Fast Food Industry Statistics By Restaurants, Brand Awareness, Brand Valuation, Employees and Demographics
Joseph D'Souza
Updated · Mar 10, 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction
- Editor’s Choice
- Fast Food Favorites – What We’re Eating?
- General Fast Food Industry Statistics
- Consumer Habits – How We Buy Our Fast Food
- Interesting Trends – What’s Next for Fast Food?
- Fast Food Market Share Statistics
- U.S. Fast Food Industry Statistics
- Fast Food Delivery Statistics
- American Customer Satisfaction Index Statistics By Restaurants
- Fast Food Industry Statistics By Brand Awareness
- Leading Restaurant Brands Statistics By Brand Valuation
- Number of Fast Food Brands Statistics
- Fast Food Industry Statistics By Employees
- Fast Food Industry Statistics By Demographics
- Annual Earning of Fast Food Industry By Brands
- Fast Food Consumption Frequency
- Reasons for Purchasing Fast Food Statistics
- Conclusion
Introduction
Fast Food Industry Statistics: The fast food industry is a giant global business, serving up billions of burgers, fries, and tacos every year. Advanced technological developments and digital innovations have revolutionized the industry. The market value is expected to reach an impressive $957 billion by 2024.
This article covers essential current trends and analyzes recent insights from different perspectives to guide you effectively. But how big is it exactly? And how do people feel about it?
Let’s delve into some interesting statistics to see what’s cooking.
Editor’s Choice
- The global fast food market size in 2023 was $978.4 billion.
- Consumer expenses in fast food rose to $349 billion in 2023, a decline from the last two to three years.
- American consumers spent about $41.3 billion on ordering pizza in 2023.
- Chick-fil-A had the highest customer satisfaction among fast food restaurants in the US in 2023, with a score of 85.
- McDonald’s and Burger King were the most well-known fast food chains in 2023, both with 92% brand awareness.
- About 45% of US consumers visit fast food restaurants at least once a week.
- 60% of fast food orders are made through mobile apps or online.
- Approximately 50 million Americans, or 37% of the US population, eat fast food daily.
- As of 2024, the largest group of fast food consumers, aged 20 to 39, made up 44.9% of the total.
- The global online food delivery industry is expected to earn $1.22 trillion in revenue by the end of 2024.
Fast Food Favorites – What We’re Eating?
- Burger Bonanza: Burgers and sandwiches are the clear winners when it comes to what we order. This segment is expected to stay on top in the coming year.
- Daily Dose: Believe it or not, a large portion of people eat fast food every single day! In the U.S., around 37% of adults and 36% of kids between 2 and 19 years grab fast food daily.
- More Than Burgers: While burgers rule, there’s room for variety. People are increasingly looking for healthier options, with 39% choosing fast food places that offer them. This means we might see more salads and wraps alongside the fries in the future.
General Fast Food Industry Statistics
- In 2023, McDonald’s had 41.8 thousand total company-operated and franchised restaurants worldwide, an increase from 2022’s 40.2K restaurants.
- In the United States, 13,475 McDonald’s restaurants were available in 2023.
- The market size of fast food has grown to $295.03 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $316.11 billion by the end of 2024.
(Reference: statista.com)
- The market size of the global fast-food industry in 2023 was $978.4 billion, an increase from $967.64 billion in 2022.
- The global market will reach $1,277.6 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 4.45% from 2024 to 2032.
- Monthly menu prices increased by 10% from February to April 2023.
- In 2023, the biggest global food and drink services companies by sales included ‘The coffee shop chain,’ which generated $34 billion in revenue, followed by ‘Compass Group,’ which generated $32.5 billion in sales.
- In the U.S., adults eat almost 11.3% of their daily caloric intake from fast food industries, while children intake 120 more calories per day from fast food.
- In the United States of America, around $200 billion is spent annually by Americans on fast food industries.
Consumer Habits – How We Buy Our Fast Food
- Fast and Convenient: Speed and convenience are the main reasons people choose fast food. We’re busy, and sometimes, a quick bite through the drive-thru is just what we need.
