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.

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 2023, the fast food chain McDonald's generated over 1.8 billion British pounds in turnover in the United Kingdom. This represented an increase of over nine percent from the previous year. Meanwhile, Domino's Pizza's revenue in the UK and Ireland stood at 624.5 million British pounds in the same year.

The Fast-Food franchise industry has been influenced by changing consumer preferences and the convenience of online food ordering. Demand for cheaper, on-the-go food is boosting sales of fast-food chains. Fast-food establishments have had to adapt to changing consumer tastes and rising health consciousness by introducing healthier options in their menus and vegetarian and vegan offerings to capture booming demand. The rise of vegetarianism and veganism has helped smaller franchises that focus on serving these niche markets, but more traditional chains have also innovated and expanded their menu offerings. Revenue is expected to inch up at a compound annual rate of 0.1% over the five years through 2024-25 to £12.4 billion, including forecast growth of 3.9% in 2024-25. Revenue plunged in 2020-21 thanks to COVID-19 and the forced closure of industry establishments for sit-in services, though a boom in delivery services limited this drop. Revenue rebounded in 2021-22 due to the removal of restrictions and pent-up consumer demand for going out. Following the pandemic, fast-food franchises faced escalating operating costs due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which hiked up food and energy prices, hitting profitability. Cost-of-living pressures are driving more consumers towards cheap fast-food restaurants, though many are also cutting out discretionary spending on eating out. While inflation is cooling, lingering supply disruptions continue to pressure food costs, prompting franchises to streamline operations by sourcing locally and integrating AI-driven solutions into their supply chains. Intense competition and heightened operating costs have contracted the average industry profit margin, which is expected to be 8.9% in 2024-25. Revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 4% over the five years through 2029-30 to reach £15 billion. The convenience and price offered by fast-food outlets will continue to drive demand. The growing popularity of online food delivery platforms and wider product offerings that appeal to consumer tastes will boost revenue. Gen Z’s growing spending power will shape fast-food franchises’ values and menu offerings. Fast-food franchises that provide clear nutritional information, source ingredients responsibly and continuously innovate their menus with new and exciting flavours will stand out in the competitive market.

The United Kingdom Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) market, valued at an estimated £XX million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by several key factors. The increasing prevalence of busy lifestyles and the demand for convenient, affordable meal options significantly contribute to the sector's expansion. Further fueling this growth is the rising popularity of diverse cuisines within the QSR landscape, encompassing everything from traditional British fare to international flavors like pizza and burgers. The presence of both established international chains and successful independent operators fosters competition and innovation, enriching the consumer experience. Technological advancements, such as mobile ordering and delivery platforms, are also streamlining operations and broadening market reach. However, challenges remain, including increasing operating costs, fluctuating ingredient prices, and the rising competition for consumer spending. Specific segments, like bakeries and coffee shops (represented by companies such as Greggs Plc and Costa Coffee), demonstrate consistent strength due to their adaptability to changing consumer preferences and their incorporation of healthier options. The chained outlet segment holds a larger market share compared to independent outlets, highlighting the advantages of established brands in brand recognition and economies of scale. London and other major urban centers likely represent the most significant revenue generators, reflecting higher population density and consumer spending. The forecast period of 2025-2033 anticipates continued growth, though at a potentially moderated pace compared to previous years, influenced by economic conditions and evolving consumer behavior. Strategic expansions, innovative menu offerings, and efficient supply chain management will be crucial for success within this dynamic market. The UK QSR market segmentation reveals significant opportunities across various cuisines and outlet types. The established players like McDonald's Corporation and Domino's Pizza Group PLC leverage their brand recognition and widespread presence to maintain market leadership. However, independent outlets and smaller chains focusing on niche cuisines or specific consumer segments (e.g., vegan, organic) are carving out their spaces. The geographical distribution of revenue is likely skewed towards densely populated urban areas, with London and other major cities likely contributing a disproportionately large share of the total market value. Future growth will depend on factors such as adapting to shifting consumer preferences (e.g., increasing demand for healthier and sustainable options), managing inflationary pressures, and effectively utilizing technology to improve efficiency and customer experience. Government regulations concerning food safety and labor costs will also significantly impact profitability and the long-term trajectory of the market. United Kingdom Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Market Report: 2019-2033 This comprehensive report provides a detailed analysis of the UK QSR market, offering invaluable insights for stakeholders seeking to understand market dynamics, growth trajectories, and future opportunities. Covering the period 2019-2033, with a base year of 2025, this report leverages extensive data and expert analysis to deliver a clear and actionable overview of this dynamic sector. 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.August 2023: Coffee shop chain Starbucks announced plans to invest USD 32.78 million toward opening 100 new outlets across the United Kingdom in 2023, as it expects its growth momentum to continue.January 2023: Five Guys Enterprises, LLC set to open restaurants in Queensway and Bridgend in 2023 after 20 new sites were opened in 2022.. Key drivers for this market are: Rising Trend of Ingestible Beauty Products, Growing demand for Nutrient-Enriched Cosmetic Products. Potential restraints include: Availability of Counterfeit Beauty Supplements Products. Notable trends are: Consumers inclination towards fast food consumption led to an increasing number of fast food outlets in the country.

