.S. customers relying on platforms like DoorDash when selecting a restaurant for takeout or delivery. Restaurants and cloud kitchens depend on portion cups to separately package sauces, dips, and condiments, ensuring customer convenience and food quality. The rise of third-party delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Deliveroo has further fueled this trend. This surge in digital food ordering has increased the demand for customized and hygienic packaging solutions, making portion cups an essential component of modern food service.

https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/on-the-line/food-delivery-statistics?srsltid=AfmBOorJBl5Nn-GYTr6uHbmWtqLubhwhFi3eAbGnozvj-cWfMIa3wsd7./

Expansion of Quick Service & Fast Casual Restaurant to Boost Market Growth

The rapid expansion of quick-service restaurants (QSRs) such as McDonald's, KFC, Subway, and Starbucks is driving the demand for portion cups. At the beginning of 2023, McDonald's systemwide sales had grown by nearly $20 billion since the onset of COVID-19, with U.S. comparable sales increasing by approximately 25% over three years in 2022. Leveraging this growth, McDonald's has intensified its development efforts, ending the year with 13,444 restaurants after a net gain of six locations. Meanwhile, Starbucks opened more new locations than any other restaurant in the U.S. in 2022, adding a net of 429 stores. Taco Bell’s digital business surged by 40% year-over-year in 2022 and saw an additional 60% increase in the first quarter of 2023, leading to an eight-point rise in its digital sales mix. These fast-food chains increasingly rely on portioned packaging for dips, sauces, and condiments to improve operational efficiency and enhance the customer experience. The global expansion of QSRs, along with the shift toward drive-thru and takeaway models post-pandemic, continues to boost the demand for portion cups.

https://www.qsrmagazine.com/operations/fast-food/the-2023-qsr-50-fast-foods-leading-annual-report/#:~:text=It%20credited%20positive%20traffic%20and,digital%20sales%20hiked%2011.4%20percent././

Restraint Factor for the Portion Cups Market

Environmental Concerns and Plastic Waste Regulations, Will Limit Market Growth

One of the major challenges facing the portion cups market is the growing concern over plastic pollution. Most portion cups are made from single-use plastics s...

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.

Market expansion is fueled by the expected increase in consumers' discretionary income. 

The anticipated increase in consumer disposable income, notably among high-net-worth individuals and the affluent middle class in developing economies, is predicted to fuel substantial expansion in the haute couture sector. Consumers are increasingly willing to invest in distinctive, handmade fashion items that reflect status, individuality, and artistic expression as their personal riches grow. This rise in purchasing power fuels the demand for premium experiences such as personalized fittings, unique designs, and direct communication with fashion companies. In addition, the growth of affluence in areas like the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East is creating new markets for haute couture, prompting companies to expand their worldwide presence and cater to culturally varied preferences through localized design components and private demonstrations.

Restraints For Drive thru food Market:

Environmental issues and urban congestion prevent the market from expanding. 

One of the main limitations in the drive-thru food business is growing urban traffic congestion, which results in longer wait times, customer discontent, and lower operational efficiency. Limited room for queueing areas and drive-thru lanes in densely populated areas makes growth and convenience difficult. Furthermore, regulators and environmentally aware consumers have started paying attention to increasing environmental concerns, particularly those pertaining to fuel usage, carbon emissions, and automobile idling. To lessen traffic and pollution, some towns are even suggesting limits or prohibitions on the construction of new drive-throughs. These issues compel food service businesses to rethink their reliance on drive-thru formats and consider alternatives that are more environmentally friendly and use less space, such as digital ordering, curbside pickup, and pedestrian-friendly service models.

Trend Factor for the Drive thru food Market

The combination of digital and contactless technologies increases convenience and efficiency. 

Driven by the widespread use of digital ordering and contactless technology, the market for drive-through meals is expanding significantly. The ordering process is being simplified, wait times are being shortened, and tailored menu suggestions are being made in response to customer preferences and purchase history using mobile apps, in-lane kiosks, and widely used third-party delivery integrations. Contactless payment options, such as NFC, QR codes, and in-app wallets, are becoming commonplace, which increases security and efficiency, especially in metropolitan areas. In addition, dynamic menu displays powered by AI help restaurants maximize sales by tailoring promotions to weather, real-time traffic, and inventory. These advances are turning the drive-through experience into a data-driven service model that is quicker and more convenient, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and greater operational efficiency.

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. Dr...

The Wendy’s Company operates the quick service restaurant (QSR) chain Wendy’s. In 2024, the company generated approximately **** billion U.S. dollars in revenue, up from the previous year's total of **** billion. Wendy's is one of the most well-known fast food restaurants in the United States. Quick service industry increasingly franchised Despite fluctuations in Wendy’s revenue, the number of Wendy's restaurants worldwide has remained relatively stable in recent years, generally amounting to around ***** thousand units. In 2024, the restaurant chain operated and franchised total of ***** restaurants worldwide. The vast majority of these, *****, were franchised. Only *** units were company-operated. How satisfied are the customers? Despite Wendy's financial success, the company's score on the American customer satisfaction index (ACSI) ranked below the industry average in 2024. That year, the restaurant chain scored ** points out of a possible 100 points. Meanwhile, sister company Arby’s had an ACSI score of ** points in 2024.

This statistic shows the number of employees in the United States fast food restaurant industry from 2004 to 2018. In 2013, there were **** million fast food restaurant employees in the U.S. This figure was forecasted to reach almost *** million by 2018.

Employees in the fast food industry - additional information

The number of employees in the United States fast food industry remained fairly steady over the last decade. Although, slight growth is expected between 2014 and 2018 - like the revenue of the U.S. fast food industry which is expected to continue to grow to at least 2020.

The total wages paid in the U.S. fast food industry was forecasted to reach 51 billion U.S. dollars by 2018. The average annual wage for a fast food industry employee was also expected to grow to reach **** thousand U.S. dollars in that same year. According to the Social Security Administration, the average national wage in the same year was ***** thousand U.S. dollars – almost three and half times higher than that of a fast food worker. The average revenue per fast food employee was ****** U.S. dollars.

The world-renowned fast food chain McDonald’s employed approximately ******* people worldwide in 2013. Another well-known company, Yum! Brands Inc., which includes the chains KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, had approximately ******* employees in 2013, around ** percent of whom were employed part-time.