- Going Digital: Technology is changing how we get our fast food fix. Online ordering and delivery apps are becoming increasingly popular, making it even easier to get our favorite meals without leaving the couch.
- Monthly Munching: On average, people in the U.S. spend around $148 on fast food every month. That adds up! Interestingly, millennials spend more than any other generation, averaging over $214 monthly.
Interesting Trends – What’s Next for Fast Food?
- Healthier Choices: As mentioned before, there’s a growing demand for healthier fast food options. This could mean chains offering more balanced meals with whole grains, fresh produce, and lean proteins.
- Tech Takeover: Expect technology to play an even bigger role in the future of fast food. Look for things like self-service kiosks for ordering, automated kitchens, and even robot deliveries.
- Sustainability Concerns: People are becoming more aware of environmental issues, and the fast food industry is under pressure to be more sustainable. This could mean using recycled packaging, reducing food waste, and offering more plant-based options.
(Reference: precedenceresearch.com)
- The market was valued at $722.4 billion in 2023, and by 2032, it had increased to $1001.78 billion, with a CAGR of 3.70% from 2023 to 2032.
- It is expected to reach $746.24 billion in 2024 and $771.61 billion by 2025.
- Furthermore, the market size of the fast food industry in coming years will be 2026 ($798.62 billion), 2027 (827.37 billion), 2028 ($857.98 billion), 2029 ($890.58 billion), 2030 ($925.32 billion), and 2031 ($982.33 billion).
U.S. Fast Food Industry Statistics
(Reference: precedenceresearch.com)
- The market size of the United States fast food industry was $130.03 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $134.32 billion by 2024.
- The industry’s annual growth will grow at a CAGR of 3.70% from 2023 to 2032.
- In addition, the predicted market size of fast food industry in coming years are 2025 ($138.89 billion), 2026 ($143.75 billion), 2027 ($148.93 billion), 2028 ($154.44 billion), 2029 ($160.31 billion), 2030 ($166.56 billion), 2031 ($173.22 billion), and 2032 ($180.32 billion).
Fast Food Delivery Statistics
(Reference: driveresearch.com)
- In 2023, 40% of American consumers ordered fast food through the drive-thru.
- 27% of people ordered and purchased fast food inside the restaurant.
- In the USA, almost 23% of consumers prefer to get fast food delivered, and 10% of people order fast food online and then pick it up from the restaurant.
- Online food delivery shares by demographic groups were 39% (millennial), 21% (Gen Z), 19% (Gen X), and 8% (Baby Boomers).
American Customer Satisfaction Index Statistics By Restaurants
(Reference: statista.com)
- A report published by Statista states that, in 2023, Chick-fil-A in the United States had the highest customer satisfaction index for fast-food restaurant brands, with a score of 85.
- The second and third-highest ACSI-scored fast food restaurant brands were Jimmy John’s (84) and KFC (81), respectively.
- In addition, others fast food brands ACSI scores were followed by Five Guys (78), Dominos Pizza (78), Starbucks (78), Pizza Hut (78), Dunkin’ Donuts (77), Arby’s (77), Panda Express (77), Panera Bread (76), Burger King (76), Subway (75), Chipotle Mexican Grill (75), Dairy Queen (75), Popeyes (74), Little Caesars (74), Wendy’s (74), Jack in the Box (73), Sonic (72), Taco Bell (71), McDonald’s (69), and all others (82).
Fast Food Industry Statistics By Brand Awareness
(Reference: statista.com)
- In the United States of America, the top two well-known fast food restaurant chains were McDonald’s and Burger King, both with brand awareness of 92% each in 2023.
- On the other hand, KFC and Pizza Hut’s brand awareness rank was 91% each, followed by Wendy’s (90%).
