The fast-food industry has been a major player in the restaurant industry for decades, and it's no surprise that the biggest chains have managed to stay on top. Despite the scandal involving its former CEO, McDonald's managed to remain the number one fast-food chain in the United States, earning almost twice as much as the second largest fast-food chain, Starbucks. Each year, the QSR 50 provides a status update by examining key sales metrics, average unit volume, and unit count. This year's edition serves more as a basis for the future given how quickly everything has changed.
Who grew up before the pandemic? Who has the potential to increase once the dust settles? Who will continue to decline next year and beyond? Before the COVID-19 hit, here's a look at where the biggest restaurants in the country were located and how it compares to the previous calendar. McDonald's is the largest fast-food restaurant chain in the world and one of the best-known brands. The company has more than 39,000 locations in about 100 countries. A pioneer in the fast food industry, McDonald's has maintained steady and moderate growth through affordable prices, fast service and the constant expansion and updating of its menu offering. The chain grew rapidly from there and now offers non-pizza menu items such as chicken wings and desserts. The second largest fast-food chain is Starbucks Corporation, an American multinational chain of coffee shops and roasting reserves based in Seattle, Washington.
The company has more than 18,000 locations around the world and is one of the largest pizza chains in the world. Wendy's ranks ninth on this list of the 10 largest fast-food chains in the world, with annual revenues of $1.59 billion. Chipotle is an American chain of fast and casual food restaurants in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and France, specializing in Mission-style tacos and burritos. Sbarro is best known for its large slices of pizza found in every court of shopping malls. Shake Shack has become an international megachain, so it's no surprise that it's on the list of the 50 most popular fast food spots. The most important factors for customers today are good service, proximity, fast delivery and increased delivery options, and major fast-food chains such as McDonald's and Starbucks offer all of these options leading the way for all other chains.
While its biggest rivals KFC, Popeyes and Wingstop saw growth, McDonald's hasn't lost any of its market share in crispy chicken. The rivalry between McDonald's and Burger King began before that, although some say that Burger King founders came up with their idea after visiting McDonald's restaurant. Consumers crave flexibility, customization and customization, and these two networks are at the forefront of meeting modern customer demands. In conclusion, McDonald's remains at number one when it comes to fast-food chains in America. The company has managed to stay on top despite scandals involving its former CEO by offering affordable prices, fast service and constantly updating its menu offerings. It also offers customers good service, proximity, fast delivery and increased delivery options which have kept it ahead of its competitors.