Combined, branded fast food restaurants generated the largest share of fast food market value in 2018. Traditional branded restaurants were worth 4.9 billion British pounds in 2018, while branded restaurants with a focus on delivery generated over two billion pounds and branded contemporary restaurants a further 1.5 billion.

Fast food market in the UK

Fast food restaurants, also known as quick service restaurants (QSR), are a lucrative segment of the food service industry. According to reported figures on the eating out market, the UK fast food market was worth almost 15 billion British pounds in 2018. It competed with pubs and bars, which are now the most popular dining out option for Brits, more so than traditional service-led restaurants. Branded fast food restaurants made up an 8.9 percent share of eating out market value in 2017 compared to 25 percent for pubs and bars.

Branded vs. independent fast food restaurants

Although fast food brands generated the largest share of market value, independent outlets almost matched the value of traditional fast food restaurants. The UK was home to over 26 thousand independent fast food restaurants including takeaways in 2018, the most of any other fast food restaurant outlet type, establishing their significance on the market. The UK takeaway market has traditionally been an important segment and has recently received a boost thanks to developments in online food delivery apps.

Market Size statistics on the Takeaway & Fast-Food Restaurants industry in United Kingdom

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Quick Service Restaurants Market Size and Trends

The quick service restaurants market size is forecast to increase by USD 61.2 billion at a CAGR of 2.1% between 2023 and 2028. In the market, online ordering and customization are key trends driving growth. Consumers increasingly prefer contactless ordering and pick-up options to minimize waiting times and reduce human error. Digital menus and unassisted sales through kiosks and mobile apps are also gaining popularity. However, challenges persist, such as the need for accurate condiment dispensing and maintaining consistent food quality during digital ordering and pick-up. Innovations in packaging and serving of food are essential to ensure customer satisfaction and minimize food waste. Fluctuations in raw material prices also impact the QSR industry, requiring agility and adaptability from players.

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Quick service restaurants (QSRs) have undergone significant transformation in recent years, with technology playing a pivotal role in shaping the industry. This evolution has been driven by the increasing demand for cheap food and efficient service, making QSRs a staple in the US food market. The inception of technology in QSRs began with the introduction of digital menus and online ordering systems. These innovations have revolutionized the ordering experience, allowing customers to customize their meals and reduce waiting times. Mobile devices have become an integral part of this process, enabling unassisted sales and real-time stock updates. However, the integration of technology in QSRs is not limited to digital menus and online ordering. Human interaction and customer service remain essential components of the QSR experience. Technology is being used to enhance these aspects, rather than replace them. For instance, human error in taking orders can be minimized with the use of digital ordering systems, allowing staff to focus on providing excellent customer service.

Market Segmentation

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018 - 2022 for the following segments.

Service

  Eat-in service
  Takeaway service
  Drive-thru service
  Home delivery service


Type

  Chain
  Independent


Geography

  North America

    Canada
    US


  APAC

    China
    Japan


  Europe

    UK


  South America



  Middle East and Africa

By Service Insights

The eat-in service segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing population of adults aged 25-49 years in the US. With hectic work schedules, QSRs offer a convenient solution for achieving a work-life balance. Consumers seek flexibility and diversity in menu offerings at these establishments.

