The market size of the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry in the United States reached 387.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, up from the previous year's total of 382 billion U.S. dollars. QSRs are sometimes referred to as limited service restaurants (LSRs), but more commonly known as fast food restaurants.

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%.

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.

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 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 quick service restaurant (QSR) industry in the United States generated a revenue of 178.6 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 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.

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.

Expert industry market research on the Fast Food Restaurants in the US (2005-2031). Make better business decisions, faster with IBISWorld's industry market research reports, statistics, analysis, data, trends and forecasts.

In 2023, the value of the quick-service restaurant market in Latin America was estimated at around 58 billion U.S. dollars. By 2030, this market was expected to grow by 44.8 percent.

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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

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 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%

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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Vegan Fast Foods Market Size 2024-2028

The vegan fast foods market size is forecast to increase by USD 18.91 million, at a CAGR of 11.64% between 2024 and 2028. The vegan consumer base is expanding rapidly, driven by increasing awareness of the health benefits associated with vegan diets. This trend is further propelled by continuous new product launches catering to vegan preferences. These products not only meet dietary preferences but also emphasize the nutritional advantages of plant-based eating. As more individuals opt for vegan lifestyles, the market responds with innovative offerings that promote overall health and wellness. New product introductions play a pivotal role in satisfying the diverse needs of vegan consumers, highlighting the versatility and appeal of vegan foods in modern diets. This growth reflects a broader shift towards sustainable and health-conscious choices, positioning veganism as a significant dietary trend in the contemporary food landscape.

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

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Market Dynamic

Health-conscious individuals are increasingly opting for burgers, wraps, pizzas, and other vegan options that not only cater to their nutritional content needs but also offer substantial protein content without relying on animal-derived products like dairy and eggs. This shift is embraced by flexitarian individuals seeking plant-based alternatives in sandwiches, salads, desserts, and beverages to address both health consciousness and ethical concerns surrounding meat consumption. This trend aligns with global food trends promoted by celebrities and social media influencers in urban centers, emphasizing the role of plant-based diets in reducing the risk of chronic diseases associated with saturated fats. The evolution of vegan options also caters to diverse tastes, including the Indian palate, reflecting a broader cultural acceptance of sustainable and health-oriented dietary choices.

Key Vegan Fast Foods Market Driver

The growing number of vegan consumers is one of the key drivers supporting the vegan fast foods market growth. People are adopting the vegan lifestyle, particularly for its health benefits and ethical reasons. Over the last decade, the number of people adopting veganism and opting for vegan diets has increased by about 300%. Food service outlets are also adding vegan recipes to their menus to attract vegan consumers. Dairy-free cheese, vegetarian burgers, and vegetarian beverages are some food offerings available at various eateries. For instance, as of January 2021, the total number of vegans globally was nearly 79 million, which was 3% higher than the total vegan population worldwide in 2020. Such factors will drive the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Key Vegan Fast Foods Market Trend

The rise of private label brands is one of the key vegan fast foods market trends contributing to the market growth. Consumer demand for private-label fast foods has increased as retailers have introduced delicious vegan food offerings with high-quality ingredients and complex flavor profiles, such as mock meat. The sales of private-label brands will increase as retailers roll out more vegan product formulations. Retailers are expanding their vegan product lines by introducing RTC vegan delicacies and other plant-based milk products to cater to the demands of consumers. Such initiatives from retailers will increase the sales of private-label vegan fast food products during the forecast period.

Significant Vegan Fast Foods Market Challenge

The lack of product standardization guidelines is one of the factors hampering the vegan fast foods market growth. The vegan food industry lacks internationally uniform regulatory policies. This lacuna results in inappropriate labeling, handling, and manufacturing processes for products, putting into doubt the claims of probiotic drinks being beneficial for health. Global players in the market face a considerable challenge because it creates confusion among consumers. Countries have different legislation and regulations for the packaging process for vegan fast food. Such rules are generally introduced keeping in mind the safety and effectiveness of the products, but the inconsistency of these regulations stands as a formidable challenge for the products' prospects in the market. Such challenges may hamper the market growth during the forecast period.

Customer Landscape

The market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.

Customer Landscape

Key Compan

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.

The Latin America fast food market size reached USD 66.61 Billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.60% between 2025 and 2034, reaching USD 114.86 Billion by 2034.

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

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

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

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

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

CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2025
Detailed information on factors that will drive fast food market growth during the next five years
Precise estimation of the fast food market size and its contribution to the parent market
Accurate predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior
The growth of the fast food market industry across North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and MEA
A thorough analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors
Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of fast food market vendors