- Moreover, other leading fast food restaurant chains by brand awareness include Domino’s Pizza (89%), Starbucks (89%), Subway (89%), Taco Bell (88%), Dunkin’ Donuts (87%), Applebee’s (86%), Popeyes (86%), Arby’s (85%), IHOP (85%), Chipotle Mexican Grill (81%), Panda Express (79%), Jimmy John’s (74%), and Hardee’s (73%).
Leading Restaurant Brands Statistics By Brand Valuation
(Reference: statista.com)
- As of 2023, globally, the highest-valued restaurant brand was Starbucks, with over $53.4 billion, and the second-ranked brand valuation was $36.86 billion.
- Moreover, KFC and Domino’s Pizza amounted to $17.66 billion and $7.35 billion, respectively.
- Fast Food Industry Statistics show that the leading restaurants by brand value in 2023 include Subway ($7.05 billion), Taco Bell ($7.05 billion), Tim Hortons ($6.09 billion), Wendy’s ($6.06 billion), Burger King ($5.99 billion), and Pizza Hut ($5.88 billion).
Number of Fast Food Brands Statistics
(Source: visualcapitalist.com)
- Fast Food Industry described that in 2023, Subway had 20,576 restaurants in the United States, 100% of which were franchise-owned.
- The total number of Starbucks restaurants was 15,873, in which company-owned and franchised-owned shares were 58% and 42%, respectively.
- In McDonald’s, there were 13,444 restaurants, with 5% (company-owned) and 95% (franchised-owned) in the USA.
- Dunkin: 9,370 restaurants (franchised-owned: 100% share).
- Taco Bell: 7,198 restaurants (company-owned: 6% and franchised-owned: 94%).
- Burger King: 7,043 restaurants (company-owned: 1% and franchised-owned: 99%)
- Domino’s: 6,686 restaurants (company-owned: 4% and franchised-owned: 96%)
- Pizza Hut: 6,561 restaurants (franchised-owned: 100%)
- Wendy’s: 5,994 restaurants (company-owned: 7% and franchised-owned: 93%)
- Q.: 4,307 restaurants (franchised-owned: 100%)
- Little Caesars: 4,173 restaurants (company-owned: 14% and franchised-owned: 86%)
- KFC: 3,918 restaurants (company-owned: 1% and franchised-owned: 99%)
- Sonic: 3,546 restaurants (company-owned: 9% and franchised-owned: 91%)
- Arby’s: 3,415 restaurants (company-owned: 33% and franchised-owned: 67%)
- Papa John’s: 3,376 restaurants (company-owned: 15% and franchised-owned: 85%)
Fast Food Industry Statistics By Employees
- The total number of employees present in 2023 by McDonald’s was more than 210,000 worldwide.
- Moreover, Starbucks has approximately 389,000+ employees, and Subway has around 220,000+ employees.
- Other fast food industries by the total number of employees globally in 2023 were Taco Bell (230,000+), Chick-fil-A (280,000+), Wendy’s (250,000+), Burger King (270,000+), Dunkin’ (240,000+), Domino’s (340,000+), and Panera Bread (23,000+).
Fast Food Industry Statistics By Demographics
(Reference: budgetbranders.com)
- In 2024, people aged 20 to 39 years are the maximum consumers of fast food, making up 44.9% of the total.
- Meanwhile, 37.7% of the share was captured by 40 to 59-year-old fast food consumers.
- 60 years and above, consumers covered a share of only 24.1%.
- In fast food consumption, males accounted for the highest share at 38% and females at 35.4%.
- Based on ethnicity, in 2023, Black people were the most frequent consumers of fast food, capturing a share of 42.4%, followed by 37.6% (White), 35.5% (Hispanic), and 30.6% (Asian).
- Based on income level, 42% of people who consume fast food daily have a higher income level.
- 4% of daily consumers have a middle-income level, and 31.7% have a lower income.
- Fast Food Industry Statistics based on meal consumption show that lunchtime is the most popular time for consuming fast food, with a share of 43.7%.
- In 2023, dinners (42%), breakfast (22.7%), and snacks (22.6%) were the other popular times for fast food.