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The eat-in service segment was the largest segment and was valued at USD 266 billion in 2018. In response, QSR operators are incorporating multi-cuisine dishes to cater to diverse tastes and preferences. This innovation not only attracts new customers but also encourages repeat business. Furthermore, companies offer promotional deals and discounts to enhance the customer experience and identify areas for improvement. In the realm of menu management, the use of paper menus is gradually being replaced by digital, self-ordering kiosks. Hence, such factors are fuelling the growth of this segment during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

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North America is estimated to contribute 54% 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. The North American market is experiencing growth due to several factors. Consumers' preference for convenience and affordability, coupled with brand loyalty, continues to drive the industry. In the US and Canada, the trend of eating out is increasingly popular, leading to an increase in the number of quick service restaurants. This trend is particularly strong in the US and Canada, where foot traffic in restaurant chains is high. Another factor is the availability of a diverse range of cuisines and flavors, which attracts consumers and keeps them coming back. The quick service restaurant sector in North America is thriving, with counter service, takeout, and drive-thru options catering to consumers' needs for low price points and convenience.

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketi

The United Kingdom Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) market is a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector, exhibiting robust growth driven by several key factors. The increasing popularity of convenience food, busy lifestyles, and a growing young population with disposable income are significant contributors to this expansion. The market's segmentation reveals a diverse landscape, with strong performance across various cuisines, including bakeries, burgers, pizza, and ice cream, reflecting evolving consumer preferences and dietary trends. The presence of both chained and independent outlets indicates a competitive market, with established international brands alongside smaller, localized businesses vying for market share. Location-wise, retail and leisure spaces are key areas for QSR growth, supported by the high foot traffic in these zones. While the precise market size for 2025 is unavailable, a reasonable estimation, considering typical QSR market growth rates and the substantial presence of major players like McDonald's and Greggs, would place it in the range of £15-20 billion. This figure factors in the influence of factors such as inflation and potential economic fluctuations. The market's future trajectory is projected to remain positive, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) that, while not specified, can be reasonably estimated to be within the 3-5% range based on similar mature markets. This growth will likely be further fueled by technological advancements such as online ordering and delivery services, enhancing convenience and accessibility for consumers. However, challenges remain. Rising operational costs, including ingredient prices and labor shortages, pose potential restraints. Furthermore, increasing health consciousness among consumers necessitates adaptation by QSR operators to offer healthier menu options. Competitive pressures from both established chains and new entrants also necessitate continuous innovation and strategic adjustments to maintain market share. The UK QSR market therefore represents a complex interplay of opportunities and challenges, offering significant potential for growth but requiring strategic adaptation to prevailing economic and social trends. 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.August 2023: Coffee shop chain Starbucks announced plans to invest USD 32.78 million toward opening 100 new outlets across the United Kingdom in 2023, as it expects its growth momentum to continue.January 2023: Five Guys Enterprises, LLC set to open restaurants in Queensway and Bridgend in 2023 after 20 new sites were opened in 2022.. Notable trends are: Consumers inclination towards fast food consumption led to an increasing number of fast food outlets in the country.

The United Kingdom fast food market reached approximately USD 29.07 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.50% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of around USD 49.66 Billion by 2034.

The United Kingdom food service market, a dynamic and competitive landscape, is experiencing significant growth. While precise market size figures for 2019-2024 are unavailable, industry reports suggest a substantial market value, likely exceeding £100 billion in 2025, considering the presence of major players like McDonald's, Costa Coffee, and Greggs. This robust market is driven by several factors: increasing urbanization and changing lifestyles leading to more frequent out-of-home dining; a growing preference for convenience and diverse culinary experiences; and the rise of food delivery platforms and cloud kitchens expanding accessibility. Furthermore, the UK's robust tourism sector contributes significantly to food service revenue, particularly in leisure and lodging locations. Market segmentation is diverse, with quick service restaurants (QSRs) like burger chains and pizzerias holding a strong position alongside full-service restaurants (FSRs) catering to diverse cuisines. The chained outlet segment dominates, reflecting the brand recognition and operational efficiencies of major players. However, independent outlets maintain a significant presence, contributing to the market's vibrancy and culinary diversity. Despite the growth, challenges remain including rising inflation, fluctuating ingredient costs, and intense competition. The forecast period (2025-2033) anticipates continued growth, albeit at a potentially moderated rate due to economic uncertainties. Assuming a conservative CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 3-4%, the market size could reach between £130 billion and £150 billion by 2033. Growth will likely be fueled by innovation in menu offerings, technological advancements in ordering and delivery systems, and a focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing. The market will likely witness continued consolidation with larger chains expanding their presence while independent operators will need to adapt and innovate to thrive. Specific segments such as cafes, bars, and specialist coffee shops will likely show strong growth reflecting changing consumer preferences towards unique experiences and healthier options. The competitive landscape will remain intense, requiring businesses to focus on brand building, customer loyalty, and operational efficiency to maintain profitability in a rapidly evolving market. Recent developments include: August 2023: Coffee shop chain Starbucks announced plans to invest USD 32.78 million toward opening 100 new outlets across the United Kingdom in 2023, as it expects its growth momentum to continue.January 2023: Costa Coffee added new servings to its menu like Cajun Spiced Chicken Pizza Wrap, uzeTea Mellow Mango Superfuzions Tea, FuzeTea Spiced Apple flavor Superfuzions Tea, FuzeTea Citrus Zing Superfuzions Tea, vegan BBQ Chick'n Panini, Burts BBQ Lentil Chips, Poached Egg & Bacon Brioche, M&S Smoked Ham & Coleslaw Sandwich or the new M&S Minestrone with Bacon Soup, M&S pineapple chunks, and a new range of Chocolate Cornflake Cake and caramel cakes at its outlets in the United Kingdom.December 2022: Co-op partnered with Just Eat to launch an on-demand online delivery partnership, increasing access to quick convenience shopping in communities nationwide. Through the tie-up, shoppers can order items from Co-op for speedy delivery in under 30 minutes via the Just Eat app and website.. Notable trends are: Rising coffee and tea consumption in the country especially in speciality tea/coffee is driving the market growth.

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.August 2023: Coffee shop chain Starbucks announced plans to invest USD 32.78 million toward opening 100 new outlets across the United Kingdom in 2023, as it expects its growth momentum to continue.January 2023: Five Guys Enterprises, LLC set to open restaurants in Queensway and Bridgend in 2023 after 20 new sites were opened in 2022.. Key drivers for this market are: Rising Trend of Ingestible Beauty Products, Growing demand for Nutrient-Enriched Cosmetic Products. Potential restraints include: Availability of Counterfeit Beauty Supplements Products. Notable trends are: Consumers inclination towards fast food consumption led to an increasing number of fast food outlets in the country.

Expert industry market research on the Fast-Food Franchises in the UK (2013-2031). Make better business decisions, faster with IBISWorld's industry market research reports, statistics, analysis, data, trends and forecasts.

This statistic shows the leading fast food (quick service) restaurants in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2015. During the survey, 57 percent of respondents said they went to McDonald's, while 42 percent chose KFC.

Despite the popularity McDonald's enjoy in the United Kingdom, there are far fewer McDonald's restaurants per million people in the United Kingdom, than in similar nations. In 2014, the highest number of restaurants per million people could be found in the United States with 45.1 restaurants per million people. There were less than half of that number in the United Kingdom during 2014, with 19.1 McDonald's restaurants per million people.

In 2014, Europe generated more revenue for McDonald's than any other region, creating 11.08 billion U.S dollars, ahead of the 8.65 billion U.S dollars in revenue coming from the United States.

Residents of the United Kingdom are one of biggest spenders when it comes to food and beverage services. In 2015, the turnover of food and beverage service activities in the United Kingdom was higher than in any other member state of the European Union. Despite having a similar population to France and a smaller population than Germany, turnover in the food and beverage service industry amounted to 87.7 billion euros in the United Kingdom, compared with 63.17 billion euros in France and 53.03 billlion euros in Germany.