Annual Earning of Fast Food Industry By Brands
- Fast Food Industry Statistics elaborated that McDonald’s is the top fast food industry. In 2023, McDonald’s market valuation and revenue were $160 billion and $24.6 billion, respectively.
- On the other hand, in the 2nd quarter of 2023, net income was $2.310 billion, followed by annual operating income ($12 billion), total assets ($50.442 billion), and market capital ($212.08 billion).
- Starbucks: In 2023, the company’s total annual earnings include revenue ($32.3 billion), market value ($140 billion), net income ($1.142 billion), total assets ($28.733 billion), and market capital ($117.21 billion), and operating income ($240.4 million) in Q2 and Q1.
- Subway is among the top 3 companies across the world, with a revenue of $13.9 billion and a market valuation of $12 billion.
- Meanwhile, other earnings are followed by net income ($1.8 billion), operating income ($2.3 billion), total assets ($120 billion), and market capital ($12 billion).
Other fast food brands’ annual earnings in 2023 are described below:
| Fast Food Brands | Market Value | Revenue | Net Income | Annual Operating Income | Total Assets | Market Capital |
|
Taco Bell |
$13 billion | $12.6 billion | $1.7 billion | $2.0 billion | $110 billion | $13 billion |
| Chick-fil-A | $35 billion | $16.7 billion | $4.3 billion | $5.0 billion | $170 billion | $35 billion |
|
Wendy’s |
$10 billion | $11.8 billion | $40 million (Q1) | $1.9 billion | $5,408 million (Q1) | $4.53 billion (Q2) |
| Burger King | $8 billion | $12.2 billion | $1.01 billion (2022) | $1.8 billion | $5.01 billion (2022) | $8 billion |
| Dunkin’ | $12 billion | $8.8 billion | $1.3 billion | $1.6 billion | $60 billion | $12 billion |
| Domino’s | $25 billion | $13.6 billion | $0.109 billion (Q2) | $2.5 billion | $1.596 billion (Q2) | $14.09 billion (Q2) |
| Panera Bread | $7 billion | $5.9 billion | $0.9 billion | $1.2 billion | $40 billion | $7 billion |
Fast Food Consumption Frequency
(Source: driveresearch.com)
- As of 2023, in America, 2 in 3 people have consumed fast food at least once a week, capturing a share of 65%.
- Meanwhile, people who consume fast food make up a share of 13% of the total.
- Fast Food Industry Statistics also show that 95% of American people have eaten fast food, mostly in urban and suburban areas.
- The other share of fast food consumption frequency was followed by eating it a few times a week (36%), once a week (16%), a few times a month (18%), once every couple of months (8%), rarely (5%), and never (4%).
Reasons for Purchasing Fast Food Statistics
- Fast Food Industry Statistics elaborate that the biggest reason for purchasing fast food inside the restaurant is enjoying dining in their restaurant and having more time to explore the menu, claimed by 44% and 40% of people, respectively.
- 39% of American people ordered fast food because they could easily access free refills, condiments, extra napkins, etc., followed by 33% who said it was cheaper than food delivery.
- Furthermore, other reasons for ordering fast food were faster service (32%), more convenient (32%), linking personal interaction (32%), the food being fresher (28%), being with someone who prefers going inside (21%), and not comfortable with ordering online (18%).
Conclusion
The fast food industry is a complex and ever-changing business. It’s clear that convenience and affordability are still major factors for consumers, but there’s also a growing desire for healthier choices and a more sustainable approach. So, the next time you grab a burger, you can be sure you’re participating in a multi-billion dollar industry that’s constantly evolving.
Joseph D'Souza
Joseph D'Souza started Coolest Gadgets in 2005 to share his love for tech gadgets. It has since become a popular tech blog, famous for detailed gadget's reviews and companies statistics. Joseph is committed to providing clear, well-researched content, making tech easy to understand for everyone. Coolest Gadgets is a trusted source for tech news, loved by both tech fans and beginners.