According to a survey of restaurant brands in the United Kingdom in the first quarter of 2025, Greggs had the highest rating among the British public, with 70 percent having a positive opinion of the brand. J D Wetherspoon, McDonald's, Burger King, and Domino's were also rated among the top five brands. Number of Greggs shops in the UK Along with ranking as one of the most popular restaurant brands in the UK, Greggs is also one of the most prolific. The company had over 2,500 outlets operating across the country in 2024, a figure which showed an increase of around seven percent compared to the previous year. Since 2006, the number of Greggs shops in the UK nearly doubled. How big is the restaurant industry in the UK? The United Kingdom’s restaurant industry is exceptionally diverse, comprising fast food companies, casual dining brands, and Michelin star restaurants. In 2023, the market size of the restaurant industry in the UK was estimated at 18.7 billion British pounds.

The European restaurants and takeaways market has enjoyed strong demand from consumers seeking varied dining options to suit their busy lifestyles. There’s a huge number of food establishments for consumers to visit, providing various cuisines from all over the world. However, the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and a challenging economic climate in the years since has suppressed spending on restaurants and takeaways. Revenue is forecast to contract at a compound annual rate of 8% over the five years through 2024 to €339.6 billion, including an expected 4% drop in 2024. Consumer habits and strong income levels encourage European consumers to frequent restaurants and order takeaways. The convenience of ordering tasty dishes to doorsteps has also fuelled demand, with platforms like Deliveroo and Just Eat reporting strong growth, though this has also raised price competition. The COVID-19 pandemic crippled dine-in revenue as restrictions kept consumers at home, shifted work patterns and drastically reduced tourism. Nevertheless, the boom in online food ordering limited revenue decline. Soaring inflation since 2022 has subdued consumer sentiment and disposable incomes, hindering spending on pricey restaurants and takeaways, holding back the industry’s recovery. Profitability has also weakened amid growing competition and higher operating costs. Revenue is slated to swell at a compound annual rate of 1.7% over the five years through 2029 to €370.1 billion. Improving economic conditions will improve consumer sentiment and push up disposable incomes, driving spending on full-service restaurants and takeaways. A preference for convenience will continue to support online food ordering. Evolving consumer tastes and intense competition will stimulate the introduction of new, healthier food options to menus.

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%

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.

The quick service restaurant sector (QSR) in the United States has seen a near year-over-year growth since 2004, with its peak consumer spending exceeding 358.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2024. Consumer spending in this sector saw a notable decline in 2020, however, as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Fast food industry in the U.S. - additional information Quick service restaurants (QSRs) are fast food restaurants, set apart from full service or table restaurants by their limited menus, minimal table service and, as their name implies, fast service. According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) carried out in 2024, the quick service restaurant chain in the United States with the highest ACSI score was Chick-fil-A. With a score of 83 out of 100. McDonald’s scored the lowest with a score of 71. Is McDonald's the largest QSR chain? Despite McDonald's low score on the American Customer Satisfaction Index, McDonald’s was the largest fast food company worldwide in terms of brand value in 2022. That year, the company generated a global brand value of almost 196.5 billion U.S. dollars. McDonald's closest competitor in terms of brand value was Starbucks, with 61.7 billion U.S. dollars. KFC followed with 22.2 billion U.S. dollars.

The market is estimated to be valued at USD 56,258.6 million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 97,012.6 million by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% over the forecast period.

Metric	Value
Industry Size (2025E)	USD 56,258.6 million
Industry Value (2035F)	USD 97,012.6 million
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	5.6%

Country Wise Outlook

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
USA	5.5%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
UK	5.4%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
European Union	5.8%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
Japan	5.6%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
South Korea	5.7%

Competitive Outlook

Company Name	Estimated Market Share (%)
WestRock Company	18-22%
Graphic Packaging International LLC	14-18%
Huhtamaki Oyj	12-16%
GM Packaging (United Kingdom) Ltd.	8-12%
International Paper Company	6-10%
Other Companies (combined)	30-40%